Duties

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

Conditions of Employment

• 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:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

COVID-19 Pandemic Expanded Telework Program - Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/ .

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .