Pipefitter

Provides journeyman-level pipefitting services for the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems, including steam, heating, generators, pumps, hydraulic systems, natural gas lines, compressed air systems, and sprinkler systems. Reads blueprints and layouts to ensure safe, leak-free, code-compliant piping installations.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems for steam, heating, steam generators, heat exchangers, circulating pumps, water pumps, condensate and vacuum pumps, radiators, hydraulic systems, natural gas lines, flash and expansion tanks, compressed air systems, and sprinkler systems. Reads and follows blueprints, sketches, and building plans when planning and laying out piping systems. Sizes and determines proper pitch, elevation, and placement of piping to ensure correct pressure, reduction, expansion, and safe operation of piping systems and related equipment. Routes piping installations and ensures installations are mechanically correct by selecting proper pipe strips, hangers, and performing routine cutting tasks. Joins, seals, and tests all piping joints to ensure leak-free performance and proper system operation. Uses hand and power tools of the pipefitter trade, including pipe threaders, sewer augers, acetylene torches, drills, pipe cutters, wrenches, and other common tools, to complete installation and repair work safely and efficiently. Ensures all work complies with VA standards, safety requirements, and established trade practices. Preferred Experience: Ability to diagnose system issues, perform corrective actions, and coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to minimize downtime. Knowledgeable in OSHA and VA safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper material handling for industrial environments. Extensive experience in commercial and industrial pipefitting, including installation, maintenance, and repair of complex piping systems. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed Schedule: This position may be eligible for a Compressed Work Schedule (CWS) in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6120 et seq. and Agency policy. Participation in CWS is voluntary, subject to supervisory approval, and may be approved after entrance on duty based on operational needs. Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD10575A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Physical Requirements: Incumbent works on ladders, scaffolds, platforms and hard to reach places. Works in locations and positions which are uncomfortable. Stands, stoops, kneels, climbs and often must lift objects weighing 50 lbs. or more, is exposed to scalding, bruises, abrasions and lacerations which could cause infection, rashes and diseases. Is exposed to noxious and caustic odors and fumes. Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy and very often in extremely warm or cold environments. Assignments are required to be performed outside in inclement weather, crawl spaces, tunnels and other locations where the ambience is challenging.

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.