Qualification Standards
Position Description
List of Positions U.S.Postal Service

PLUMBER (P7-08)
OCCUPATION CODE: 4206-02XX
BARGAINING UNIT QUALIFICATION STANDARD
4200D
(4206-02XX)
 
PLUMBER
 
DOCUMENT DATE: July 14, 2013
 

 
FUNCTION:
 
Performs maintenance, repair, and replacement of plumbing fixtures, equipment, supply and disposal systems, and heating systems.
 
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
 
See the Standard Position Description for the Occupation Code given above.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:
 
This section is composed of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs) that are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks of the position. Individuals must demonstrate that they possess a sufficient level of each KSA, to include at least minimum competency for senior-qualified positions to enable them to perform these tasks satisfactorily. Successful completion of the applicable testing and interview procedure (s) is sufficient to demonstrate the KSAs listed below. In certain circumstances, applicants may demonstrate these levels by describing examples of experience, education, or training, any of which may be non- postal.
 
1 Ability to demonstrate mechanical comprehension to learn and apply mechanical principles, including a working knowledge of basic mechanical operations (such as levers and pulleys) and the application of physical laws (such as force and gravity). This includes knowledge in the following areas: (A) Power transmission--such as gears, sprockets and chains, belts and pulleys; (B) Power translation--such as cams and cam followers, linkages, springs; (C) Friction reduction'such as bushings, bearings; (D) Fasteners--such as screws, nuts and bolts, pins, rings, clips, couplings. 4 Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and security procedures for performing maintenance work This includes knowledge of industrial hazards (e.g., mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronic) and procedures and techniques established to avoid injuries to self and others such as lock out devices, protective clothing, and waste disposal techniques. 7 Knowledge of cleaning and lubrication materials and procedures including storage, preparation and disposal and proper Personal Protective Equipment; this includes knowledge related to: (A) Lubrication materials--such as oils, greases, etc., (B) Lubrication procedures--as in application techniques, storage, disposal, etc., This also includes knowledge related to: (A) Cleaning materials - such as alcohols, solvents, detergents, degreasers and (B) Cleaning procedures - as in hand methods, machine methods (compressed air, vacuum cleaners). 8 Knowledge of the techniques related to one or more skilled trades including metalwork, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, painting, or welding. This may include, as required for a particular job, knowledge of: (A) METALWORK: Machine maintenance applications - such as heat treating, tempering, machining, bending, etc.; (B) CARPENTRY: Wooden structures and projects--as in constructing, framing, repairing, finishing, etc.; (C) MASONRY: Materials--such as mortar, concrete, stucco, plaster, brick etc. and techniques and procedures--as in construction and repair projects; (D) PLUMBING: Installation - as in pipes, tubing, and float valves. etc., Repairs - as in flush and float valves, etc. and Cleaning - as in drains; (E) PAINTING: Materials - such as enamels, varnishes, plastics, stains, sealants, decals, etc., Procedures - as in surface preparation, application techniques, etc. and equipment; (F) WELDING: Appropriate gas and electric cutting, welding, and brazing techniques and procedures used in equipment and machine maintenance applications; or (G) ELECTRICAL: installation and maintenance of electrical components such as circuits, relays, switch, breakers. This may require soldering. Ability to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly; to solve practical problems by selecting from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages. 16 Ability to think of possible causes for problems and find solutions; to choose the best course of action; to make a decision without delay when the opportunity arises or when all desired information is not available. 17 Ability to learn and comprehend new or unfamiliar material; to use multiple approaches to grasp or learn the implication of new information; to quickly incorporate information and ideas. 18 Ability to comprehend spatial relations as required performing maintenance work; to form three-dimensional mental pictures of objects; to know what an object would look like when viewed from a different angle; to determine if something will fit in a specified area. This may include the ability to use technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, blueprints and schematics). 19 Ability to read and comprehend job related written materials; this also includes the ability to locate, read, and comprehend text material such as handbooks, manuals, bulletins, directives, checklists, and route sheets. 20 Ability to communicate work related information in writing to complete forms or provide routine and technical information (e.g., in business letters, reports, e-mails, memos and technical reports/documents). 21 Ability to follow oral and written directions, instructions, rules, policies and/or procedures correctly and in order. 22 Ability to speak to others in a clear, concise, and organized manner to convey information effectively; to respond to questions appropriately; to listen to what other people are saying and ask questions to ensure understanding refers to receiving/transmitting oral information (such as equipment status, recommended repairs or modifications, parts usage, and technical procedures) to/from maintenance, operations, and other personnel. 23 Ability to adjust to new conditions, situations or technology; to move easily from one topic to another; to accept change; to be flexible with regard to viewpoint. 24 Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with teams; to help others; to accept suggestions; to treat others with dignity and respect. 25 Ability to demonstrate organizational commitment to the public service goals and mission of the Postal Service. 26 Ability to be conscientious to carry out job tasks; to be responsible and dependable; to take care in performing routine and novel tasks; to track details; to check that all work is accurate and complete; to record information accurately 27 Ability to work independently; to remain focused to produce quality work under time pressure or other stressors. 28 Ability to work from heights refers to the ability to perform safely and efficiently the duties of the position above floor level such as from ladders, catwalks, walkways, scaffolds, vert-a-lifts, and platforms. 29 Knowledge and ability to use various hand or portable power tools in performing mechanical, electrical, electronic or other maintenance work; this may include the use of shop power equipment. This ability includes the safe and efficient use and maintenance of such tools as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, chisels, punches, taps, dies, rules, gauges, and alignment tools; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, various power tools; the ability also involves the safe and efficient use and maintenance of power tools such as drills, saws, sanders, and grinders; refers to the knowledge of, and proficiency with, shop machines such as bench grinders, drill presses, and table/band saws. 30 Knowledge and ability to use test equipment, gauges or tools to take measurements and/or to take measurements with electrical or electronic test equipment (such as VOMs, oscilloscopes, amprobes) to perform maintenance work; this includes various types or maintenance equipment and may monitoring the operation of a system or machine or use of data networking test equipment.
 
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:
 
Applicants must successfully complete Postal Service Test 955, for the Building/All Other job group, which measures maintenance knowledge, skills and abilities.
 
In addition, applicants must successfully complete a structured interview evaluation.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
Applicants must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation which may require arduous exertion involved prolonged standing, walking, bending and reaching, and may involve handling heavy objects, e.g., tools and equipment up to the allowable weight. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
 
Applicants who qualify under this standard may be required to satisfactorily complete a prescribed training course(s) prior to assignment, reassignment or promotion.
 
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:
 
(A) Applicants must be able to operate powered industrial equipment. (B) For positions requiring driving, applicants must have a valid state driver's license, and demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record.

Doc Date: 01/01/2014   Occ Code: 4206-02XX