Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-12 LEVEL YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in Federal Service that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, GS-12. Qualifying specialized experience includes: Managing safety or occupational health program elements. Developing and recommending safety and occupational health policy to higher levels of management. Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements. Developing safety and occupational health standards, regulations, practices, and procedures to eliminate or control potential hazards. Developing or implementing programs to reduce the frequency, severity, and cost of accidents and occupational illnesses. Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards. Designing or modifying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards. Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards. Training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects. Work in occupational fields such as industrial hygienist, safety engineer, fire prevention engineer, health physicist, and occupational health nurse. Qualifying specialized experience includes what is stated above, as well as: assignments being performed independently, with little or no supervision, only consulting with the supervisor when unusual problems are encountered; recognizing potential hazards associated with a variety of operations and processes; conducting surveys/inspections of working conditions to determine nature of hazardous exposures; analyzing findings to recommend or develop corrective/control measures; auditing for compliance with established guidelines; developing policies to improve safety conditions; and preparing training concerning occupational, life, and/or fire safety. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Investigations and surveys involve moderate physical exertion, including carrying equipment, climbing, standing, walking, and bending, as well as use of personal protective devices and occasional work in confined spaces. Work Environment: The work involves exposures to all the hazards and discomforts including chemicals, noise, dust, aerosols, fumes, and operating equipment. Protective clothing or equipment, including respiratory protection, may be necessary. Much of the work is performed in an office setting, although exposure to industrial hazards is expected multiple times weekly during walk-through surveys conducted individually or conducted as part of a larger study. Work is self-directed at this level. The Safety & Occupational Health Specialist position is located at the Royal C Johnson Veterans Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. They perform a variety of functions related to the identification, evaluation, and control of safety and health hazards and to the promotion of healthful and safe working conditions. The work includes surveys; coordination with other health and safety specialists; administration of occupational, life, and fire safety programs.

Position Details

• Job Title: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
• Company / Organisation: Veterans Health Administration
• Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Field / Industry: Healthcare
• Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

About This Opportunity

This full-time opportunity at Veterans Health Administration is an excellent opening for experienced professionals in the field of healthcare and medicine. The role is structured around an on-site or hybrid environment based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is designed for candidates who are ready to make a meaningful contribution from the moment they join.

Based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local team in a structured professional environment. Candidates currently based in the area or open to relocation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Whether you are an established practitioner in healthcare and medicine or a highly skilled professional looking for your next challenge, this Safety & Occupational Health Specialist role offers the platform to apply your expertise in a real-world, results-oriented environment. Veterans Health Administration is looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running and add genuine value to the team.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates who have a solid background in healthcare and medicine and a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality results. You should possess clinical competence, compassion, precision, and a commitment to patient safety and best-practice care. Experience working with electronic health record (EHR) systems, diagnostic tools, and clinical management platforms will be an advantage, though a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is equally valued.

Beyond technical or domain expertise, Veterans Health Administration is looking for someone who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and takes ownership of their work from start to finish. If you thrive in a professional environment and are passionate about the opportunity to improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community, we encourage you to apply.

Key Competencies for This Role

Successful candidates for the Safety & Occupational Health Specialist position at Veterans Health Administration will typically demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Domain expertise - a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in healthcare and medicine
• Problem-solving ability - the capacity to identify challenges, think critically, and implement practical solutions efficiently
• Communication skills - clear and professional communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners at all levels
• Self-management - strong time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload while meeting deadlines
• Team collaboration - a collaborative and supportive approach to working alongside colleagues across departments or locations
• Adaptability - the ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment

How to Apply

To apply for this Safety & Occupational Health Specialist position at Veterans Health Administration, click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be taken directly to the official application page where you can complete and submit your application.

Before applying, please ensure that your CV or résumé is fully up to date and clearly highlights your experience and accomplishments in healthcare and medicine. If a cover letter is included or requested, tailor it specifically to this role and explain how your background, skills, and goals align with what Veterans Health Administration is looking for in a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist.

All applications for this role are processed directly by Veterans Health Administration. Career Nest facilitates the job discovery process and does not pre-screen or forward applications on behalf of employers. There are no fees for job seekers at any stage of the application process.

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