Summary The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist works with supervisors, union officials, and safety and occupational health committees to eliminate or control hazardous operations or conditions. Safety and occupational health specialists perform nonsupervisory work in one or more of the following areas: inspecting, investigating, recording, analyzing, and reporting. Their work is also characterized by the need to develop educational material and techniques. Responsibilities This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11. At the GS-7 and GS-9 grade level, the employee performs assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds Duties include but not limited to: The incumbent of this position is responsible for safety program planning and implementation. Employee will complete regulatory program documentation and lead facility self-assessments, inspections and other safety-related investigations for VAPORHCS facilities, CBOCs, other extended programs within the VAPORHCS. He/she is responsible for assuring a safe work and patient care environment through interaction with service chiefs, department heads, supervisors and employees and by keeping abreast of changes in standards, laws and regulations that may affect work practices in the care environment. The incumbent provides advice and information on occupational safety and life (fire) safety matters to top hospital officials, service chiefs and first line supervisors. He/she collects pertinent fire safety and health information and presents authoritative detailed reports used in informing the Medical Center Safety and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) of occupational and fire safety reports/standards/requirements, regarding fire code compliance related issues. Some areas of responsibilities are as follows: The employee administers safety and occupational health programs to assure compliance with applicable standards and requirements. They are responsible for drafting, revising and maintaining of all Occupational Safety policies to ensure they are accurate and identify any changes to policies and regulations. The employee advises senior level management officials on the implementations needed within the assigned area on the status of the safety and occupational health programs and recommends changes in the design of work programs to meet new safety and occupational health standards. The employee periodically, confers with safety and occupational health specialists external to the facility to identify hazards related to new laboratory equipment or other areas and to become familiar with evolving techniques and protective devices for controlling or eliminating potential safety hazards. The employee independently schedules surveys of VA buildings and offices to identify and evaluate risks involving a wide variety of work environments; determines the extent to which mechanical and physical conditions comply, and makes decisions regarding adherence to established safety policies and procedures. The employee directs investigations of accidents, analyzing precipitating factors and accident cause data in order to develop specific methods for prevention. He/she also consults with specialists from related occupations concerning work process modifications and recommends corrective or remedial safety measures. Employee is responsible for implementation and maintenance of the Environment of Care rounds and program and the implementation of the medical centers construction safety program, that includes the JC Statement of Conditions (SOC's) program. The employee trains other employees and lower grade occupational safety and industrial hygiene staff, providing instruction on a variety of subjects, including chemical, biological, or physical safety topics. He/she adapts various available media to fit special and unique training requirements and participates in the development of novel or innovative safety training and promotion activities. The employee participates in the facility Safety, Accident Review Board (ARB), and/or Environment of Care (EOC) committees. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Compressed/Flexible: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Safety and Occupational Health Specialist/PD21466A, PD21467A, and PD21468A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized to highly qualified candidate. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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 dentification 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, 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 the basic requirements, time-in-grade and specialized experience requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 05/26/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Basic Requirement: All applicants must meet the basic requirements as listed below: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology. OR, Specialized Experience: Experience in or related to safety and occupational health that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Managing safety or occupational health program elements; Developing and recommending safety and occupational health policy to higher levels of management; Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements; Developing safety and occupational health standards, regulations, practices, and procedures to eliminate or control potential hazards; Developing or implementing programs to reduce the frequency, severity, and cost of accidents and occupational illnesses; Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards; Designing or modifying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards; Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards; Training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects; Work in occupational fields such as industrial hygienist, safety engineer, fire prevention engineer, health physicist, and occupational health nurse. OR, Certificates: Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP), or similar certification that included successful completion of a written examination meets the requirements for GS-5. Applicants may also qualify for higher grade levels based on their education and/or experience. You may qualify based on your specialized experience and/or education as described below: For GS-7: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Analyzing accident and injury reports, studies data to discover trends and mishap causes, and develop recommendations for eliminating or controlling the hazards detected. Performing surveys to identify and evaluate hazardous medical facility operations and conditions. Conducting inspection of facilities that include the use of machine guards, chemical storage areas, and a variety of related hazardous working conditions. Drafting reports of findings proposing corrective measures for unsafe conditions and hazardous work practices. OR, Education: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) Combination: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) For GS-9: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Administering safety and occupational health programs to ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements. Advising senior level management officials on the implementations needed within the assigned area relating to safety and occupational health programs. Recommending changes in the design of work programs to meet new safety and occupational health standards. Determining the extent to which mechanical and physical conditions comply, and making decisions regarding adherence to established safety policies and procedures. Analyzing factors and accidents cause data to develop specific methods for prevention, implementation and maintenance. OR, Education: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) Combination: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) For GS-11: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Performing inspections of the facility, and construction work site to identify hazards which could cause serious injury (accident or illness) to staff, patients, contractors, or the public. Inspecting work areas to determine and ensure compliance. Researching and evaluating the appropriate guidelines pertaining to safety and occupational health. Recommending specific techniques (methods, procedures, training) to ensure countermeasures are in place to eliminate or control unsafe acts or conditions. Advising management and the general employee population of safety policies and actions taken or needed to control hazards such as fires, falls, electrical, asbestos, noise, and unsafe work practices. Reviewing and conducting investigations of accidents resulting in injury, property damage or lost time and preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual accident reviews and reports. Conducting supervisory and employee training programs in safety and occupational health. Initiating and carrying out safety education activities, promoting safety awareness through safety councils, preparing brochures and newsletters explaining job safety procedures, and meeting with specialized equipment operators (e.g., forklift operators), to discuss safe and unsafe work practices. OR, Education: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) Combination: See Education Tab. (TRANCRIPTS REQUIRED) Preferred Experience: 2 years experience in a hospital setting preferred. Education For GS-7: Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed at least one (1) full academic year (18 semester hours), of graduate level education in an accredited college or university. OR Superior Academic Achievement: This provision recognizes students who have achieved superior academic standing as evidenced by one of the three methods described below. It is to be used to determine eligibility for applicable GS-7 level positions of persons who have completed (or expect to complete within 9 months) all the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum related to the position. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies . Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only education beyond a bachelor's degree or 120 credit hours (i.e., beyond the third year is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement). One full academic year of study/30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience may be used to qualify applicants at grade GS-7. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-7. For GS-9: Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed: a master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR an LL.B; OR J.D. in a related field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position; OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Applicants must have successfully completed graduate level education with a major appropriate to the position (in excess of the first year or 18 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. For example, 6 months of experience at GS-7 plus 1 year of graduate-level education may qualify you for this GS. For GS-11: Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR an LL.M. if related that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position; OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Applicants must have an equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education (in excess of the two years or 36 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. For example, an applicant has 9 months of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 and 2 1/2 years of creditable graduate level education. The applicant meets 75 percent of the required experience and 50 percent of the required education, i.e., the applicant has 1/2 year of graduate study beyond that required for GS-9. Therefore, the applicant exceeds the total requirement and is qualified for the position. Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license. A TRANSCRIPT must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. 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. 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
