Pipefitter Leader

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Richmond Medical Center (VAMC), in the Mechanical Section of Engineering Service.

The primary duties of the Pipefitter Leader includes, performing work which requires physical abilities and effort that involves specialized skills and knowledge regarding install, repair, and maintaining the piping and plumbing systems throughout the medical center.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/16/2026.

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: he Pipefitter Leader must be able to lift and carry heavy objects (occasionally in excess of 40 pounds) and hold them in awkward positions while they are being installed or removed.

Incumbent must be able to work for prolonged periods while kneeling, crouching, stooping and/or standing in awkward positions and to climb and work from ladders, man lifts, scaffolding and roofs.

Working conditions are not always favorable.

Some work is performed in a shop area with good lighting, temperature control and ventilation , but it is often necessary for work to be performed in the crawl and interstitial spaces which can be hot, cold, wet anti/or poorly ventilated locations, in poorly lighted conditions , in high places where ladders and scaffolds must be used, etc.

Incumbent is occasionally exposed to potentially hazardous conditions such as exposed high-voltage wires, unprotected electrical equipment and is often exposed to hot pipes and equipment, chemical fumes and liquids, dust, head-knocking and trip objects.

The incumbent must be able to climb ladders, roofs, work on scaffolds, and work in crawl spaces and at dangerous elevations.

Various protective devices such as hard hats, gloves, safety shoes, safety glasses and/or respirator masks must be worn. Major Duties:

Duties include but not limited to: Installs, modifies and repairs new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam generating and distributing equipment and systems, steam heating radiators and systems, hydraulic and high-pressure, compressed air and gas equipment and systems, flash and expansion tanks.

Plans pipe routes, equipment locations, methods of support and installation, material and tooling requirements for accomplishment of assigned jobs.

Repairs, replaces and installs new expansion joints, pressure reducing valves, globe and gate valves, steam traps, gauges, thermometers and all types of fittings and joints involved with steam and high-pressure piping systems.

Cuts pipe route openings , places hangers for proper pitch and elevations, cuts, threads and welds pipe and fittings , as needed, and seals around pipes and equipment where penetrations were made through walls , ceilings and floors , and installs pipe covering and other protective materials.

Tests systems and equipment for proper pressure and leak-free joints.

Incumbent works with all equipment and systems on station that are connected to steam or high-pressure gas, air and fluid sources Installs, modifies and repairs, maintains and adjusts plumbing systems and fixtures such as low-pressure piping systems, water closets, lavatories, sinks, dishwashers, laundry equipment, sprinkler and standpipe systems, sanitary and storm drain systems, pumps, water heaters and all other hospital equipment and systems that distribute and/or require connection to low-pressure water and/or gas sources.

Responsible for utilizing complex test equipment to accurately diagnose various mechanical, structural and building issues with facilities equipment and performing calibrations as necessary to application VA, national and international standards.

Obtain, maintain and act as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for service contracts and small construction contracts.

Performs, tracks and implements preventative maintenance (PM) program in addition to ensuring that the equipment inventory is accurate for the respective shop.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4PM Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter Leader/PD029490 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized