Pipefitter- Direct Hire Authority

US Veterans Health Administration • Full-time • Saginaw, Michigan, United States • $36 - $42 / hour • 1m ago

Summary

This position serves as a Pipefitter within the Facility Management Service of the Aleda E Lutz VA Medical Center, located in Saginaw, Michigan.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Performs all duties of a journeyman Pipefitter and is assigned to the Pipe Shop within the Utility Systems Section of Facilities Management Service (FMS).
The work involves installing, modifying, repairing, and maintaining new and existing utility systems and equipment. Utilities include low, medium, and high-pressure piping systems, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, medical gas systems, steam, condensate, vacuum, sanitary, drainage and compressed air.
Equipment includes items such as steam humidifiers, steam generators, water heaters, boilers, electric steam generators, deaerator/expansion tanks, circulating pumps, and radiant fin-tube and panels, along with associated piping/controls equipment.
Other items to maintain/install include water closets, sinks, tubs, showers, and backflow preventers and the associated equipment such as flush valves, and mixing valves. Drains, toilets, and sink maintenance includes plunging and snaking to clear the lines as needed. Incumbent installs or repairs new or existing copper, galvanized, black iron, cast iron, stainless, rubber, CPVC, and PVC pipes for utilities and medical gases.
Methods of installation include sweating, brazing, gluing, and mechanical means.
Installs equipment by planning and determining where to place the equipment at the proper location. Join, seal, and test the systems for proper pressures to ensure leak-free joints and operation.
The supervisor checks the overall work to see that it meets accepted building codes and trade standards.
Subject to recall for emergency repairs during non-administrative hours. Incumbent performs preventive maintenance on various systems throughout the Medical Center, including electronic mixing valves, thermostatic mixing valves, steam humidifiers, hose bibbs, exercising valves, backflow prevention, and any other system that may fall into their work set.
Monitor the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS) daily.
Purchase materials and services through Computer-based programs.
Use Microsoft Office programs on a daily basis for communication.
For record-keeping, spreadsheets are utilized to record data.
Parts order and service requests shall be entered and approved through a computer system.
Installs, modifies, and maintains all systems associated with the sprinkler system such as piping, risers, valves, gauges, hose connections, heads, backflow prevention, and knowledge of the fire alarm panel.
Works from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to install, modify, and repair systems like those described above by setting up system routes, placing and cutting route openings, placing hangers for proper pitch and elevation, and determining and installing such things as risers, flexible branches, expansion joints, pumps, gauges, pressure regulators, valves, traps, and unions in the combination needed to support the pressures and proper operation of the systems.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 07:00am-3:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter- Direct Hire Authority/PD92076A

PHYSICAL EFFORT and WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employee will make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Employee will be standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Employee will frequently handle, lift, carry and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally items may weigh more than 50 pounds. Work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. The employee is exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. The employee is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. Employee may be required to work in areas that have asbestos containing materials and will, therefore, be required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators and other equipment to prevent possible asbestos exposure. You will be responsible for completing respirator training, fit testing and training in the proper use and maintenance of general PPE.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

Preferred Experience: The incumbent performs all duties of a journeyman Pipefitter and is assigned to the Pipe Shop within the Utility Systems Section of Facilities Management Service (FMS). The work involves installing, modifying, repairing, and maintaining new and existing utility systems and equipment. Utilities include low, medium, and high-pressure piping systems, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, medical gas systems, steam, condensate, vacuum, sanitary, drainage and compressed air. Equipment includes items such as steam humidifiers, steam generators, water heaters, boilers, electric steam generators, deaerator/expansion tanks, circulating pumps, and radiant fin-tube and panels, along with associated piping/controls equipment. Other items to maintain/install include water closets, sinks, tubs, showers, and backflow preventers and the associated equipment such as flush valves, and mixing valves. Drains, toilets, and sink maintenance includes plunging and snaking to clear the lines as needed. Incumbent installs or repairs new or existing copper, galvanized, black iron, cast iron, stainless, rubber, CPVC, and PVC pipes for utilities and medical gases. Methods of installation include sweating, brazing, gluing, and mechanical means. The incumbent also installs equipment like that described above by planning and determining where to place the equipment at the proper location. They shall join, seal, and test the systems for proper pressures to ensure leak-free joints and operation. The supervisor checks the overall work to see that it meets accepted building codes and trade standards. The incumbent is subject to recall for emergency repairs during non-administrative hours. Incumbent performs preventive maintenance on various systems throughout the Medical Center, including electronic mixing valves, thermostatic mixing valves, steam humidifiers, hose bibbs, exercising valves, backflow prevention, and any other system that may fall into their work set. The incumbent will monitor the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS) daily. They shall purchase materials and services through Computer-based programs. They shall use Microsoft Office programs on a daily basis for communication. For record-keeping, spreadsheets are utilized to record data. Parts order and service requests shall be entered and approved through a computer system. Sprinkler fitting 5%. The incumbent installs, modifies, and maintains all systems associated with the sprinkler system such as piping, risers, valves, gauges, hose connections, heads, backflow prevention, and knowledge of the fire alarm panel. The incumbent works from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to install, modify, and repair systems like those described above by setting up system routes, placing and cutting route openings, placing hangers for proper pitch and elevation, and determining and installing such things as risers, flexible branches, expansion joints, pumps, gauges, pressure regulators, valves, traps, and unions in the combination needed to support the pressures and proper operation of the systems. Performs other duties as assigned.

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)
Technical Practices
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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

This is a smoke-free facility

Required Documents

Documents Required:

Resume

Documents Accepted:

Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
License
Other (1)
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12992666.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:

Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
Use concise, results focused language
Align language from the job announcement
Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
Remove outdated or unrelated experience
Use the USAJOBS resume builder

Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:

https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Kevin Littler

Phone

740-773-1141 X11995

[email protected]

Address

Aleda E Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1500 Weiss Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
US

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.