Pipefitter

Veterans Health Administration • Kansas City, MO

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides journeyman-level pipefitting services for the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems, including systems for steam, heating, generators, pumps, hydraulic systems, natural gas, compressed air, and sprinklers. Reads blueprints and layouts to ensure safe, leak-free, code-compliant piping installations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, including in dirty, dusty, greasy, extremely warm or cold environments, inclement weather, crawl spaces, tunnels, and other challenging locations. The position follows a Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule. A compressed work schedule may be available subject to operational needs and supervisory approval.

The position requires evidence of training or experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required. Applicants are evaluated on competencies including inspection, interpretation of instructions and specifications (including blueprint reading), measurement and layout, use and maintenance of tools and equipment, and performance without more than normal supervision. No education qualification requirement is specified.

Employment is subject to federal hiring requirements, including U.S. citizenship unless appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy, suitability determination, required pre-employment drug testing for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, and a one-year probationary period. VA health care personnel must receive an annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption; masking is required when an exemption is granted.

Requirements

• Provide resume evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Demonstrate competencies in inspection; interpreting instructions and specifications, including blueprint reading; measurement and layout; using and maintaining tools and equipment; and performing work without more than normal supervision.
• Meet applicable federal employment suitability requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is required, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruitment of qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Selected applicants in testing-designated positions must submit to pre-appointment urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Complete required onboarding and provide acceptable identification and application documents.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Meet the physical demands of working on ladders, scaffolds, platforms, and in hard-to-reach or uncomfortable positions; standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and often lifting objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Work around exposure to scalding, bruises, abrasions, lacerations, noxious and caustic odors, and fumes.
• As VA health care personnel, receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption; wear a face mask when exempt.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive commercial and industrial pipefitting experience, including installation, maintenance, and repair of complex piping systems.
• Ability to diagnose system issues, perform corrective actions, and coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to minimize downtime.
• Knowledge of OSHA and VA safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper material handling for industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, modify, and repair pressure piping systems for steam, heating, steam generators, heat exchangers, circulating pumps, water pumps, condensate and vacuum pumps, radiators, hydraulic systems, natural gas lines, flash and expansion tanks, compressed air systems, and sprinkler systems.
• Read and follow blueprints, sketches, and building plans when planning and laying out piping systems.
• Size piping and determine appropriate pitch, elevation, and placement to ensure correct pressure, reduction, expansion, and safe operation of piping systems and related equipment.
• Route piping installations and select appropriate pipe strips and hangers; perform routine cutting tasks to ensure mechanically correct installations.
• Join, seal, and test piping joints to ensure leak-free performance and proper system operation.
• Use pipefitting hand and power tools to complete installation and repair work safely and efficiently.
• Ensure work complies with VA standards, safety requirements, and established trade practices.
• Diagnose system issues, take corrective action, and coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to minimize downtime.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type.
• VA may approve credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service toward the rate of annual leave accrual, if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed