Become a Pipefitter with the Amarillo VA Health Care System

Are you a skilled tradesperson looking for a career that makes a tangible difference? The Amarillo Veterans Affairs Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Pipefitter. This role is essential to our facility's operations, ensuring that the critical infrastructure supporting our nation’s veterans remains safe, functional, and efficient.

Job Responsibilities

As a journeyman Pipefitter, your daily responsibilities will involve the installation, modification, and repair of various piping systems. Key duties include:

System Maintenance: Maintaining high and low-pressure steam, natural gas, domestic water, and medical gas systems.
Emergency Repair: Responding to equipment malfunctions and system failures to minimize outages.
Compliance: Ensuring all work meets safety standards and documenting all repairs in the facility’s history logs.
Collaboration: Working with HVAC, electrical, and utility staff to resolve complex facility issues.
Backflow Prevention: Annual testing and certification of backflow prevention devices.

Work Comparison: Routine vs. Emergency

Feature	Routine Maintenance	Emergency Repair
Planning	Scheduled with facility users	Immediate, unplanned
Focus	Preventative & upkeep	Troubleshooting & restoration
Environment	Controlled and clean	Critical, high-pressure

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate a level of experience and skill sufficient to perform the duties of a journeyman pipefitter. While no specific length of time is required, your resume must clearly detail your work history with piping, tools, and troubleshooting. You must also be a U.S. citizen and be able to pass a background check. Please note that all resumes must be limited to two pages.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $28.96 to $33.79 per hour, depending on qualifications. This position offers the stability of a federal role with generous benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance.
Federal retirement planning options.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
A low cost-of-living environment in Amarillo, Texas.
No state income tax.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages.
Be Specific: Explicitly state your experience with the tools and systems mentioned in the job description.
PDF Format: Save your documents as PDFs to maintain formatting integrity.

If you take pride in your craft and want to support the health and well-being of Veterans, we encourage you to apply. The Amarillo VA provides a unique opportunity to grow your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Apply today to help us continue providing the best care for those who served.

Why This Pipefitter Job Matters

Join the Amarillo VA Health Care System and play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports our nation’s heroes. We are looking for a skilled Pipefitter to ensure our medical facilities operate at peak performance.

Pipefitter Job Overview

The Amarillo Veterans Affairs Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Pipefitter to join our Engineering Service. In this essential role, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the facility’s piping systems—from installation and routine maintenance to complex troubleshooting and emergency repairs. You will work within a collaborative team environment to maintain high-pressure steam, medical gas, water, and fire suppression systems, ensuring a safe and functional environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors.

Requirements for Pipefitter

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply under specific policies).
Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages.
Possession of or ability to obtain a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license within one year of hire.
Capability to perform physical tasks including standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications for Pipefitter

Proven experience in commercial or residential plumbing and piping maintenance.
Technical proficiency in blueprint reading and interpreting complex piping specifications.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair high-pressure steam, natural gas, and medical gas systems.
Experience working safely in hospital environments or similar institutional settings.
Expertise in operating and maintaining trade-specific power tools and diagnostic equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly compensation
✓Federal leave accrual programs
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program
✓Supportive work environment in a low-cost-of-living area
✓Access to VA career advancement and training resources

💡 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.
Review the full job announcement and gather required documentation (e.g., DD-214, license).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume and necessary supporting documents as a PDF for best results.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your document meets all formatting and length requirements.
Tailor your resume to highlight your specific experience with pipefitting, troubleshooting, and safety protocols.
Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS profile.
Be specific—the VA does not make assumptions about your skills; explicitly state your experience with different piping systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this position?

The primary mission is to ensure the integrity, safety, and functionality of all piping systems within the Amarillo VA Health Care System, directly supporting the clinical environment for Veterans.

Do I need a license to apply?

You do not need a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) license at the time of hire, but you are required to obtain one within one year of your appointment date.

What are the physical requirements for this job?

This is a physically active role requiring standing, stooping, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. You may also work in uncomfortable positions, in tight crawl spaces, or outdoors.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The Amarillo VA Health Care System is a vital part of this mission, providing compassionate, high-quality care. Working here means joining a culture defined by our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.