Industrial Hygienist

Veterans Health Administration • Pittsburgh, PA

14d • Onsite

About The Position

The Industrial Hygienist works in the Safety Department of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS), under the supervision of the Chief of Safety. VAPHS is a university-affiliated medical center spanning approximately 180 acres across two geographically separated campuses. The position manages VAPHS industrial hygiene programs and supports the safety of patients, visitors, and staff by identifying, evaluating, monitoring, and controlling workplace hazards.

The Industrial Hygienist oversees programs addressing chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic stressors; evaluates work processes and materials; investigates work-related health concerns; and recommends corrective measures. The role develops employee screening protocols, occupational health directives and educational materials, and provides technical guidance to facility committees and leadership. The position may take immediate action when hazardous conditions threaten people, equipment, or buildings, and participates in facility, VISN, and agency-wide projects related to industrial hygiene policies and programs.

This is a non-virtual position with a Monday-through-Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is supervised by the Chief of Safety.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement through one of the following: a bachelor's or graduate/higher degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health sciences, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, safety sciences, or a related science; a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, or life science with 12 semester hours in chemistry (including organic chemistry) and 18 additional semester hours across specified related subjects; or certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing.
• Must meet the specialized experience requirement through one year of qualifying experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education, or an eligible combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
• Qualifying specialized experience must involve workplace environmental conditions that cause sickness, impaired health, or illness, and demonstrate professional knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and related sciences such as physics and engineering controls.
• Specialized experience includes acquiring quantitative and qualitative data; measuring exposure to chemical, physical, and biological stressors; analyzing data and predicting probable health effects; and selecting or recommending management, medical, engineering, education or training, and personal protective equipment controls.
• Courses in the history or teaching of chemistry are not acceptable for the specified education requirement.
• Transcripts are required when relying on education or a combination of education and experience to qualify.
• Must complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must undergo a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Physical requirements do not inherently include demands essential to successful performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment; a pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Must meet the qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of November 2, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive industrial hygiene program that recognizes, evaluates, and monitors chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic workplace stressors.
• Maintain a current industrial hygiene library and stay current with new codes and regulations.
• Identify improvement opportunities through hazard identification, evaluation, implementation of solutions, and monitoring.
• Make decisions and commitments regarding assigned programs, referring matters to higher management when needed.
• Evaluate existing and proposed work processes and materials, particularly in experimental operations, to ensure adequate prevention of occupational disease hazards.
• Perform ergonomic assessments of existing and proposed work processes and recommend ways to alleviate ergonomic stressors.
• Investigate work-related health problems, including allergic or environmental reactions, and determine corrective measures.
• Establish programs and protocols for physical screening of employees exposed to particular toxic materials or physical hazards.
• Develop directives, laboratory procedures, and information bulletins related to the VAPHS occupational health program.
• Participate in major facility, VISN, and agency-wide projects and activities concerning industrial hygiene policies and programs.
• Ensure internal industrial hygiene and occupational safety and health codes, standards, and regulations are practiced consistently, and recommend changes to address deficiencies.
• Take necessary immediate action when hazardous conditions threaten personal safety or pose danger to equipment or buildings.
• Review findings with facility management and employee groups, prepare formal findings and hazard-control recommendations, and participate in negotiating corrective actions with facility managers and labor unions.
• Provide expert and consultative technical assistance to VAPHS committees, work groups, task forces, senior leadership, and the Incident Command Team on industrial hygiene matters.
• Plan and direct health education to inform VAPHS personnel about preventing occupational disease and their role in controlling hazards.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families.
• VA may credit newly appointed federal employees for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level