Pipefitter

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Beckley (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia seeks a skilled pipefitter to install, modify, maintain and repair high-temperature water and high-pressure piping systems and related equipment.

The role requires journeyman-level expertise and may require COR certification for contracting services. Responsibilities include installing steam heating and generation systems, repairing radiators, maintaining medical gas lines, and documenting system status.

Qualifications

• Journeyman level skills and knowledge required.
• Ability to obtain Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Certification and act as COR for trade related contractual services.
• Experience with installing, maintaining and repairing piping systems, including high-temperature and high-pressure lines.

Responsibilities

• Install, modify and repair medium to high pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, hydraulic systems, steam generators, radiators.
• Plan routing and placement of systems; determine equipment placement and ensure proper testing and leak-free joints.
• Install and repair internal and external water lines, soil pipes and water mains; maintain associated devices.
• Weld joints using MIG, TIG or electric arc welders; document the RO/GA and medical gas systems in use.

Job description

Summary

This position is located at the Veterans Administration (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - VISN 5 - VA Medical Center (VAMC) Beckley - West Virginia. It is organizationally aligned under the Facilities Management Service Line. The primary purpose of this position is to install - modify maintain - and repair industrial or domestic high-temperature water and medium to high pressure piping systems and equipment. A recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required - but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge - skills - and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element - which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Equipment Assembly - Installation - Repair Interpret Instructions - Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measurement and Layout Technical Practices Troubleshooting Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee - you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.

Duties

• MAJOR DUTIES: Installing - modifying and repairing new and existing medium to high pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating - steam generation - hydraulic systems - steam generators - flash and expansion tanks - condensate lines - vacuum and circulating pumps - and radiators
• Installs equipment by planning and completing the routing and placement of systems leading to the equipment - determining and placing equipment - determining and placing equipment at the proper levels and points int he system - and joining - sealing and testing systems and equipment for proper pressure - leak free joints - and operation
• Installs - maintains and repairs internal water lines - internal and external soil pipes - external water mains and all related devices and equipment
• Welds joints and fittings using metal inert gas (MIG) - tungsten inert gas (TIG) or electric arc welders
• Responsible for the total operation - repair - maintenance - and documentation of the reverse osmosis (R.O) system in the MC
• Responsible for the full implementation and continuous updating of the Engineering Service Automated Engineering Management System/Medical equipment Reporting System (AEMS/MERS) that apply to the Plumbing Shop
• Installs - maintains and repairs internal and external medical gas lines and well as the medical gas system in its entirety
• Responsible for all required documentation relating to the medical gas system
• Journeyman level skills and knowledge are required of this position - and must be able to complete modifications and repairs of various complex systems
• Ability to attend training and certification in asbestos removal - training and certification in testing and certifying all backflow devices - welding and piping to complete quality of work regarding installing - maintaining - and repairing piping systems and other associated equipment
• Knowledge of and skill using various equipment such as hydraulic systems - various pumps and radiators - steam heating equipment - steam generators - sterilizers - valves - and drain cleaning equipment
• Knowledge of various supply - disposal - and utility systems and equipment sufficient to service water - natural and propane gas systems - fire control sprinkler systems - and water closets - are installed and operational
• Knowledge of - and ability to use shop mathematics to determine the size and type of materials necessary to complete projects
• Must be willing to obtain Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Certification and act as COR for trade related contractual services
• Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm - Monday - Friday
• Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD26351A Recruitment Incentive: May be authorized for highly qualified candidates
• Physical Requirements: The work requires the pipefitter to make repairs and installations from ladders - scaffolding - and platforms - often in hard-to-reach areas
• The incumbent is required to stand - stoop - bend - kneel - climb - and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods
• The work frequently involves handling - lifting - carrying - and setting up parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
• Occasionally - the incumbent may lift or move heavier items with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers
• Dexterity and coordination are needed to install and repair systems where precise alignment and fit are essential - and where work must be performed in confined spaces or awkward positions
• Working Conditions: The work is performed both indoors and is frequently dirty - dusty - and greasy
• The incumbent is sometimes required to make repairs and installations in areas with unpleasant odors - confined or poorly ventilated spaces - or where exposure to fumes - steam - or hot surfaces occurs
• The incumbent is regularly exposed to the possibility of physical injury such as strains - cuts - abrasions - burns bruises - and infections
• Work areas may involve uncomfortable extremes of heat - humidity - or cold depending on the system or location being serviced
• Occasionally exposure to the possibility of broken bones or other serious injuries may occur when working with pressurized systems - welding equipment - or heavy components.