Summary This position functions as the Plumber under the Facilities Service at the James J Peters VA Medical Center. Responsibilities Duties may include but are not limited to: The incumbent independently installs, modifies, repairs, and maintains a variety of new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems, and water closets, tubs, backflow prevention devices/assemblies, fire sprinkler systems, showers and pipe insulation. Plans and ensures the proper slant, slope, fall, or level of installations to provide for proper flow, drainage, and sanitary operating conditions and to prevent backflow vacuum, or air lock conditions. Maintains records and documents actions. Completes installation, modification and repair of various plumbing systems and equipment, e.g., replaces defective pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves. Tests and checks completed work for proper drainage, flow, and venting. Prepares records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated. Plans and accomplishes work from initial layout to final assembly which involves interpreting and applying building plans, specifications, blueprints, sketches, and other plumbing guides/codes, and using shop mathematics. Locates and taps main lines, sets up system routes, places and cuts route openings, places hangers for proper level and slope, and determines and installs valves, traps, and unions as needed for proper operation of a variety of systems and equipment. Determines tools, parts, equipment, and supplies needed, including proper types, sizes, and materials. Improvises installations when blueprints and sketches do not provide sufficient information. Completes the routing and placement of systems leading to equipment, and properly sets, hooks up, and tests equipment. Measures, fabricates and installs odd size adjoining parts and/or improvises installations when blueprints and sketches do not provide sufficient information. Troubleshoots/tests various joints, plumbing systems and equipment for leaks including backflow prevention devices such as reduced pressure principle devices, double check devices, atmospheric vacuum breakers, and other cross connection devices. Diagnoses malfunctions in a variety of systems; isolates the problem by checking through the system and makes appropriate repairs and/or modifications. Uses and maintains tools such as tapes, rules, plumb bobs, hand and power pipe threaders, cutters, pipe wrenches, angle drills, hacksaws and power saws, power sewer, hand auger, core drilling, cleaning equipment, various gas detectors and meters, and lead pots. Uses, maintains, and accounts for all types of hand and/or power tools as required, to accomplish assigned duties. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. Work Schedule: Various Shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD20870-A Physical Requirements: The plumber makes repairs and installations from ladder, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. This requires the employee to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The plumber frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds unassisted and over 40 pounds with assistance. Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. The plumber is sometimes required to make repairs and installations outside in bad weather. Occasionally makes repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. The plumber has occasional exposure to the possibility of broken bones and frequent exposure to the possibility of scrapes, burns, and infections. May be required to wear safety equipment, such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, and hard hats and other personal protective equipment. 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 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. Education There are no education requirements for this position. Additional Information 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.