Veterans Health Administration

Overview

The Pipefitter (Plumber) position is part of the Maintenance & Operations team within the Engineering Service for the South Texas Veterans' Healthcare System. The role involves installing, modifying, testing, maintaining, repairing, inspecting, and troubleshooting various facility piping systems.

Responsibilities

• Installs, modifies, repairs, and maintains high- and low-pressure piping systems.
• Lays out and fabricates piping systems from blueprints, sketches, and specifications.
• Cuts, threads, bends, and assembles pipe using hand and power tools.
• Installs and aligns valves, regulators, gauges, meters, and control devices.
• Performs pressure tests, leak detection, and system balancing.
• Troubleshoots system malfunctions and determines repair methods.
• Plans and routes piping to avoid obstructions and meet system requirements.
• Measures, marks, and calculates pipe lengths, angles, and offsets.
• Fabricates complex pipe sections including nonstandard bends and configurations.
• Uses welding, brazing, and soldering as required.
• Diagnoses issues in existing systems and replaces defective components.
• Performs preventive maintenance on piping systems and related equipment.
• Repairs or replaces corroded, damaged, or worn piping and fittings.
• Works with steam distribution, heating systems, compressed air, fuel systems, and water systems.
• Understands pressure relationships, flow rates, and system controls.
• Applies knowledge of codes, safety standards, and technical manuals.
• Uses pipe threading machines, cutters, benders, welding equipment, and testing devices.
• Operates shop machinery and portable power tools.
• Follows safety procedures related to high-pressure systems and hazardous materials.
• Ensures installations comply with applicable codes and regulations.
• Coordinates work with other trades and engineering personnel.
• May lead or guide lower-graded workers.
• Maintains records of work performed and materials used.

Additional Information

• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm -or- 7:30am to 4:00pm
• Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter (Plumber)/PD00083A
• Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Pushing, 1-hour; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking, 1-hour; Standing, 2-hours; Crawling, 1-hour; Kneeling, 2-hours; Repeated bending, 2-hours; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and emotional stability.