Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

• Focus: Safety, occupational health, biosafety, and select agent compliance

Description

Manage and implement safety, occupational health, biosafety, and select agent compliance programs across APHIS facilities. Conduct inspections, investigate incidents and releases, develop corrective action plans, and create or update safety and emergency procedures. Deliver training, certify competencies, oversee select agent inventory control, and provide technical consultation to reduce workplace hazards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement comprehensive safety, occupational health, biosafety, and select agent compliance programs

• Perform safety/health/biosafety/select agent inspections and surveys; identify hazards; develop corrective actions

• Investigate accidents, incidents, releases, thefts, losses, and inventory discrepancies related to hazards or select agents

• Develop and implement safety, biosafety, and select agent policies, plans, and procedures (including biosafety plans, security plans, emergency response plans, and hazard communication plans)

• Deliver training and ensure compliance with training requirements, respirator programs, and medical monitoring

• Oversee inventory control and accountability for biological select agents and toxins; conduct compliance reviews and coordinate on security and emergency matters

• Provide technical consultation and collaborate with industrial hygiene, ergonomics, environmental protection, and other specialists to reduce hazards

Requirements

• US citizenship or US National

• Selective Service registration or exemption (if applicable)

• Satisfactory background investigation/fingerprint check

• Successful completion of the one-year probationary period (unless previously served)

• Direct deposit

• Pass E-Verify

• Valid state driver’s license at time of application

• Enrollment in Continuous Vetting

• Meet GS-11 education and/or specialized experience qualifications (safety/occupational health/industrial hygiene related coursework and/or specialized experience, or qualifying advanced degree)

• Submit transcripts when required to demonstrate qualifying coursework/degree or education + experience

Benefits

A federal government comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the position type and work schedule.