Industrial Hygienist

The Technical Career Field (TCF) program represents technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success. 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, commitment to training and 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 potentially leading to GS-11 for the successful incumbent. Expectations and duties are to perform assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. See below for promotion information.

Trainee serves as Industrial Hygienist (IH) in VISN 21 Occupational Safety and Health Program under mentorship of the network Industrial Hygiene Program Manager. This is a career progressive position with various duties to gain knowledge of work practices and environmental conditions for a large scope of hazards to improve health and safety of workers. Trainee will assist during industrial hygiene review and other duties, as appropriate as designated in the training program.

Major duties listed below represent the full performance level at GS-11. At GS-7 level, performance of assignments includes a more limited scope with less independence. Knowledge and background experience necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11 occurs progressively. Promotion is at the discretion of supervisor and contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.

Following are some duties expected at the full performance level:
Ability to perform various duties to identify and evaluate work practices, environmental conditions, and injury and illness risk to protect the health and safety of workers.
Conduct IH surveys to evaluate potential exposures, determine compliance with established occupational exposure limits, and advise on control measures and changes in work procedures or schedules to comply with established health requirements to reduce or limit hazards. Surveys will provide information for documentation and evaluation purposes.
Perform analysis to determine nature and degree of toxic material present. in a variety of materials, such as personal and environmental samples, and industrial products. Interpret results of studies for work environment in terms of possible impairment to health, nature of health impairment, potential for medical center damage, and present specific conclusions and recommendations to appropriate management and health officials.
Determine measurements to be made and methods to be used to evaluate hazards. Calibrate and readily use various kinds of IH equipment, including, but not limited to sound level meters, air monitoring equipment, heat stress instruments, quantitative respiratory protection fit-testing devices, ventilation measurement tools, photoionization meters and similar type equipment.
Conduct studies of work operations and processes, examine work environments, analyze findings, propose recommendations, and prepare various reports in order to communicate hazards to management and workers.
Consult with and advise occupational health personnel on matters of epidemiology and toxicology relative to health hazards.
Regularly inspect work areas to identify potential occupational health and safety hazards and the need for further investigative studies and surveys.
Determine need for and effectiveness of control measures and changes in work procedures. Recommend procedures suitable and effective for the environment and feasible for the mission.
Assist in receipt and disposal process of hazardous waste and maintain appropriate records in accordance with existing EPA standards, state law and VA regulations.
Prepare legally sufficient written reports of monitoring activities performed and incorporate into comprehensive reports prepared to assess overall effectiveness of the IH program.
Ensure proper notification of employee exposures and coordinate documentation of employee exposures in medical records.
Provide training and education to staff as needed regarding worker exposures and hazards in the workplace including proper use of controls, work practices, and PPE.



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


Telework
: Not suitable


Remote:
Not remote position.


Promotion Potential:
GS-11. Selectee may be promoted to 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.




Position Description Title/PD#: Industrial Hygienist (Technical Career Field)
/PD00987A