Become a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Indian Health Service
Are you a safety professional with a passion for public health and a desire to serve? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join the team in Parker, Arizona. This role is pivotal in maintaining the safety and regulatory standards of a critical access hospital and multiple regional health centers.
Job Responsibilities
As the Safety Officer for the Colorado River Service Unit, you will manage a comprehensive environmental health and safety portfolio. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations.
- Directing hospital emergency response, fire safety, and security planning.
- Conducting risk analysis surveys and environmental monitoring.
- Leading staff training in occupational safety, health, and infection control.
- Evaluating emergency management exercises based on identified operational vulnerabilities.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Completion of a federal background investigation
- Meeting the GS-12 qualification standards through specialized experience or education
- Ability to provide proof of Identity (REAL ID compliant)
Salary and Benefits
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 – $116,362 per year |
| Pay Scale | GS-12 |
| Recruitment Incentive | May be authorized (subject to agreement) |
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume explicitly describes how your past experience matches the specialized requirements of this role.
- Assessment Readiness: Set aside two hours to complete the required USA Hire assessment.
- Stay Organized: Track your application via the USAJOBS dashboard to ensure no documents are missing.
If you are ready to apply your expertise in safety and risk management to support tribal health outcomes, we encourage you to apply. This role offers not just a career, but a chance to contribute to a vital, community-focused mission.
Why This Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Protect the health of our communities and contribute to a mission-driven healthcare mission as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist for the Indian Health Service.
Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join the Colorado River Service Unit in Parker, Arizona. In this vital role, you will lead efforts to ensure a safe environment for healthcare providers, staff, patients, and visitors within our critical access hospital and associated health centers. You will manage environmental health, infection control, and emergency preparedness programs, helping us fulfill our commitment to providing high-quality care to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Requirements for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must be able to pass a federal background investigation.
- Must complete E-Verify employment verification.
- Selective Service registration required for males born after 1959.
- Possession of a valid, REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Must meet Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) via education or specialized experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage healthcare safety, infection control, and emergency management.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
- Certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
- Certification as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
- Experience with healthcare accreditation body standards (e.g., The Joint Commission).
- Proven track record in conducting risk analysis surveys and incident investigations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual programs.
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within a nationwide public health organization.
💡 How to Apply Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement in detail.
- Prepare your resume to include detailed hours per week for each role held.
- Click the Apply Online button and register via USAJOBS.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach required documents (transcripts, SF-50, veterans preference documents).
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the allotted window after submission.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Prioritize your background investigation forms; submit them within 5 days of issuance.
- Ensure your resume clearly addresses how your experience meets the specialized requirements provided in the announcement.
- Check your application status frequently via the USAJOBS portal.
- Do not wait until the final hours on the closing date to submit, as technical issues may occur.
- Be sure your transcripts (official or unofficial) are attached to verify educational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
This role acts as a Safety Officer for the Colorado River Service Unit, overseeing safety and occupational health programs for a critical access hospital and several off-site health centers.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is based in Parker, Arizona, and requires on-site presence to manage facility safety, emergency exercises, and workplace inspections.
What happens if I don't complete the USA Hire assessment?
Completion of the assessment is mandatory. Failure to complete it within the designated timeframe will result in your application being deemed ineligible.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. We are committed to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. Our employees are integral to a dynamic healthcare system that serves over 2 million individuals across the nation.