Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration West Palm Beach, FL 33417
Summary This position is assigned to the Facilities Management Service at the West Palm Beach, Florida VA Medical Center (VAMC) as a full journeyman Plumber. The incumbent is subject to callback for any emergency conditions which may arise outside of the regular tour of duty. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing systems of water (distribution systems), sewers, chemical waste drains, sewer drains, identification test to avoid cross connections, analysis pressure and flow tests, regulators, water fountains, hot water tanks, water closets, showers, tubs, disposal systems, utilities (water, gas, compressed air, medical gases, oil lines, fire sprinklers, hydrants, well systems, filters, distilled water systems) emergency shower valves, eye wash units, flush valves, landscape irrigation sprinkler systems, strainers, water purification systems, canteen equipment, dietetics equipment, laundry equipment, grease traps, sanitary waste disposal lift station systems, back-flow prevention devices. Performs soldering, brazing, repairing and replacing sections of pipe and or coverings, duct insulation and maintaining hanger spacing for proper level and scope. Assist with repairing, replacing, testing, installing steam traps, valves, strainers, regulators, metal fabrication, replacing of existing piping and coving/insulation. Shut off or turns on water and steam valves, regulators, steam traps, circulation and condensate pumps, deionized water lines in specified areas plus the adjusting, turning on or turning off heating system and components valves of systems of all types and sizes. Eliminates defects or malfunctions, like leaks by repacking valves, replacing faulty fittings or sections of pipe, by joining, sealing, and testing systems and equipment for proper pressures, leak-free joints and operation. Read and understand operating instructions and procedures, familiar with federal, state, and local codes, and records necessary information. Operates tools and equipment such as tape measure, rules, reciprocating saw, hacksaws, hand and power pipe threading tools, large and small drain cleaning equipment, pipe inspection equipment, pipe freezing equipment, acetylene B tank torch kit, internal mechanical pipe plugs, and cutter, packing and caulking irons and pipe wrenches. Work Schedule: 2:00pm - 10:30pm, Monday - Friday Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD01143A Working Conditions: The incumbent works either inside or outside and is usually dirty, dusty and greasy. The plumber is sometimes required to make repairs, installations outside in bad weather, in areas where bad smelling fumes are present and at times must wear self-contained breathing apparatus. There is frequent exposure to possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. Incumbent has occasional exposure to the possibility of broken bones, scrapes, cuts, bruises, burns and infections. Physical Requirements: The incumbent makes repairs and installation from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and hard to reach places such as crawl spaces, attics, etc. This requires him or her to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. May be required to crawl over and/or under equipment/service lines to access work assigned. He/she may lift and move up to 40 pounds, unassisted, and occasionally lift or move heavier items weighing 75 pounds with the assistance of devices or other workers. Occasionally works on high ceilings, holding heavy power tools overhead or at arm's length. Incumbent must be alert at all times to recognize potential hazards and must be able to identify colors as established by the American Standards from identification of piping systems, hazardous liquids and gasses and mechanical equipment. The incumbent is classified as an essential employee and as such is expected to report for duty when non-essential employees are excused for cogent reasons. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measurement and Layout Technical Practices 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. Education Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.