Become a Pipefitter with the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
Are you a skilled tradesperson looking to transition your talents into a stable federal career? The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is currently seeking a dedicated Pipefitter to join our facility maintenance team in North Little Rock. This role is essential for the daily operations of our medical facilities, ensuring that our infrastructure supports the high-quality care our Veterans deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Pipefitter, your daily responsibilities will revolve around maintaining the complex mechanical systems that keep our medical centers running. Key duties include:
- Installing and repairing valves, fittings, traps, and drains.
- Reading and interpreting building plans, blueprints, and sketches.
- Maintaining therapeutic swimming pool equipment.
- Testing systems for pressure, leaks, and optimal performance.
- Planning routing and placement of piping systems based on technical specifications.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to pass a federal background check and drug screen.
- Willingness to undergo a 1-year probationary period.
- Submission of a two-page maximum resume.
- Compliance with facility vaccination requirements, including seasonal influenza.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is set under the Federal Wage System:
| Role | Pay Rate | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Pipefitter | $29.39 - $34.28 | Per Hour |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits. Beyond competitive pay, you may be eligible for:
- Annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Potential service credit for non-federal work experience.
- Comprehensive health and insurance plans.
- A stable career path within the federal government.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, follow these expert tips:
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Longer resumes will automatically lead to ineligibility.
- Be Specific: Do not assume the hiring team knows your experience. List your duties, the dates you held each position, and your average hours per week.
- Use the Right Format: Save your resume as a PDF to ensure it displays correctly. Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri.
Serving the Veterans who have sacrificed for our nation is a noble goal. By bringing your pipefitting expertise to the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, you provide the critical support that keeps our facilities safe and functional. Review the requirements, polish your resume, and submit your application before the November 9, 2026, deadline to begin your federal career.
Why This Pipefitter Job Matters
Join the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System as a Pipefitter and play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports our nation's heroes.
Pipefitter Job Overview
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a skilled Pipefitter to join our maintenance team in North Little Rock. You will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of critical piping systems, including valves, fixtures, and therapeutic swimming pool equipment. This position is essential to ensuring our medical facilities remain operational and safe for the Veterans we serve. We operate across two campuses, managing an extensive network of buildings and specialized equipment.
Requirements for Pipefitter
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply under specific VA policy).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
- Must undergo a pre-employment drug screening.
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Submission of a resume limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Must be able to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in confined or uncomfortable spaces.
Preferred Qualifications for Pipefitter
- Demonstrated experience in installing and repairing complex piping systems.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, sketches, and technical specifications.
- Experience with troubleshooting mechanical equipment and maintaining hydraulic or pressure-based systems.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- โCompetitive hourly federal pay.
- โAnnual leave accrual based on service time.
- โPotential credit for job-related non-federal or military experience toward leave accrual.
- โAccess to a comprehensive federal healthcare and retirement benefits package.
- โMeaningful work supporting Veteran healthcare services.
๐ก How to Apply Pipefitter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pipefitter Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
๐ก General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your submission meets all compliance standards.
- Double-check that your resume is under the 2-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Review your application status periodically through the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific educational requirement for this position?
No specific formal education length is required, but you must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of a Pipefitter.
What are the physical requirements for this job?
This role requires frequent standing, bending, and lifting equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. You may also be required to work from ladders, scaffolding, or in confined, dark areas.
Are there strict formatting requirements for my resume?
Yes. Effective September 27, 2025, resumes must be two pages or less. They must be legible, saved in an accepted format like PDF, and clearly outline your relevant experience.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this position is open to the public.
What is the work schedule?
Generally, this is a full-time position, Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though this may change based on agency needs.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System manages two major inpatient campuses, featuring over 100 buildings and millions of square feet of facility space. By joining our team, you become part of an "I CARE" cultureโIntegrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
