SAFETY AND HEALTH OCCUPATION HEALTH SPECIALIST
About This Position
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary dependent upon the agreed upon duty location of the position. Locality pay tables can be found here.
Qualifications
CONTINUED FROM REQUIREMENTS SECTION Conditions of Employment for this Position: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will 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.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS The safety position supports USGS operations across the Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center and the Central Midwest Water Science Center by helping ensure safe working conditions for staff involved in monitoring, research, and delivery of water resource information, including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use data. The role helps safeguard employees performing fieldwork, laboratory activities, gaging station operations, and hydrologic research by assisting with regulatory compliance, identifying and reducing potential hazards, supporting emergency preparedness, and promoting safe practices that enable the Centers to carry out their mission of providing reliable, unbiased scientific information. - Participates in safety audits and inspections of offices, laboratories, vehicles, shops, storage areas, field stations, and other facilities, and provides support on workplace safety matters. - Maintains records of safety audits, recommendations, and annual inspection notices, and assists with follow-up to help ensure corrective actions are completed. - Prepares written summaries of findings and recommendations from inspections, site evaluations, and exposure assessments, and supports accident investigations and related reporting. - Works with inspection, abatement, and accident reporting systems and manages elements of occupational health programs such as medical monitoring, immunizations, and injury reporting. - Recommends practical hazard controls for fieldwork, laboratory settings, and higher-risk activities to reduce unsafe conditions. - Serves as the safety training coordinator, helping develop and deliver training programs, issuing safety communications, maintaining promotional materials, and tracking employee training completion. - Provides oral presentations on a range of safety and occupational health topics and coordinates refresher training reminders. - Supports safety and environmental compliance reviews; maintains applicable regulations, guidelines, procedures, and plans; and assists with emergency and continuity planning. - Interprets and applies OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and other relevant regulations and offers technical input when adjustments from standard practices are necessary. - Collaborates with management and technical specialists to develop OSH policies and procedures, participates in safety workgroups, and communicates recommendations to Center leadership. For GS-11: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in Federal service.
Specialized experience includes the ability to identify and assess potential risks across different work settings and to provide guidance to leadership, collateral duty safety personnel, and employees on safety and occupational health (OSH) matters. Experience may include assisting with the development of OSH programs, guidance, or goals, and supporting the use or administration of OSH information systems such as SMIS, IAS, DOI LEARN/TALENT, PHA databases, or similar systems. Work should demonstrate skill in conducting inspections, determining when exposure assessments may be needed, preparing clear and technically accurate inspection reports or guidance documents, and representing management in meetings where OSH requirements are discussed.
Experience should also include instructing employees on OSH subjects, preparing formal training materials, and contributing to new or enhanced training activities. Candidates should show the ability to participate in meetings, committees, or conferences with internal or external partners, and to recommend measures that help reduce or control hazardous conditions. This level of experience reflects progressively responsible OSH work performed with increasing independence.
OR
Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D.
OR
equivalent doctoral degree in safety, occupational health, or industrial hygiene.
OR
a Ph.D. degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hrs or the equivalent of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology. To be creditable, the education must have provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position to be filled.
OR
a combination of graduate education and specialized experience equivalent to the above. For GS-12: Applicants must meet the following to qualify for the GS-12 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in Federal service. Specialized experience includes providing technical advice and program support to leadership and safety personnel on a broad range of OSH issues.
This includes independently developing OSH plans, goals, or strategies; offering well-supported recommendations on resolving OSH concerns; and helping ensure safety program consistency across varied operations. Experience should include administering or providing advanced support for OSH information systems such as SMIS, IAS, DOI LEARN/TALENT, PHA databases, or similar systems to monitor trends, track corrective actions, and support management decisions. Experience leading or directing accident investigations, analyzing contributing factors, identifying prevention strategies, and preparing comprehensive written and verbal communication such as reports, policies, or technical documents.
Experience should include delivering training to audiences with differing levels of OSH knowledge. This level reflects full professional competence and the ability to provide well-informed guidance in safety and occupational health program management.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Major Duties
As a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist within the Oklahoma Texas Water Science Center and Central Midwest Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include: Conduct and assist in safety audits/inspections of all offices, laboratories, vehicles, shops, storage spaces, and gaging stations. Review accident reports and provide support to center staff in navigating proper accident procedures and policies. Serve as primary safety training coordinator and maintain employee training records.
Ensure that applicable safety regulations, guidelines, manuals, safety plan, and policy documents are readily available. Interpret and communicate safety policies to Center staff. Inspect field work sites and laboratories on a regular basis to ensure safety procedures are being followed and hazardous conditions are mitigated.
Physical Demands: The work requires frequent travel to visit sites requiring on-site inspection. Periodically, the incumbent is required to accompany field crews and carry sampling and test equipment. Work may require extended periods of walking and standing, climbing ladders, or working in inclement weather during surveys and inspections.
Work Environment: Work is primary performed in an office that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. During surveys, investigations, and inspections, the incumbent may be required to use a variety of personal protective clothing and equipment such as hard hats, face masks, and hearing protections.
