PLUMBER & PIPEFITTER

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to perform full range of journey level plumbing duties such as installing, repairing, and modifying water supply, sewage disposal, gas distribution, oil lines, and similar utility systems and equipment., as well as to perform journey level pipefitting duties such as installing, modifying, and repairing high ­pressure piping systems.

Major duties

• 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, and showers.
• Installs, modifies, and repairs new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, and circulating pumps, and radiators. Uses and maintains tools such as tapes, rules, plumb bobs, hand and power pipe threaders, cutters, pipe wrenches, dividers, chalk lines, drills, grinders, hacksaws and power saws, ground fault interrupter equipment, power sewer cleaning equipment, various gas detectors and meters, and lead pots.
• Plans and lays out installation, repair, and/or modification work. For plumbing work, 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.
• Troubleshoots, inspects, and tests systems. Troubleshoots/tests various plumbing systems and equipment including backflow prevention devices such as reduced pressure principle devices, double check devices, atmospheric vacuum breakers, and other cross connection devices.
• 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.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-4200 Plumbing And Pipefitting Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. The screen out element for this position is the ability to do the work of a PLUMBER & PIPEFITTER without more than normal supervision. JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, operation, and repair, to include routing, placement, slant, slope, and fall of systems; and of technical practices in order to plan, lay out, install, modify, troubleshoot, and repair various plumbing systems and equipment. Knowledge of high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as, steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, and circulating pumps, and radiators; and technical practices in order to determine need for modifications and repairs. Knowledge of safety regulations, procedures, and practices. Skill in installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment without more than normal supervision. Skill in installing, modifying, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing industrial or domestic high-temperature water and high-pressure piping systems and equipment without more than normal supervision. Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, blueprints, charts, sketches, etc., to use shop mathematics, take measurements, lay out angles, arcs, and circles, and to plan and lay out installation, repair, and/or modification of plumbing and high pressure piping systems and equipment. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The employee makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and other hard-to­ reach places. Must stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, stretch, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lifts items that weigh over 50 pounds with assistance from other workers. WORKING CONDITIONS: The work is done inside and outside and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. The employee is sometimes required to make repairs and installations outside in bad weather or in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. The employee has frequent exposure to the possibility uncomfortable heat situations, broken bones, strains, scrapes, cuts, bruises, burns, and infections. The employee uses and maintains prescribed safety/protective clothing and equipment such as the following: hard hat, safety glasses, shoes, belts, face shields, respirators, gas masks, ear protection devices, gloves, coveralls, and foul weather gear. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.