Recent Graduate - Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

Occupational Safety and Health Administration • Arlington Heights, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a one-year appointment under the Department of Labor Recent Graduates program. The position is not remote; the selectee must report regularly in person to an assigned DOL office and may be eligible for telework as determined by management and agency policy. Upon successful completion of the program, the appointee may, at the agency’s discretion, be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. The position is in a bargaining unit. Duties and complexity vary by grade level, with assignments becoming more difficult and requiring less supervision as the employee progresses.

At the GS-07 level, the specialist participates on inspection teams led by higher-graded specialists, helps plan or conduct limited portions of investigations, researches mishap, injury, and equipment-maintenance records, audits employer safety and health records and documentation, supports legally sufficient investigation cases, photographs or videos apparent violations, assists with conferences and outreach, and responds to information requests about OSHA policies, regulations, and programs.

At the GS-09 level, the specialist assists with opening and closing conferences, conducts targeted outreach and explains OSHA legislation, regulations, and compliance activities, helps plan and conduct portions of inspections or compliance reviews, and analyzes selected plans, programs, procedures, inspections, citations, and reports to assess compliance with occupational safety standards and programs.

Applicants must satisfy the individual occupational requirement and grade-specific qualification requirements, as well as the Recent Graduates program eligibility rules. The position requires U.S. citizenship, a background investigation and necessary security/investigation level, a valid driver’s license, a medical examination and maintenance of physical requirements, and use of personal protective equipment. The appointee must sign a DOL Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. A transcript showing the date academic requirements were completed must be submitted. The position may require a drug test prior to appointment at GS-11 and GS-12 grade levels.

Requirements

• Meet the individual occupational requirement through qualifying undergraduate or graduate education, qualifying specialized experience, or an accepted certification. Qualifying education includes a major in safety or occupational health fields, or a related degree with at least 24 semester hours in specified or closely related disciplines.
• For GS-07, have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, one full year of progressively higher-level graduate education, superior academic achievement in a bachelor’s program, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, a qualifying master’s degree or two years of graduate education, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Meet Recent Graduates eligibility: complete a qualifying degree, certificate, or program within the previous two years, or meet the stated eligible-veteran exception.
• Be at least 16 years old and a U.S. citizen.
• Obtain the necessary security/investigation level and undergo a background investigation.
• Pass a medical examination and maintain physical requirements.
• Use required personal protective equipment.
• Lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Sign a DOL Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement.
• Submit an academic transcript showing the date the qualifying academic requirements were completed.
• Meet all legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Participate in inspection teams led by higher-graded specialists and assist with planning or conducting limited portions of investigations.
• Research records and files concerning mishaps, injuries, and equipment maintenance.
• Audit employer occupational safety and health injury records, safety plans, and program documentation.
• Document portions of investigations to support legally sufficient cases.
• Photograph and record videos of apparent violations of occupational safety and health standards.
• Assist with opening and closing conferences and outreach activities.
• Respond to requests for information about OSHA policies, regulations, and programs.
• Assist with opening and closing conferences involving management officials, employees, and employee representatives to review hazards and unsafe working conditions.
• Conduct targeted outreach and provide information on OSHA legislation, regulations, and compliance activities to varied audiences.
• Assist with planning and conducting portions of inspections or compliance reviews at establishments and worksites.
• Analyze selected plan changes, programs, procedures, inspections, citations, and reports to evaluate compliance with approved occupational safety standards and programs.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Incentives may be offered at management’s discretion.

What This Job Offers

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