Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

Veterans Health Administration•Fargo, ND

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety & Occupational Health Specialist identifies, evaluates, and controls safety and health hazards and promotes safe, healthful working conditions. The role includes conducting surveys, coordinating with health and safety specialists, administering occupational, life, and fire safety programs, reviewing facility design plans for hazard control, investigating causes of occupational hazards, and providing education and training. The specialist develops and manages occupational safety and fire protection programs and advises leadership on measures to control or eliminate hazards. Work is self-directed and is primarily performed in an office, with recurring walk-through surveys that expose the specialist to industrial hazards. The position is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
For current federal employees who held a GS grade within the past 52 weeks: meet the GS-12 time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date, including 52 weeks at GS-11, and provide supporting SF-50 documentation.
Experience in or related to safety and occupational health that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position duties.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including recognizing hazards, surveying or inspecting working conditions, analyzing findings and recommending corrective controls, auditing for compliance, developing safety policies, and preparing occupational, life, or fire safety training.
Complete all required application steps, including the online assessment.
Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding requirements.
Register with Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
Participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
Physical activities during investigations and surveys can include carrying equipment, climbing, standing, walking, bending, using personal protective devices, and occasional work in confined spaces.
Work may involve exposure to chemicals, noise, dust, aerosols, fumes, and operating equipment; protective clothing or equipment, including respiratory protection, may be necessary.

Responsibilities

Develop, plan, implement, and manage a comprehensive occupational safety and fire protection program.
Direct the development of facility occupational, life, and fire safety policies, programs, and procedural documentation.
Conduct in-depth surveys and evaluations of working conditions and environments to assess hazardous exposures and the effectiveness of controls.
Review plans for new or modified facilities, processes, and materials to evaluate hazard controls.
Ensure compliance with applicable health care system guidelines and standards.
Ensure employees are appropriately protected from emerging hazards.
Provide education and training to health care system staff and other personnel on occupational, life, and fire safety program requirements.
Advise leadership, supervisors, managers, and safety committees on measures to control or eliminate potential hazards.
Compose correspondence responding to inquiries, deficiencies, and action plans concerning occupational, life, and fire safety programs.
Develop policies, programs, and procedures to improve safety conditions and reduce injuries.
Monitor contracts and scheduled work for fire suppression and protection systems.
Perform other duties as assigned.