Pipefitter

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Salem VA Medical Center, Maintenance and Repair Section, seeks a skilled technician to install, maintain, and repair high temperature water and high‑pressure piping systems, including hydraulic, nitrogen, oxygen, and steam networks.

Applicants should demonstrate training or experience sufficient to perform the duties, with preference for journeyman plumbing license and Med-Gas certification.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training or experience sufficient to perform duties; specific length of experience is not required.
• Applicants will be evaluated under OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
• Experience in commercial/industrial or hospital maintenance and repair is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain and repair high temperature water and high‑pressure piping systems (hydraulic, nitrogen, oxygen, steam heating).
• Read and interpret instructions and specifications, including blueprints.
• Troubleshoot system issues and perform routine maintenance using appropriate tools.
• Work with minimal supervision as part of the Facilities Management Service team.

Skills

Piping systems maintenance

Troubleshooting

Blueprint reading

Equipment installation & repair

Tools handling

Education

Journeyman plumbing license

Med-Gas certification

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC), in the Maintenance and Repair Section of Facilities Management Service (FMS). The primary duties of the position involve the installation, maintenance, and repair of high temperature water and high-pressure piping systems such as hydraulic, nitrogen, oxygen, steam heating, and steam-generating systems. 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 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.

Preferred Experience:

5 plus yrs. Experience working in a Commercial / Industrial or Hospital setting Maintenance and Repair

Journeyman plumbing license

Med-Gas certification

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.