Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including assisting with safety mishap investigations, analyzing hazards, assessing chemical safety procedures, and drafting safety operating procedures. Alternatively, a Ph.D. Or three years of progressively higher graduate education in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Safety, Chemistry, or related fields may substitute. For GS-12, you need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, such as managing a chemical safety program, investigating mishaps, evaluating emergency readiness, and developing safety policies. No education substitution is allowed at GS-12.

• Who May Apply: Current Civilian Employees of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, Military Spouses under E.O. 13473, Priority Placement Program (DoD MR/NG Technician, MSP, Disability Retirement, Retained Grade), and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
• GS-11 Specialized Experience: One year of experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent, including assisting with safety mishap investigations, analyzing hazards, assessing chemical safety procedures during inspections, and drafting safety operating procedures.
• GS-11 Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher graduate education in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Safety/Management, Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, or Emergency Planning and Response.
• GS-11 Combination: A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that totals 100% of the requirements.
• GS-12 Specialized Experience: One year of experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, including managing a chemical safety program, investigating mishaps to implement corrective actions, evaluating emergency readiness exercises, and developing safety management system policies.
• GS-12 Education: No substitution of education for experience is permitted.
• Time in Grade: Applicants who have held a GS position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade (GS-09 for GS-11, GS-11 for GS-12).
• Foreign Education: If using education from foreign institutions, you must provide an evaluation showing equivalency to U.S. accredited programs.
• Experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer service through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps).

Manage the Chemical Safety Program to ensure safe operations across all laboratory environments.

• Develop laboratory-specific safety policies and hazard risk assessments in collaboration with management and technical staff.
• Execute standard Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) functions to mitigate injury and illness.
• Investigate workplace mishaps to identify root causes and implement systemic corrective actions.
• Administer safety training, coordinate health screenings, and coordinate external agency audits.
• Review procurement requests and contracts for compliance with safety standards.
• Coordinate emergency management plans with the primary agency representative to align organizational safety readiness.

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation.

• Position is designated as Mission Essential; incumbent must report during emergencies, natural disasters, or contingency operations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; a background investigation and credit check are required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship required.
• One-year probationary period required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is mandatory.
• Selection subject to DoD referral system restrictions for displaced employees.
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized.

Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Advanced leave accrual may be authorized.
• Telework eligible as determined by agency policy.
• Potential recruitment incentives for highly qualified candidates.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• If you are a reemployed annuitant, see the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• For questions about the application process, contact the Army Applicant Help Desk.
• Address for correspondence: KF-DDAAFC DHA HQs, DO NOT MAIL, Falls Church, VA 22042.
• If you are a displaced federal employee eligible for ICTAP, you must submit appropriate documentation and be rated well-qualified (score 90 or above) to receive selection priority.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that enables the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a medically ready force and ready medical force to combatant commands. DHA manages the delivery of health care to approximately 9.6 million beneficiaries through the Military Health System. This position is within the DHA AD SP Public Health Activity, which focuses on public health and safety across military installations. The role directly supports the agency's mission by ensuring safe laboratory operations and compliance with occupational health standards.