Plumber

Veterans Health Administration; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) within the Department of Veterans Affairs operates at the Salem VA Medical Center, Plumbing section of Facilities Management Service. The Plumber is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of piping systems, including steam, medical gas piping, hot and cold water, drainage, and related components across campus.

The role involves outdoor and indoor work, heavy lifting, and occasional after-hours coverage.

Qualifications

• Experience with installation, maintenance, and repair of piping systems (steam, water, gas).
• Ability to operate hand and power tools safely.
• Flexibility to work in various indoor/outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair piping systems and related equipment.
• Work with water treatment equipment and analyze samples for adjustments.
• Install and modify lines and fixtures; protect piping with insulation and corrosion protection.
• Operate vehicles to transport equipment to worksites; valid driver’s license required.
• Perform duties in confined spaces and in potentially hazardous conditions.

Skills

Piping systems

Maintenance

Repair

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid Atlantic Healthcare Network (VISN 6), Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC), in the Plumbing section of Facilities Management Service (FMS).

Key Responsibilities

Will perform work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of all piping systems such as high pressure steam, nitrous oxide, oxygen gas, steam generating equipment, hot/cold water, air, drain and vent systems. Works with water treatment equipment to run analysis samples for adjustments.

The work involves installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems, and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems, and showers. Incumbent will work with plumbing fixtures, radiators, water heaters, garbage disposals, valves, gauges, regulators, compressors, and pumps.

Performs maintenance and repair on all plumbing segments (which include but are not necessarily limited to domestic hot and cold water, sewer, high, low, and medium pressure steam, medical gas system piping, roof drainage, storm water drainage, de-ionized water piping, and chemical feed system piping, serving building service equipment, medical, dietetic, canteen, laundry, engineering and all other areas of the campus property equipment/items.

Installs new lines or makes modifications to existing plumbing when distribution systems are altered, changed, or added onto. Will install various items of new and/or replacement equipment and fixtures. Installs insulation material on pipes and ensures that piping systems are protected by installing proper dielectric corrosion protection, or other corrosion protection systems.

Will do mechanical repairs or overhauls to pumps and garbage disposal units, valves, medical gas system components such as terminal discharge connection points, backflow preventers, meters, and other flow governance components. Will be required to operate a government vehicle to transport equipment to and from a work site. Valid US State Driver's License.

Required to occasionally operate government vehicles to transport tools and workers to and from a work site to include CBOC's. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm. Must have the flexibility to work outside the normal tour of duty which may include weekends and holidays. Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD022930 Physical Requirements.

Duties are active involving such as, but not limited to, climbing, pulling, kneeling, bending, crawling, walking, and standing for prolonged periods. Incumbent frequently lifts and carries heavy materials such as pipe, plumbing equipment, iron bars and materials up to 50lbs. Operates manual/power tools, hammers, saws, chisels, wrenches, cutters, screwdrivers, drills, pliers, etc. Frequently works in cramped quarters, crawl spaces, tunnels and manholes. Working Conditions.

Work may be done under unpleasant, disagreeable, or hazardous conditions and will often occur outdoors in any temperature. On most jobs, the incumbent will come in contact with dust, mud or grease, and the soiling of clothing and skin surfaces is normal.

In certain locations, he/she will be exposed to excessive noise and vibration in addition to soiling agents; will occasionally be exposed to gases and fumes from cutting and welding torches; will also be exposed to chemical sewer cleaners, drainpipe cleaners, and acid used in cleaning equipment, and work on slippery or unstable surfaces. Must crawl in confined spaces, which will have insects, leaks, and aging piping structures; climb ladders and use scaffolding.

Confined space equipment must be worn as well as all other required OSHA protective and safety equipment. Significant physical effort and dexterity is required in many cases.

Requirements & Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $25.89 – $30.16/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-25.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government