Industrial Hygienist

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Plans and conducts evaluations of working operations involving potentially hazardous environmental conditions, analyzes findings, and recommends corrective measures and controls.
• Formulates specific recommendations for control of health hazards found.
• Participates in the review for new or modified facilities, processes, equipment and materials for evaluation of the adequacy of health hazard controls.
• Administers specific industrial hygiene programs for the facility.
• Leads industrial hygiene surveys and investigations to determine the nature and severity of hazards.
• Prepares technical reports identifying health hazards and recommends measures for the reduction or elimination.
• Conducts briefings with supervisors to discuss industrial hygiene programs, the findings from industrial hygiene evaluations, and the approach to be taken to mitigate hazards.
• Reviews VA / VHA publications, OSHA documents and regulations, the Federal Register, EPA regulations and other pertinent documents and interprets said regulations and guidance for development of management programs.
• Participates in the Facility Safety and Health Committee, Accident Review Board and Patient Safety Committee and chairs the Safety Patient Handling Committee.
• The SPHM Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous evaluation of the facility's program for SPHM in alignment with VHA Directive, policy and national oversight.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the entire facility as they relate to SPHM, including acquisition, development, analysis and presentation of planning data, economic demography, patient care, and work performance for use in planning efforts.
• Provides leadership in addressing ethical issues that impact the Veterans or staff involved with the SPHM Program.
• Evaluates compliance with The Joint Commission Standards, internal and external auditors regarding SPHM program, including staff education and development.
• Responsible for implementation of SPHM algorithms and will identify, propose, and oversee equipment to meet current and future needs for SPHM.
• Coordinate with the Patient Safety to implement evidence into practice for SPHM.
• Collaborate with Patient Safety and Occupational Safety, Health Care Technology and Logistics, Environment of Care and staff in equipment selection.
• Maintains coordination of the SPHM program throughout the Martinsburg VAMC.
• Collaborate with managers/service chiefs to develop a strategy for dissemination of information, education, and justification of the SPHM Program for facility staff.
• Develop, supervise, coordinate, and expand a lntraunit Resource and Instructor for Safety (IRIS) Program to facilitate facility-wide implementation of the SPHM Program. This program development will include education (at least annually), supervision (in collaboration with managers), and support of IRISs for progression of responsibility. The incumbent will anticipate new knowledge needs for changing practice and plans and implement/evaluate strategies to meet those needs.
• Conducts on-site inspections of worksites to identify and evaluate conditions which may be hazardous to workers' health.
• Conducts periodic workplace inspections in all organizations, buildings, and grounds to locate any hazards or potential hazards.
• Conducts ergonomic assessments of work environments and makes recommendations to improve worker comfort and reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
• Provide written and oral reports of findings and recommendations to abate or reduce hazards.
• Investigate accidents which may include those involving fatalities and serious injury. Investigate complaints of employees concerning work conditions. Check facility areas for possible unsafe conditions. Follow up to assure correction of all deficiencies found. Determine compliance with occupational health regulations, recognized standards, and agency governing references. Investigate exposures which may include those involving fatalities, serious injuries, and complaints by employees concerning work conditions.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Industrial Hygienist/PD19034O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Conditions of employment

• 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
• Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• 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 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 period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/11/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

Individual Occupational Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet this basic requirement.

• A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health sciences, occupational and environmental health, toxicology, safety sciences, or related science; OR
• A bachelor's degree in a branch of engineering, physical science, or life science that included 12 semester hours in chemistry, including organic chemistry, and 18 additional semester hours of courses in any combination of chemistry, physics, engineering, health physics, environmental health, biostatistics, biology, physiology, toxicology, epidemiology, or industrial hygiene; OR
• Certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (formerly American Board of Industrial Hygiene(external link) (ABIH)).

Note: Courses in the history or teaching of chemistry are not acceptable.

Industrial Hygienist GS-0690-11: In addition, you must qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples experience includes but is not limited to: Specifies goals and obstacles to achieving those goals, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses the best alternative in order to make a determination, draw conclusions or solve a problem. Use knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on the job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Effectively expresses information to multiple audiences through clear dissemination of information and ideas; actively listens to others and demonstrates understanding of their comments and/or questions. Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of health risk analysis; establish an exposure assessment strategy; collect basic characterization information (workplace, work force, and agents); assess exposure to the work force; prioritize health risks; implement monitoring and control strategies for unacceptable exposures; schedule and perform periodic reassessments; and document and communicate health risk exposure.OR
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond .

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Communication
• Compliance Inspection
• Hazardous Materials
• Health Risk Analysis

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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work will require, lifting, repositioning of up to 40 lbs. pounds on a regular basis utilizing SPHM technology and equipment. Duties are physical in nature, requiring standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting light to medium weight objects, and pushing wheelchairs. Requires the ability to carry light to medium weight items such as papers, books, or other supplies, as well as heavier items such as durable medical equipment. The incumbent needs to be able to handle the therapy equipment, modalities, and patient lifts for patient care activities and uses the computer and other standard office equipment to complete administrative tasks. During inspections or surveys, there is regular exposure to all the hazards and discomforts to which the workers are subjected. This may include toxic chemicals, physical stresses, and safety hazards. The employee must use a variety of protective equipment and clothing.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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; religions; 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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

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