Pipefitter

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. To qualify, there is no specific length of training or experience required; however, your resume must demonstrate enough experience to show your ability to perform the duties of a Pipefitter without more than normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. Applicants must show possession of the screen-out job element. Applicants who do not meet the following screen-out job element will not be evaluated further. To qualify your resume must show that you have the ability to do the work of a Pipefitter without more than normal supervision (Screen-out Element). This includes all of the following: –Performing pipefitting tasks including installs, repairs, and makes alterations to high steam and low steam systems. –Making alterations to pressure pipeline systems used to convey steam, compressed air, vacuum, hot oil (500degrees Fahrenheit), bleaching agents and gases or liquids to and from machinery, experimental apparatus, chemical work benches and other equipment throughout a Laboratory includes the piping of oil and steam to hot presses; steam, water and acids or bases to pulp digesters; fuels from tanks to equipment or other tanks; and high- or low-pressure steam between boilers and heating, processing, and other equipment. –Installing, maintains, repairs, and tests autoclaves. –Testing backflow prevention reduced pressure zone valves, regulating or pressure reducing valves. –Hydrostatically tests, pressure vessels such as retort chambers, air receivers, pulping digesters, etc. Screen-out: Must be a licensed plumber in accordance with s. 145.06 Wisconsin Statutes showing current registration with the State of Wisconsin Department of Industry and Human Relations; Safety & Buildings Division to conduct backflow performance tests and installation or replacement of RP valves. Skill and Knowledge: Must be able to use shop mathematics to determine the internal pipe diameter required to pass the desired flow rate at the desired velocity for liquids, gases, steam, and vapors including the resistance factor. Must be able to lay out angles, arcs, circles, etc. to control expansion of piping when different heat is applied. Must have knowledge of how various laboratory service systems including high-pressure steam, are controlled and operated so that areas can be shut off and isolated while making repairs or modifications. Must be able to trace piping and plumbing systems either visually or by reading building plans and blueprints. Must be able to layout, calculate, and requisition the types and sizes of piping, fittings, regulating, or pressure reducing valves, pressure relief valves etc. Responsible for checking valves and accessories needed for new installations of systems and equipment. Must know how to perform the cutting, bending, threading, taping, and other operations necessary in working with PVC plastic, glass steel, stainless steel, brass copper, aluminum, tin, cast iron, lead; and corrosion resistant alloy pipes. Must be able to use a full range of pipefitting and plumbing tools and equipment. Applies a working knowledge of state and federal building codes to pipefitting and plumbing tasks. Responsibility: Works under the supervision of the RFE Supervisor. Receives oral assignments or written work orders which may include building plans, blueprints, etc. from supervisor or work leader which vary in detail according to the complexity of the work to be done. Occasionally what is required must be visualized from a verbal description. Technical personnel when working on special projects or installations may provide additional details and information. Incumbent is expected to perform the work in accordance with standard pipefitting or plumbing practices. Installations, modifications, or repairs are completed with little or no checking during progress. Test operates the equipment (or arranged to have it test operated) and makes adjustments in piping systems until satisfactory performance has been achieved. The supervisor or work leader may review work upon completion to ensure that objectives and accepted trade standards have been met. Keeps a daily work and preventative maintenance log to be turned in weekly to work leader or supervisor. Physical Effort: Requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and crawling. Requires working from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms to reach inaccessible areas. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions such as when working in tunnels or pits. Working Conditions: Work is done both indoors and outdoors. Subject to burns from hot water, chemicals, and steam while repairing leaks on high pressure steam piping; strains, cuts, and bruises while working with wrenches on heavy pipes; and abnormal heat, dirt, and dust while installing, repairing, and insulating underground steam line. The worker is subject to fumes and gases while working on laboratory drain lines and sanitary systems. 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; religious; 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.
This position is in the Forest Products Laboratory located in Madison, WI. The employee will service and maintain all pipeline systems within the laboratory complex and extend those services to all-standard as well as experimental research equipment. THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. See Additional Information section for more information. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Robert Ramos at robert.c.ramos@usda.gov.