Plumber

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified Plumber to specialize in maintenance and repair duties. The successful candidate will manage installation and repairs across various plumbing systems in a medical environment and requires knowledge of standard plumbing techniques as well as skills in related trades like electrical work and carpentry. This position demands both physical agility and technical expertise, with work environments that may vary in conditions.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of plumbing methods and techniques required.
• Ability to measure, cut, and bend pipes.
• Skill in using various plumbing tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and installation of piping systems.
• Repair and inspect steam equipment.
• Ability to interpret building plans and blueprints.

Skills

Plumbing methods and techniques

Basic knowledge of Electrical

Air Conditioning

Plastering

Carpentry

Painting

Tools

Hacksaws

Pipes and pipe threads cutters

Packing and caulking irons

Pipe wrenches

Job description

This position works in the Facilities Management Service specializing as a journeyman level Plumber having an extensive knowledge of plumbing methods and techniques as well as basic knowledge of Electrical, Air Conditioning, Plastering, Carpentry, and Painting. Typical work assignments include the performance of visual examinations and operational tests to determine the need for and the performance of repair work at the worker level of difficulty of the various trades indicated.

Duties

Incumbent performs maintenance and repair, alterations, installation and inspections to all piping distribution lines, systems and equipment necessary for operating the Medical Center. This work involves installing new piping and insulations, cleaning and repair of steam coils, traps and regulators, repacking and replacing steam, water and other fluid valves. Must have extensive knowledge of standard plumbing methods and techniques. For example, he/she must know how to measure, cut; bend pipe and tile, and how to caulk and seal such things as elbows, union joints, tile pipe, faucets, and shower drains. They must have the skill needed to remove, clean, reinstall, or replace joints and fixtures; for example, traps, k faucets, and unions. He/she must also have the skill needed to hook up equipment, (for example, water heaters and disposal units) to installed systems, and replace sections of pipe and tile by following previously used routes, hangers, and levels. Must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with simple fractions. Must have skill in the use of tools and equipment such as tapes, rules, hacksaws, hand and power pipe threads and cutters, packing and caulking irons, and pipe wrenches.

Performs all work on steam equipment necessary for maintaining established temperature, pressures and water level. Performs plumbing and steam fitting work on utility systems.

Incumbent must also have the knowledge of various supply, disposal and utility systems and equipment, such as water and gas systems, fire sprinkler equipment and water closets are installed and operate. Must have the ability to plan and layout the installation' and maintenance of various systems and equipment for routing, openings, slant, level of gas and water lines, and the location and arrangement of water closets, sinks, and fire sprinkler equipment. Must have the ability to interpret and apply building plans and blueprints, use shop mathematics, and lay out such things as angles, arcs and circles. Must have skill in the use of any of the accepted trade methods and techniques, such as wiping and pouring lead joints, seating equipment and installing any combinations of couplings, unions and joints needed for the proper operation of the systems. Must be skilled in the use of tools and equipment such as plumb bobs, mercury gauges, dividers, closet augers, hydrostatic pumps and lad pots.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:30pm - 12:00pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD00347A
Physical Requirements: The duties require considerable movement around the hospital and involve bending, lifting, working from ladders and scaffolding and platforms, both in the outside buildings, and crawling through restrictive areas. The incumbent must occasionally lift equipment or materials weighing fifty pounds or more with proper equipment. Assignments may require him/her to stand, stoop, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
Working Conditions: Work conditions vary based on the location in which work is performed. Work areas are frequently hot, humid and dirty. There is often exposure to live steam lines and other utility lines which makes work hazardous. Work is occasionally required from ladders, scaffolds, staging, catwalks, etc. The incumbent is exposed to extremes of heat and cold, dust dirt, noise, grease, bad smelling fumes, moisture, as well as outside the normal indoor environment of the hospital. The work environment includes crawl spaces and interstitial spaces. He/she may occasionally be exposed to disease, bad weather, and danger from flying splinters and chips, respiratory ailments. He/she has frequent exposure to the possibility of scrapes, bums, infections, cuts, and bruises. Occasionally, he/she may be required to wear protective equipment and clothing that are sometimes heavy ·and uncomfortable. He/she shall be required to follow proper procedures and wear proper protective equipment to minimize risk.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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:

• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measuring Instruments
• Physical Strength and Agility
• Shop Practices
• Use Hand Tools - Machine Shop
• Without more than normal supervision
• Work Practices

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.