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 fully funded (up to $10,000 per year) and 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.

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.

The 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.

Assignments will cover a variety of program areas including respiratory protection, hearing conservation, qualitative/quantitative exposure assessment, asbestos, lead, mold, indoor air quality, heat stress, hazard communication, and ergonomics.

Work schedule:
Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Compressed/Flexible Schedule:
Not Available

Telework:

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies.

This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Position Description Title/PD#:
Industrial Hygienist (TCF)
/PD00987A

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