Launch Your Career as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist at the VA
Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation’s Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join the team at the VA Boston Healthcare System in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. This is an exciting opportunity to help maintain a safe, secure, and compliant environment for one of the most respected healthcare networks in the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, your daily mission is to mitigate risks and ensure that every facility remains a safe space for care. Key responsibilities include:
- Surveillance and Inspection: Conducting frequent safety audits and workplace surveys to identify hazards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring facility operations align with NFPA, Joint Commission, and OSHA standards.
- Investigation: Analyzing accident reports, recording injury circumstances, and recommending corrective actions.
- Policy Development: Drafting and updating safety policies to improve site-wide practices.
- Training: Educating staff and supervisors on safe work practices and prevention measures.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-11 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
- Completion of specific safety or occupational health educational requirements.
- Successful completion of an online assessment.
- Ability to pass a background investigation.
Salary and Comparison
The position offers a competitive salary based on the GS-11 pay scale, reflecting the technical nature of the role.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $84,579 - $109,959 per year |
| Job Series | 0018 (Safety & Occupational Health) |
| Schedule | Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| Location | Jamaica Plain, MA |
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal life. These include:
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Insurance: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and life insurance options.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling and ad-hoc telework eligibility.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to two pages and use clear, results-oriented language.
- Documentation: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure you upload the correct SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade eligibility.
- Assessments: Do not underestimate the time required for the online assessment; set aside at least three hours.
Serving as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our heroes. If you possess the experience and dedication required, apply today to start your journey with the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Join the VA Boston Healthcare System as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist and play a critical role in safeguarding those who serve our nation's Veterans.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join its Facilities Management team in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. This full-time position involves developing, implementing, and overseeing safety programs to ensure a secure environment for staff and Veterans. You will conduct complex inspections, analyze hazards, and collaborate with diverse teams to maintain regulatory compliance and promote a culture of safety excellence.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
- Must be able to perform physical site surveys (standing, walking, climbing, bending, etc.).
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Must be able to provide required SF-50 documentation (if current or former federal employee).
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination or an approved exemption is required for health care personnel.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Demonstrated experience in managing complex safety and occupational health program elements.
- Proven ability to interpret and apply OSHA, NFPA, and Joint Commission standards.
- Experience in conducting analytical surveys and hazard assessments in clinical or construction environments.
- Strong communication skills for training staff and consulting with facility management.
- A degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or related STEM fields.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary
- âś“Comprehensive Health Insurance
- âś“Federal Retirement System (FERS)
- âś“Generous Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
- âś“Predictable and Flexible Scheduling Options
- âś“Ad-hoc Telework Opportunities
- âś“Career Advancement and Leadership Development
đź’ˇ How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
- Complete the required online assessments if prompted.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details duties, month/year dates, and hours worked per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance with the two-page limit.
- Save and upload your documents in PDF format for the best results.
- Submit your application well before the cut-off date to avoid last-minute issues.
- Highlight specific experience related to construction site safety and regulatory inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, ad-hoc telework may be authorized, which will be discussed during the interview process.
What is the education requirement for this role?
You need a degree in a safety-related field, or a degree in another field supplemented by 24 semester hours of specific coursework in areas like industrial hygiene, engineering, or public health.
What is the initial referral cut-off date?
The initial cut-off for application review is May 13, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered as vacancies become available.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As part of the VA Boston Healthcare System, you will operate within a culture defined by the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.