Conditions of Employment
Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record. Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam. Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued. A background investigation will be required for this position.
Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active.
Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system. If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid State license & a copy of your driving record. Taking and passing a pre-employment medical examination at Federal expense is required due to the physical demands of this job. CONTINUED IN QUALIFICATION SECTION
Education
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements.
You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:https://www.usgs.gov/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs
How You Will Be Evaluated
--Resume Length: Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. --Basis of Rating: Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the result of the assessment required for this position.
Your responses must be substantiated by your resume. If you do not respond to the application questions you may be rated ineligible. Narrative Responses Assessment Required: If you meet the basic qualification and eligibility requirements of this position, you will be contacted via email after the vacancy announcement closes and given 5 calendar days to submit narrative responses to questions specific to this announcement.
The email will include the instructions and deadline in which the responses must be submitted. Subject-matter experts will use these narrative responses to further evaluate your knowledge, skills, abilities as they directly relate to the duties of this position. Failure to submit this information upon request will result in your disqualification from further consideration.
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that are being evaluated are: Describe your experience with conducting safety inspections of laboratories and gaging stations. (GS-11/12) Describe your experience with conducting accident investigations. Describe your involvement. (GS-11/12) Describe your experience with providing safety training. What systems or processes did you use when maintaining employee training records? (GS-11/12) Describe the types of documents that you've written (pamphlets, brochures, speeches, operating manuals, training manuals, etc).
What was the subject-matter? Who was the intended audience? (GS-11/12) Give an example where you have had to communicate with a variety of individuals, which may have involved explaining safety procedures, regulations, and processes. (GS-11/12) Describe you experience with laboratory inspections, aircraft, dive safety, hazardous waste disposal, traffic control/driving safety. (GS-12 Only) Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and awards during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review. --NOTE: If it is determined that you have rated yourself higher than is supported in your description of experience and/or education as described in your resume/application, or that your resume or application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered.
To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12930009
Additional Information
Other Information: This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in the advertised office or other U.S. Geological Survey offices in the local commuting area. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties. Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs.
Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position. USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a).
The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361. DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
As part of the application process, a series of four short essay questions will be included.
Applicants must certify that their own words were used to answer the questions. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Agency Benefits: USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies. Working for the U.S. Geological Survey offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; health, life, dental, vision, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
How to Apply
CONTINUED FROM REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SECTION Eligibility for Special Appointing Authorities If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under a special appointing authority, you must submit proof that supports your claim by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit proof, you will not receive consideration under the special appointing authority. Below is a list of the most common authorities and the documentation requirements.
If you're eligible for an authority not listed, you are responsible for submitting documentation that's appropriate for that specific authority. Additional information for all the authorities below can be found on the USAJobs Hiring Paths page. --30% or More Disabled Veteran - Submit a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy; and an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, etc. --Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) -
NOTE: The VRA authority only applies to positions at the GS-11 level or lower. Submit a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy; and if applicable, an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of a campaign badge or Armed Forces Service Medal, etc. --Individuals with Disabilities - Submit documentation issued by a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. --Military Spouse - Submit verification of active duty member of the armed forces (i.e. a copy of your spouse's orders verifying currently on active duty and verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); OR verification of the member's 100% disability (official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later)); OR verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). --Appointment of Certain Former Overseas Employees - Submit a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that confirms your eligibility and a performance appraisal from that period. --Peace Corps & VISTA - Former Peace Corps volunteers or VISTA members must submit their Certification of Volunteer Service. Present and former Peace Corps personnel must submit a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that confirms their eligibility. --Certain National Guard Technicians - Submit proof that confirms that you were involuntarily separated (other than by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency); you served at least 3 years as a technician; and are within 1 year of your separation date from service as a Guard Technician. --Public Land Corps (PLC) - Submit the signed Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring Status (PLC) issued by the PLC Coordinator for the organization where the creditable service was completed.
HOW TO APPLY: --Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance. --Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1)Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2)If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3)As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. 4)Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5)Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy. 6)Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
Required Documents
Required documents may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments. Resume Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text.
Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Supporting documents --Upload any supporting documents identified in the Key Requirements section or included below as it applies to your eligibility. Supporting documents may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments. Transcripts --If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.), which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration.
Please ensure that all documentation is legible. Due Weight for Performance --Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official.
The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. Due weight for performance applies to federal and non-federal work. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available.
Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level. Current & Former Federal Employees --If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee OR a former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level and step by the closing date of this announcement, or you will not receive consideration. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) --If you are claiming eligibility under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), you must submit proof that supports your claim.
This may include: A legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference or that shows length of service, AND that your character of military service is honorable. Additional information can be found in the VetGuide.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) & Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Eligibles --If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, the Servicing Human Resources Office must receive proof by the closing date of this announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330 Subpart F for CTAP and 5 CFR 330 Subpart G for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. This includes: copy of the agency notice; your most recent Performance Rating; and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. If you are a CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you will be considered well qualified if you earn a minimum score of 85 (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference points).
For more information on CTAP/ICTAP please click here. CONTINUED IN HOW TO APPLY SECTION