Plumber

Department of Veterans Affairs; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis facility, is seeking a skilled plumber to install, modify, repair, and maintain plumbing and piping systems across the complex. The role supports critical infrastructure and patient care areas, including water, sewage, oil, gas distribution, and medical gas networks.

Preferred candidates will have general plumbing experience, be able to estimate materials, solder copper pipes, and read blueprints.

Qualifications

• General plumbing experience
• Ability to estimate materials needed for jobs
• Ability to solder copper pipe
• Troubleshoot and repair domestic hot and cold water systems
• Interpret blueprints
• Experience with fire suppression systems
• Experience with medical gas systems
• Experience with compressed building air systems

Responsibilities

• Install, modify, retrofit, repair and maintain plumbing and piping systems
• Ensure proper operation to support facility infrastructure and patient care areas

Skills

General plumbing

Estimate materials

Solder copper pipe

Troubleshoot water systems

Blueprint interpretation

Fire suppression systems

Medical gas systems

Compressed air systems

Job description

This position is in the Pipe Shop at the Minneapolis VA HealthCare System. The Pipe Shop is responsible for the installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of plumbing and piping systems, including water, sewage, oil, and gas distribution systems, fire suppression systems, and medical gas systems. The incumbent installs, modifies, retrofits, repairs, maintains, and ensures the proper operation of these critical systems to support the facility's infrastructure and patient care areas. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/25/2026.

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.

Preferred Experience:

• General plumbing experience
• Able to estimate materials needed for job
• Able to solder copper pipe
• Troubleshoot and repair domestic hot and cold water systems
• Interpret blueprints
• Experience working with fire suppression systems
• Experience working on medical gas systems
• Experience working on compressed building air systems

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.

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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.

Physical Requirements

Lifts and carries materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally weighing up to 100 pounds. Bends, kneels, crouches, and stands for extended periods. Uses hand and power tools requiring coordination and manual dexterity. Works in confined spaces and performs tasks that involve considerable physical effort.

Working Conditions

Works in mechanical rooms, patient care areas, and outdoors, exposed to varying temperatures and weather conditions. Subject to noise, fumes, and vibrations from tools and equipment. Works in potentially hazardous environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Occasionally encounters biological and chemical hazards and follows stringent hygiene and safety practices.