Industrial Hygienist

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 Industrial Hygienist (TCF) trainee serves as an Industrial Hygienist in the Safety Office as a member of the Medical Center Director's office. The position shall serve as a backup to the Safety Officer. 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 major duties listed below represent the full performance level of a GS11. At the GS07 and GS09 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.

Perform various duties to access work practices and environmental conditions for hazards to the health and safety of workers.
Generally, work is auxiliary to a higher grade industrial hygienist.
Conduct surveys to identify and evaluate health hazards and potential health hazards. Surveys involve determining compliance with established threshold limit values (TLV), evaluating exposures, and advising on control measures and change in work procedures or schedules to comply with the established health requirements and to provide information for evaluation purposes.
Perform analysis using standard methods to determine nature and degree of toxic material present in a variety of materials such as environmental samples, body fluids, and industrial products.
Determine measurements to be made and methods to be used, calibrates and adapts various kinds of equipment, such as standard spectrophotometers, pH meters, and gas chromatographic apparatus.
Conduct studies of work operations and processes, examining work environments, analyzing findings, promulgating recommendations, and preparing various reports.
Consult with and advise occupational health personnel on matters of epidemiology relative to health hazards in the work area.
Regularly inspects the medical center to identify potential occupational health hazards and the need for further investigative studies and surveys.
Perform analysis to determine nature and degree of toxic material present. Interpret results of studies for the work environment in terms of possible impairment to health, nature of health impairment, potential for medical center damages, etc., and present specific conclusions and recommendations to appropriate management and health officials.
Determine the need for, and effectiveness of, control measures and changes in work procedures. Recommend procedures that will be suitable and effective for the environment.
Receive and disposes of hazardous wastes and maintains appropriate records in accordance with existing EPA standards, state law and VA regulations.
Prepares comprehensive and legally sufficient written reports of all monitoring activities performed which are subsequently incorporated into comprehensive reports prepared to assess the overall effectiveness of the industrial hygiene program.
Ensures proper documentation of employee exposures in medical records.





Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


Position Description Title/PD#:
Industrial Hygienist (Technical Career Field)/PD00985A and PD00985B


Physical Requirements
: 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. 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. Use of all appendages, good vision and hearing are necessary. Emotional and mental stability are 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.