Summary This Pipefitter position is located in the Engineering Section of the Facility Management Service Line at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL and installs, modifies and repairs new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment. Responsibilities Duties include: This position works as a Journeyman Pipefitter and maintains, repairs, installs, improves, diagnose/trouble shoots, operates and tests a vast complex of medical center piping systems, associated equipment and devices. Some of the systems include high pressure steam regulations, distribution and condensate return, high pressure domestic water distribution, sanitary sewer and chemical waste, fire protection sprinkler, medical gas and vacuum distribution, natural gas and industrial air, pure water, heating cooling and heat exchange and others. Some associate equipment and devices include steam exchange generators flash and expansion tanks, circulating pumps, air compressors, unit heaters, radiators, mixing valves toilets, flush valves, sinks, tubs, showers, faucets, back checks, vacuum breakers, solenoids and others. Some operating equipment includes steam and ETO gas sterilizes, hopper sterilizes, stills, reverse osmosis and deionized water generators, dietetic dish and pot washing machines, disposers, film processors, and other medical and industrial operating equipment. The pipefitter works from verbal instruction, work orders, sketches, blueprints and building plan to lie out and perform above work. Some detail in these tasks include equipment and piping placement, routing, cutting openings, setting hangers/supports, pitch, elevation, system tie in/joining, expansion, pressure regulation, flow control and insulation. Work involves making safety and preventive maintenance inspections of utility systems and equipment in accordance with VA regulations and National Codes. Routine inspections are conducted for leaks, proper water distribution, condensate heating, cooling drain pan, throughout the medical center and will assist system operators with repairs and improvements. This involves reading and interpreting blueprints and manufacturer's' specifications for installing and repairing equipment. Responds to all fire and disaster alarms and is subject to call-in for job related emergencies and will assist with stock and inventory of job-related materials, long with ancillary duties such as snow removal as needed. Welding repairs and fabrication requiring the use of oxygen, acetylene, arc welding, and pipe welding; inspecting, adjusting, cleaning, repairing, the following: plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, kitchen and laundry equipment, air compressors, medical compressed air systems, vacuum systems, oxygen systems and natural gas distribution systems. Cuts, threads, fits, weld, brazes, and assembles piping for high pressure steam systems. Install pilot valves, convectors, steam traps strainers, and replace flexitallic gaskets. Performs other related duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 2:00pm-10:30pm; Monday - Friday 7:00am-3:30pm; Monday - Friday 12:00am-8:30am Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD12280A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/10/2024. 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 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. Physical Requirements: The employee is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The employee works from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard to reach places. The employee handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally items may weigh more than 50 pounds. Working Conditions: This is done inside/outside and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. The employee is exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, bums, and infections. The employee is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. Education Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
