Pipefitter Career Opportunity: Join the VHA Team in Tampa
Are you a skilled professional looking to apply your craft to a mission that matters? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Florida, is currently seeking a dedicated Pipefitter. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within one of the nation's most complex and active healthcare systems, ensuring that essential infrastructure remains operational for those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
The selected candidate will perform a wide range of duties related to the installation, modification, and repair of hospital utility systems. Key responsibilities include:
- Installing and repairing high-temperature water and high-pressure steam systems.
- Reading blueprints and technical schematics to troubleshoot leaks and mechanical failures.
- Maintaining medical oxygen, vacuum, and utility air compressor systems.
- Ensuring all work complies with national plumbing and safety codes.
- Performing preventive maintenance on critical facility equipment.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several baseline federal requirements:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
- Experience: You must demonstrate the ability to perform the work of a Pipefitter with minimal supervision.
- Compliance: Candidates must pass a background check and a drug test.
- Vaccination: Employees are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Skills & Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement Area | Necessary Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Technical Skill | High (Pipefitting, Welding, Soldering) |
| Problem Solving | Advanced (System Troubleshooting) |
| Compliance | Strict adherence to safety/building codes |
| Documentation | Ability to create sketches and read blueprints |
Salary Overview
This position is compensated under the Federal Wage System, with an hourly pay range of $28.66 to $33.49. Compensation is commensurate with your skills and the specific requirements of the role within the federal pay structure.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes:
- Health insurance plans.
- Retirement savings programs, including a government-matched Thrift Savings Plan.
- Generous leave policies (annual and sick).
- Job stability in a recession-resistant industry.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance.
- Highlight Results: Focus on specific projects, the type of piping systems you have handled, and any instances where you improved system reliability.
- Formatting: Submit your resume and required documentation as PDFs to ensure they remain readable by HR systems.
If you are a motivated Pipefitter looking to make a difference, the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is the ideal place to grow your career. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the pride of serving our Veterans, this role is a perfect fit for a qualified professional. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Pipefitter Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Tampa, Florida, and play a critical role in supporting those who served our nation by maintaining the essential plumbing and high-pressure utility systems at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.
Pipefitter Job Overview
The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is seeking a skilled Pipefitter to join our Facilities Management Service team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex utility systems, including high-pressure piping, fire sprinklers, and medical gas systems. This is a hands-on position requiring technical proficiency in reading schematics and troubleshooting mechanical failures in a high-paced, mission-driven medical environment.
Requirements for Pipefitter
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Ability to perform pipefitting duties with minimal supervision.
- Must pass a background investigation for federal employment.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Commitment to a 1-year probationary period.
- Must adhere to annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Pipefitter
- Proven experience in installing and repairing high-temperature water and high-pressure steam systems.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex architectural blueprints and mechanical schematics.
- Expertise in troubleshooting mechanical systems, including valves, pumps, and gauges.
- Knowledge of local and national plumbing and fire safety codes.
- Experience working in large-scale commercial or hospital facility environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including TSP (Thrift Savings Plan).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the VHA system.
- ✓Stable work environment in a world-class teaching hospital.
💡 How to Apply Pipefitter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pipefitter Job
- Log into your USAJOBS profile or create a new account.
- Review your resume to ensure it is no longer than two pages.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as proof of veterans' preference or SF-50 forms, in PDF format.
- Verify that your application is submitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Use results-oriented language that specifically aligns with the duties listed in this announcement.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting consistency.
- Ensure your document file size is under 5MB.
- Double-check your application status in your USAJOBS account to confirm successful submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a specific certification required for this Pipefitter position?
There is no specific length of training required, but you must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of experience to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
How does the two-page resume limit work?
Federal regulations require that resumes for this position be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this length may result in your application being ineligible for further consideration.
What is the shift schedule for this role?
The current work schedule for this position is 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
What if I have prior volunteer experience in this field?
*A: Yes, volunteer work that demonstrates relevant pipefitting skills can be included in your application and will be considered.*
How do I track my application status?
*A: You can log into your USAJOBS dashboard at any time to see the status of your submission.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans. The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is a cornerstone of this mission in Florida, acting as a major teaching facility and a hub for specialized polytrauma, spinal cord injury, and acute medical care. Working here means joining a diverse team of over 4,000 employees dedicated to compassionate, high-quality service.