Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties 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.

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

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:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

• Resume

Next steps