Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist plans, schedules, and conducts difficult 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 plans, schedules, and conducts difficult 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. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducts safety surveillance audits and inspections on a frequent basis 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. As required, 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 which caused the accident. Performs as an experienced specialist in safety work that involves a combined approached to unusual or complex safety and occupational health management issues. 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 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 via contemporary communication means to all assigned areas. Determines areas for emphasis; develops or adapts material for safety campaigns and training courses and conducts technical training for personnel; assists operating officials in establishing safety committees, participates in committee meetings, and provides technical guidance and assistance. Ensures the distribution of information and guidance developed by accident prevention committees is distributed to all pertinent parties. Remains abreast of recent advances in safety and occupational health knowledge and technical know-how. Develops and prepares supplements to guidelines developed by higher authority and initiates written procedures implementing technical safety standards, codes, and safety requirements for a variety of operations or activities within the serviced area. Conducts comprehensive analytical surveys and/or studies of serviced safety programs. Reviews safety policies, procedures, and regulations published by serviced organizations. Works closely with all 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 possible application. Proposes plans that are well-developed and account for potential difficulties with alternative solutions and approaches. Provides necessary administrative support for the assigned safety program or program segment. Maintains records of all area 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. Ensures data integrity, manages data input, and guides operations in the accuracy and conformity of established standards. Works independently to establish workflow processes and implements necessary measures to assure quality control. Determines data needs, data processing requirements, and technical expertise needed in support of data management of accident records. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Safety and Occupational Health Specialist/PD06750A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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/.