Pipefitter Helper Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This position is located in the Plumbing Shop, Facilities and Engineering Service of the Wilmington VA Medical Center. Work involves installing, modifying and repairing new and existing interior and exterior high, medium and low-pressure steam distribution lines, condensate return and vacuum lines, hot water heating systems, medical vacuum and oxygen systems, fire protection systems, gas and water distribution systems and sanitary and storm sewer system.
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Duties
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MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position requires knowledge of how various high-pressure piping systems and equipment, such as steam heat, steam generation, and vacuum systems, radiators and circulating pumps are installed and operate. A knowledge of how various supply, disposal, utility systems and equipment such as water and gas systems, fire sprinkler equipment, and water closets are installed and operate.
Responsible to plan and layout the installation, modification and repair of various new and existing piping systems and equipment. Must be able to layout and install various kinds of piping, risers and flexible branches at the proper level and incline; determine the placement and elevation to install steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps, and radiators; replace heat exchangers and flash and expansion tanks. And lay out the routing, openings slant, and level of gas and water lines; location and arrangement of water closets, sinks and fire sprinkler equipment.
Requires the ability to interpret and apply building plans and blueprints, to use shop mathematics to lay out angles, arcs and circles. Requires knowledge and skill in any of the accepted trade methods and techniques for figuring pipe, joint, and valve sizes needed to support pressures of systems, aligning pipes, valves, fittings, joints for accurate match and installing proper braces and supports to control movement and vibration and to allow for expansion and contraction.
This position requires skill in the use of tools and equipment such as sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, chalk lines, plumb bobs, templates, star drills, grinders, flanges, hand and power pipe threaders and cutters, and pipe wrenches.
Responsible for performing duties in other areas of the M&R Section which do not necessarily require the knowledge and experience of an accomplished mechanic in that particular trade when situations arise such as, but not limited to: Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Work Overload and/or Union Matters.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD01857A
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/22/2026.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.