About This Role
This position is in the Pipe Shop at the Minneapolis VA HealthCare System, where the plumber is responsible for the installation, modification, repair, and maintenance of plumbing and piping systems. This includes water, sewage, oil, and gas distribution systems, fire suppression systems, and medical gas systems. The incumbent ensures the proper operation of these critical systems to support the facility's infrastructure and patient care areas.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair piped medical gas systems including oxygen, nitrous oxide, and vacuum systems
- Respond to alarms, trace pressure drops, test outlets with flow meters, and isolate faulty zones
- Adjust regulator pressures, calibrate alarm thresholds, and verify flow rates at outlets
- Coordinate with third-party vendors for annual certification and respond to deficiencies
- Maintain and repair domestic and process water systems, including potable water, RO/DI systems, and sanitary waste systems
- Follow emergency water supply procedures
- Install, repair, and maintain plumbing fixtures including water closets, tubs, showers, and sinks
- Address plumbing issues such as sewer main backups, water leaks, and fixture failures
- Lubricate pump bearings, flush mixing valves, and monitor pump operation
- Inspect pressure gauges, valves, and piping for leaks, corrosion, or damage using flashlights, mirrors, and thermometers
- Replace leaking pipe sections, failed pumps, and PRVs using appropriate joining methods, pipe wrenches, soldering tools, and thread sealant
- Test repaired lines for pressure integrity, verify pump operation, and perform backflow preventer testing
- Clean sewer mains semi-annually using high-pressure jetters or mechanical augers
- Maintain and repair therapy pool systems to ensure safe water quality and mechanical reliability
- Clean filters, lubricate pump bearings, and inspect chemical feed lines
- Perform daily water chemistry testing for bromine, pH, and alkalinity; inspect motors, valves, and adjustable pool floor
- Verify pump and lift operation and maintain inspection logs for compliance with health and safety standards
- Install, maintain and repair below ground watering systems to include sprinklers and drip lines to ensure efficient water distribution for lawns and landscapes
- Perform system startups, seasonable adjustments, troubleshooting malfunctions and program controllers
- Maintain and repair fire suppression systems in accordance with NFPA 25 and VA safety standards
- Replace sprinkler heads, valves, flow switches, and pipe sections using pipe wrenches and sealant
- Adjust pump pressure switches and calibrate alarm thresholds
- Perform weekly/monthly fire pump tests, annual hydrant flushing, and alarm/flow switch verification
- Document all testing and maintenance activities; coordinate with contractors for annual NFPA inspections and 5-year internal pipe inspections
- Coordinate with contractors for large-scale projects
- Ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Pre-employment physical required
- Complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period
- Evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position
- Lifts and carries materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally weighing up to 100 pounds
- Bends, kneels, crouches, and stands for extended periods
- Uses hand and power tools requiring coordination and manual dexterity
- Works in confined spaces and performs tasks that involve considerable physical effort
- Works in mechanical rooms, patient care areas, and outdoors, exposed to varying temperatures and weather conditions
- Subject to noise, fumes, and vibrations from tools and equipment
- Works in potentially hazardous environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection
- Occasionally encounters biological and chemical hazards and follows stringent hygiene and safety practices
Nice to have:
- General plumbing experience
- Able to estimate materials needed for job
- Able to solder copper pipe
- Troubleshoot and repair domestic hot and cold water systems
- Interpret blueprints
- Experience working with fire suppression systems
- Experience working on medical gas systems
- Experience working on compressed building air systems
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding
- Service credit for earning annual (vacation) leave based on prior work experience or military service experience
Important Details
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm
- Application deadline: 02 November 2026, 11:59 PM (EST)
- Appointment type: Permanent
- Supervisory status: No
- Federal service type: Competitive Service
- Represented by a union: No
- Drug test: No
- Security clearance: Not Required
- Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
- Background check type: Credentialing, Suitability/Fitness
- Financial disclosure required: No
Application Process
- Complete the occupational questionnaire
- Submit a resume
- Submit a cover letter (optional)
- Submit DD-214/ Statement of Service (optional)
- Submit Disability Letter (VA) (optional)
- Submit Performance Appraisal (optional)
- Submit Separation Notice (RIF) (optional)
- Submit SF-15 (optional)
- Submit SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action (optional)
- 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
- Click "Submit My Answers" to submit your application package
About the Company
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This approach to healthcare empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. 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.
