The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. This Industrial Hygienist position falls under the Safety and Emergency Management service line at the VA Manchester Healthcare System. This position may be Non Competitively Promoted to the GS-09 and then GS-11 grade levels upon completion of the TCF Program.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirements (Basic Requirements) The education must be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: 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)). Courses in the history or teaching of chemistry are not acceptable. GS-07 grade level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-05) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Recognition, evaluation, corrective actions and elimination of environmental conditions in the workplace that causes sickness, impaired health or illness. This experience must demonstrate a professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of industrial hygiene and closely related sciences such as physics and engineering controls. Such work must have involved experience in all of the following areas: The acquisition of quantitative and qualitative data, and the measurement of exposures for a variety of chemical, physical and biological stresses; the analysis of the data acquired and the prediction of probable effects of exposures on the health and well-being of workers; and the selection and recommendation of appropriate controls, including management, medical, engineering, education or training and personal protective equipment. (Must be reflected on your resume.) OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed one year of progressively higher level education leading to a master's degree or a Master's or equivalent graduate level education. The degree must be in a field that will equip the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position being filled. (Transcripts must be provided). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of the defined education and experience to qualify for a GS-07 level. This may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the GS-07 grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the GS-07 grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for the GS-0711 grade level. IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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.
The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-11, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The incumbent serves as an Industrial Hygienist in the Safety and Emergency Management Service working with other occupational health, safety and environmental professionals. This is a career progressive position with various duties to access work practices and environmental conditions for hazards to the health and safety of workers. The Industrial Hygienist will orient to various equipment utilized to perform the functions of this position and processes related to the Safety and Emergency Management Service. They will work closely with and under supervision of the Service Chief and TCF Preceptor. Duties will be received from the Service Chief, Safety Specialists, and/or higher graded Industrial Hygienist as needed. Duties include working with Safety Office staff to conduct studies and follow-up on complaints, analyzing findings, and preparing various reports to be reviewed with the Service Chief and higher graded Industrial Hygienist. Environmental conditions involve a variety of hazards, e.g., chemical, noise, heat, actinic rays, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and other environmental physical agents. Assigned work includes mechanical spaces, clinical areas, laboratories, maintenance shops, hospital support areas, and outdoor work sites. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm. Position Description Title/PD#: Industrial Hygienist / PD00985A Physical Requirements: Industrial hygiene surveys are frequent and require the employee to carry moderately heavy equipment. Investigations also involve a good deal of standing, walking, and bending. Work Environment: The employee is exposed to a wide range of hazardous and unpleasant conditions during investigations, including toxic materials, high noise levels, and temperature extremes. Use of protective clothing and equipment is required. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.