Become a Critical Member of the Minneapolis VA Facilities Team: Plumber Position
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides essential care to over 100,000 veterans. To maintain the complex infrastructure required for this level of care, we are looking for a skilled, safety-conscious Plumber to join our Pipe Shop. This is a vital federal position that offers the chance to contribute to a noble mission while working with advanced medical systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a staff Plumber, your daily work will be varied and technical. You will move between mechanical rooms, patient care areas, and outdoor landscapes. Key responsibilities include:
- Medical Gas Systems: Troubleshooting pressure drops and certifying gas delivery systems.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Repairing water, sewage, and high-pressure lines.
- Fire Suppression: Ensuring systems comply with NFPA 25 and VA safety protocols.
- General Maintenance: Working on therapy pools and automated irrigation systems.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following eligibility standards:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful background check.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 100 lbs.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage within the Federal Wage System (WG).
| Position | Pay Interval | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Per Hour | $32.90 | $38.41 |
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck. You will benefit from comprehensive federal health insurance options, robust retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan, and the ability to earn service credit for leave accrual based on prior experience.
Application Tips
Since 2025, federal resumes are limited to two pages. Focus on high-impact language and highlight your experience with industrial or healthcare-related plumbing systems. Uploading your documents in PDF format is highly recommended to maintain formatting integrity.
If you are a licensed or experienced plumber looking to take your career into the public sector, the Minneapolis VA offers a unique environment where your work has a tangible impact on the health and well-being of our nation's heroes.
Why This Plumber Job Matters
Join a mission-driven team at the Minneapolis VA and ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure that serves our nation's heroes every single day.
Plumber Job Overview
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Plumber to join our Pipe Shop. In this vital role, you will perform essential installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems, medical gas networks, and fire suppression systems across our facility. You will support a Level 1A complexity medical center, ensuring that our infrastructure meets the highest safety standards to support world-class patient care.
Requirements for Plumber
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
- Ability to complete the online onboarding process.
- Possession of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
- Agreement to a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Plumber
- Demonstrated experience in general plumbing installation and maintenance.
- Proven ability to interpret blueprints and technical schematics.
- Proficiency in soldering copper piping.
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing domestic water distribution systems.
- Specific knowledge of medical gas and compressed air building systems.
- Familiarity with fire suppression system maintenance according to NFPA standards.
- Ability to accurately estimate material requirements for diverse projects.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly wages.
- ✓Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for federal career advancement.
- ✓Access to a comprehensive Whole Health System of care.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Plumber Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Plumber Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather necessary documentation (SF-50s, transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/08/2026.
- Monitor your email for confirmation of submission and future status updates.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page requirement.
- Be highly specific in your resume; do not rely on the agency to assume your skills.
- Upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Ensure your resume reflects the specific keywords found in the job announcement.
- Double-check your eligibility documents, such as your most recent SF-50 if you are a federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of systems will I be working on as a Plumber at the VA?
You will maintain a wide variety of systems, including medical gas networks, domestic water and sewage, fire suppression, therapy pools, and outdoor irrigation systems.
Is a pre-employment physical required?
Yes, as the role involves lifting up to 100 pounds, working in confined spaces, and exposure to various environmental conditions, you must undergo a pre-employment examination.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, federal agencies now strictly enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Applications with longer resumes will be deemed ineligible.
What is the work schedule?
The position is standard Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Do I need prior experience with medical gas systems?
While not strictly required, it is a preferred qualification that will significantly strengthen your application.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. The Minneapolis VA is a Level 1A Complexity Facility that includes not only the main hospital but also 13 community-based outpatient clinics. We are an academic medical center at the forefront of medical technology and research.