Pipefitter Career Opportunities at the Salem VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated tradesperson looking for a stable, mission-focused career? The Salem VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Pipefitter to join our Facilities Management team. This role is essential to our daily operations, ensuring that the critical piping systems that power our medical facility remain in top condition.

Job Responsibilities

As a Pipefitter, you will be the expert responsible for the integrity of complex piping systems. Your duties will include:

Installing and maintaining high-pressure and high-temperature steam and water systems.
Troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic, nitrogen, oxygen, and compressed air systems.
Interpreting blueprints and technical manufacturer literature to guide repairs and new installations.
Conducting safety inspections and preventative maintenance on valves, pumps, and gauges.
Collaborating with other facility staff to ensure systems like fire protection and medical gas are fully operational.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens (with limited exceptions) and pass a federal background check. Additionally, you must:

Have a valid resume, strictly capped at two pages.
Undergo a pre-employment drug screening.
Be willing to participate in the annual influenza vaccination program.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Essential	Preferred
Background Check	Mandatory	N/A
Citizenship	Mandatory	N/A
Plumbing License	Desirable	Journeyman Level
Med-Gas Certification	Desirable	Highly Preferred
Relevant Experience	Sufficient to do the job	5+ Years (Industrial/Medical)

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $27.15 to $31.73 per hour. As a federal employee, you will also gain access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave.

Application Tips

Competition for federal roles can be high. To stand out:

Tailor your resume: Ensure your experience specifically reflects the tasks listed in the job description.
Check the math: Ensure you clearly detail your weekly hours worked, as part-time experience is calculated based on hours spent on the job.
Use the right format: Use a clear, sans-serif font and keep your document under 5MB.

If you have the technical skills and the desire to serve those who served our country, this Pipefitter role at the Salem VA is a perfect fit. Ensure your application is submitted before the September 25, 2026, deadline to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Pipefitter Job Matters

Join the Salem VA Health Care System and apply your technical expertise to maintain critical infrastructure that supports our nation’s Veterans.

Pipefitter Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Pipefitter to join the Facilities Management Service at the Salem VA Medical Center in Virginia. In this role, you will be responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of high-pressure and high-temperature piping systems, including steam heating, medical gases, and hydraulic systems. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that our medical facilities operate safely and efficiently to serve those who have served our country.

Requirements for Pipefitter

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply based on VA policy).
Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Must undergo a pre-employment urinalysis screening for illegal drugs.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program (or obtain a valid exemption).
All resumes must be limited to a maximum of two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Pipefitter

5+ years of experience in a commercial, industrial, or hospital maintenance setting.
Active Journeyman plumbing license.
Current Med-Gas certification.
Proven proficiency in reading blueprints and technical specifications.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal hourly pay
✓Opportunities for federal career growth
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
✓Ability to request service credit for annual leave based on prior related experience

💡 How to Apply Pipefitter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pipefitter Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including licenses, certifications, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all layout requirements.
Be specific about your work hours; one year of experience is defined as 35–40 hours per week.
Double-check that your resume explicitly maps your skills to the duties listed in the announcement.
Ensure your document uploads do not exceed the 5MB file size limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a resume page limit for this position?

Yes. Effective September 2025, all resumes for federal positions must be two pages or less to be considered.

Does this position require a background check?

Yes, all candidates must be suitable for federal employment, which includes undergoing a background investigation.

Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

Yes, this position is open to the public as well as those eligible for career transition programs.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans. Through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we operate a network of medical facilities dedicated to the values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community that honors the sacrifices of those who served by providing them with the highest standard of health care infrastructure.