The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist plans, schedules, and conducts inspections in establishments and worksites where there is a strong probability of encountering hazardous work processes and materials, and unsafe environmental conditions, involving a substantial number of employees.
The incumbent serves in a developmental capacity at the GS-9 grade level. Key functions will be similar to those described at the full performance level of the target position.
However, during the developmental assignment, full performance range and level of selected functions will not be completely delegated to the employee until proper orientation and training have been completed and the incumbent has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to accomplish the work at the full performance level.
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.
Major Duties at the Full Performance Level GS-11: Specific duties include: -Conducts safety surveillance audits and inspections according to the required standards and regulations and depending on the degree of hazard. -Obtains immediate corrective action of conditions, which are of imminent danger to life or limb.-Investigates hazardous conditions, equipment, practices, etc.
to identify and analyze the nature and severity of hazards and possible remedial actions (i.e., elimination, correction, or protection). -Ensures corrective actions are initiated and consults with subject matter specialists and managers about changes in work processes and proposed methods to eliminate unnecessary risks and control hazardous conditions.
-Investigates or assist investigators in investigating accidents/mishaps, obtains witness statements, photographs the accident scene, records circumstances and extent of injuries, estimates cost of property damages, and prepares a report of findings which includes recommendations to correct unsafe acts or conditions.
-Plans, develops, and implements safety promotional and educational campaigns containing aspects of difficult issues that are designed to meet both general and specific goals of reducing accidental occurrences and meet unique local situations. -Promotes safety campaign and education materials; selects appropriate medium (i.e., lecture, campaign, safety meeting, posters, video, e-learning, brochures, training assembly, etc.) for use in promoting safety.
-Ensures that safety standards are published in appropriate training manuals and establishes necessary safety committees. -Researches various sources of information for promotional items and campaigns to initiate and maintain interest in accident prevention and occupational health for at-work and off-the-job employee activities.
-Updates educational and promotional informational bulletin boards and disseminates information.-Ensures the distribution of information and guidance developed by accident prevention committees is distributed to all pertinent parties. -Develops and prepares supplements to guidelines developed by higher authority and initiates written procedures implementing technical safety standards, codes, ad safety requirements for a variety of operations or activities.
-Works with personnel in the establishment of realistic safety requirements and compliance with applicable directives and regulations.-Evaluates technological changes in the workplace and recommends appropriate safety measures for application. -Maintains records of training, notifies supervisors when training is due, schedules training to include all shifts, and conducts training when requested or required.
-Creates and conducts area-specific safety hazard initiatives when needs dictate. -Maintains long-term historical safety records and notes trends or changing conditions that warrant revision of safety procedures. -Assists in the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling information used in safety databases. -Determines data needs, data processing requirements, and technical expertise needed in support of data management of accident records.
-Works with processing plans for accident records and the record systems to handle, control, operate, store, check and retrieve data.-Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist/PD14022A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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/.
christina.dietzen@va.gov · 765-231-5578
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $61722 – $97087/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-24.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
Apply on official site →