"Alerted.org

Summary The Pipefitter position is assigned to the Engineering Service at the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo, ND. The Pipefitter/Plumber provides journeyman level pipefitting and plumbing support to the facility. Responsibilities Duties may include: Installs replacement heating and hydronic equipment; Performs maitenance and repair on all heating and hydronic equipment having steam, condensate, chilled water supply, chilled water return, glycol chilled water supply, glycol chilled water return, glycol hot water supply, glycol hot water return, hot water heating and hot water heating return connections, such as radiators and convectors, variable air volume box reheat coils, fin tube radiation, etc. for occupant comfort, laboratory equipment, such as stills, and equipment in the Laundry and Nutrition and Food Service; Removes, cleans, reinstalls, or replaces fitting, joints, and other components; Inspects, adjusts, cleans, and repairs plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, waste lines, kitchen and laundry equipment, air compressors, medical compressed air systems, vacuum systems, oxygen systems, and natural gas distribution systems; Reads and interprets blueprints and manufacturers' specifications for installing and repairing equipment; Conducts safety and preventive maintenance inspections of utility systems and equipment in accordance with VA regulations and National Codes; Interprets and applies building plans and blueprints to layout angles, arcs, and circles; Utilizes tools and equipment such as sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, and chalk lines; Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD40237A Physical Requirements: Work requires standing and walking for most of the working day; with constant stooping, crouching and kneeling when making installation and repairs, and frequently in cramped and difficult working positions. Lifting heavy tools and using arm muscles in tightening connections, also places a physical demand on the worker, frequently handling equipment up to and occasionally over 50 pounds. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Requires standing , stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Physical Expectation: 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. Working Conditions: May be subjected to cuts from sharp-edged tools and burns from hot water, blow torch, molten solder and steam. There is a possibility of falling from ladders and of strain from lifting pipes, components and fixtures. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Work involves stooping bending, crouching in cramped and difficult positions as wall as lifting and carrying heavy tools and equipment. Work is mainly in a hospital where there is always potential for being exposed to all types of disease. Work is done inside and outside , and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. At times repairs and installations are made outside in bad weather. Occasionally makes repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. Subject to work under buildings, in tunnels, and in cramped locations. Occasional exposure to the possibility of broken bones and has frequent exposure to the possibility of scrapes, burns, and infections. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 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. Education Additional Information 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced federal/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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.