Pipefitter

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: 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: The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard to reach places. This requires him/ her to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The incumbent frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds, occasionally; he/she may lift and carry items that weigh over 50 pounds. Working Conditions: Incumbent must work in all conditions of weather; cold, rain, etc. Incumbent is exposed to dust, grease and oil. He/she is also required to make repairs and unstop sewer lines in areas where bad smelling fumes and sewer gases are present/ The incumbent is frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. He/she is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. Incumbent works both indoors and outdoors and is required to work in cramped spaces with low overheads, crowded spaces, and areas near machinery and cutting tools. Incumbent’s work environment is often unpleasant, disagreeable or hazardous and requires protective clothing and gear, safety devices, safe trade practices and mental alertness at all times. Incumbent follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as ear devices, hard hats, hard-toe shoes, gloves, respirator, and protective clothing, as appropriate/required.
The incumbent is assigned to the Maintenance & Operations Section of the Engineering Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC in Charleston, SC.