Pipefitter

Job Opportunity : Journeyman Pipefitter

This position is located at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System (VASTLHCS). This position functions as a Journeyman Pipefitter within the Pipe Shop, Facilities Engineering Service, accomplishing trades and labor work.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Troubleshoots, repairs, and diagnoses problems with facility steam traps and heating control devices.
• Lays out and installs various kinds of pipe sections, fittings, risers, and flexible branches at the proper level and incline, and the hanging or laying of assemblies into position.
• Estimates necessary materials such as pipe or fittings and assemblies needed.
• Identifies and marks locations through which pipes will pass or be installed, works from mechanical drawings, specifications or manufacturing data and improvises / makes modifications to systems in compliance with all safety codes and regulations.
• Reports observed unsafe conditions to immediate supervisor or appropriate official.
• Participates in the asbestos abatement process to include small scale removal (glove bag) or repair of asbestos containing material (in performance of daily work only).
• Performs preventative maintenance (PM) on all types of steam fixtures, piping systems, back flow preventors, following manufacturers and / or VA recommendations.
• Records all Preventive Maintenance and repair work accomplished on steam traps.
• Cleans, lubricates, adjusts, changes component parts, writes necessary work orders and makes minor repairs as needed.
• Completes scheduled inspections and documents equipment deficiencies in properly prescribed methods.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Full Time, Monday - Friday, 7 : 00am - 3 : 30pm

Position Description Title / PD# : Pipefitter / PD10159A

Physical Requirements : Employee may be exposed to toxic fumes, gases, and airborne particles in the performance of duties. This exposure may adversely affect pulmonary function. The wearing of a protective respirator that will reduce the possibility of pulmonary damage is mandatory when working in areas where toxic exposure is a possibility. OSHA requirements mandate that employees required to use a respirator NOT have a beard, and pass a baseline pulmonary function test prior to use of a respirator.

Work involves frequent standing, stooping, climbing, bending, and kneeling, and occasionally working in cramped awkward positions. Required to lift and handle objects weighing 50 pounds; often lifts and moves heavier objects with the assistance of other workers, lifting devices and aids such as movable tables or jacks. Work involves making repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms and other hard to reach places. Work is done inside and outside. It is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. May be required to make repairs and installations outside in adverse weather conditions. Occasionally make repairs in areas where unpleasant odors are present. Subject to cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains, and strains from handling tools and installing equipment. Subject to burns from hot components and solder. Required to wear safety clothing and equipment appropriate to the tasks being performed.

Duty Station : John Cochran Division; however, the duty station may be changed to one of multiple locations within the VA St. Louis Health Care System based on the needs of the facility.

Requirements Conditions of Employment :

Qualifications :

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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 / Working Conditions :

Employee may be exposed to toxic fumes, gases, and airborne particles in the performance of duties. This exposure may adversely affect pulmonary function. The wearing of a protective respirator that will reduce the possibility of pulmonary damage is mandatory when working in areas where toxic exposure is a possibility. OSHA requirements mandate that employees required to use a respirator NOT have a beard, and pass a baseline pulmonary function test prior to use of a respirator.

Work involves frequent standing, stooping, climbing, bending, and kneeling, and occasionally working in cramped awkward positions. Required to lift and handle objects weighing 50 pounds; often lifts and moves heavier objects with the assistance of other workers, lifting devices and aids such as movable tables or jacks. Work involves making repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms and other hard to reach places. Work is done inside and outside. It is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. May be required to make repairs and installations outside in adverse weather conditions. Occasionally make repairs in areas where unpleasant odors are present. Subject to cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains, and strains from handling tools and installing equipment. Subject to burns from hot components and solder. Required to wear safety clothing and equipment appropriate to the tasks being performed.

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.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

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.

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.