Pipefitter

Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. In this position, you will be responsible for performing pipefitting and plumbing duties such as installing, modifying and repairing high-pressure piping systems and equipment. You will also install, repair, and maintain new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment. Responsibilities Installs, modifies, and repairs systems routes, placing and cutting route openings, placing hangers for proper pitch and elevation. Installs, modifies, maintains and repairs new and existing water supply systems in all facilities on the campus. Installs, maintains and repairs devices such as water meters, hot water tempering valves, mixing valves, backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves. Repairs or replaces equipment such as water closets, lavatories, showers, sinks, drinking fountains, urinals, dishwashers, hot and cold-water pipes and sump pumps. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs sewer and drain systems and fixtures associated with the plumbing trade. Diagnoses, maintains and cleans heating elements in large domestic water heaters such as heat exchangers or tube bundles. Works with materials common to the plumbing trade such as copper, galvanized iron, PEX, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) and polyethylene pipe and fittings and hangers. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 09/03/2024. Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a Pipefitter without more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Physical Effort The incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. The incumbent is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The work involves frequent lifting, carrying, and setting up parts and equipment that weights over 50 pounds. May be required to help move other large items. Working Conditions Work is performed both inside and outside, and the incumbent is required to make repairs and installations in bad weather; in work areas that are noisy, dirty, dusty, and greasy; and in close quarters. The incumbent is exposed to the possibility of injury from falling, scrapes, burns, and infections. The incumbent is required to wear safety equipment such as, but not limited to, coveralls, ear plugs, safety glasses, hard hat, gloves, and safety shoes. The incumbent works with and around hazardous chemicals while cleaning and repairing tanks, sewers, and plumbing fixtures. The incumbent is required to attend all training assigned for the safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals and be able and willing to understand and execute all safety precautions when working with hazardous chemicals. The incumbent may be required to frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, eye and ear protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls when working in any of the laboratories. PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards, but may increase the risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, limited mobility and dexterity. Physical well-being may be compromised by the prolonged usage of the PPE may lead to labored respiration, heat stress and dehydration. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. 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; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.