Pipefitter

Description:

This announcement is at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, located in Charleston, SC. The incumbent serves as a Pipefitter in an complex medical facility, which is constantly evolving within a highly complex and competitive geographic area.

**This is an open continuous announcement and applicants will be referred every two weeks.** The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 1, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 15th of each month.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2024.

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 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.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Incumbent must be able to read and be familiar with all Building and system blueprints, schematics, drawings, etc. to enable them to trace out, locate, and determine corrective action to take in the event of a system failure. Incumbent must be willing to work odd hours, if required, to include but not limited to weekend and shift work, although the normal tour of duty will be day shift, Monday through Friday. Pipefitters must monitor and maintain Facility Management Service utility systems such as potable water, hot water, fire alarm, pumping stations, water conditioning units, medical oxygen/ vacuum units, dental, medical, and utility air compressors. He/she monitors and controls the building systems and all associated equipment.

Working Conditions: Incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on hard-to-reach places. Incumbent frequently stands, stoops, bends, kneels, climbs and works in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Incumbent frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to (50 pounds). Occasionally, lifts and carry items that weigh over (50 pounds) with help.

Incumbent will work within the medical facility's operating functions and must use all appropriate safety tools and clothing, etc. to protect themselves, other staff and patients. Other assignments can be in remote areas such as sub-basement, machinery rooms, rooftops, roads and walkways. Work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, duty and greasy and may contain asbestos or in area where bad smelling fumes are present with may require respirator and will include working with flammable and toxic liquids. Works off ladders and scaffold. Incumbent frequently exposed to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions, live steam and hot pipes.