Become a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist with the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a skilled Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join the team at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Healthcare System in Augusta, Georgia. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care to those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, you will act as a guardian of our facility’s environment. Your day-to-day duties will be varied and impactful:

Compliance & Inspection: Conduct regular surveys of medical and contract facilities to ensure adherence to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and Life Safety Code (LSC) requirements.
Hazard Mitigation: Identify physical and environmental hazards, assess their impact, and oversee corrective actions.
Incident Investigation: Lead thorough investigations into accidents and near-misses, preparing reports to prevent future occurrences.
Training & Education: Develop safety programs and instruct staff on fire, vehicle, and workplace safety protocols.
Collaboration: Work closely with the Environment of Care Committee and emergency management teams to ensure compliance with OSHA, TJC, and other regulatory bodies.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-11 position, you must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate specific professional capabilities. Most importantly, this position requires a Selective Placement Factor: you must have clear experience applying NFPA and Life Safety Code requirements to healthcare settings.

Additional requirements include:

One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level (or equivalent).
Ability to perform field work involving moderate physical exertion.
Commitment to the VA's seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.

Qualifications Comparison Table

Criteria	Required Standard
Selective Factor	Expert knowledge of NFPA & Life Safety Code
Education	Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study in safety/science field
Experience	1 year of specialized work at GS-9 level
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $74,678 to $97,087. Beyond the salary, VA employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of federal benefits, including:

Health Coverage: Access to top-tier federal health and life insurance plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Leave: Ample annual and sick leave accrual.
Stability: A career dedicated to the long-term well-being of Veterans.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for success:

Resume Limit: Your resume must be no longer than two pages.
Be Specific: Explicitly state your experience with NFPA and LSC in your resume to satisfy the selection factor.
Documentation: Upload all required documents (transcripts, DD-214) as PDFs.
Check Email: Watch your spam folder for the USA Hire assessment link.

Serving as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Healthcare System is a chance to use your professional skills to protect those who have protected us. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.

Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters

Protect those who protected us by ensuring a safe, compliant, and hazard-free environment for our nation’s heroes at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Healthcare System.

Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join our facility in Augusta, Georgia. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance within a dynamic healthcare environment. You will lead efforts to minimize workplace hazards, enforce Life Safety Code requirements, and ensure that our medical facilities provide a secure environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors alike.

Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Completion of an online assessment
Must be able to work on-site in Augusta, GA
Must meet the Selective Placement Factor: Documented experience applying NFPA and Life Safety Code (LSC) in healthcare settings
One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level (or equivalent) in safety and occupational health
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Completion of a 1-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

Advanced education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study) in safety, industrial hygiene, engineering, or related fields
Expertise in OSHA and The Joint Commission (TJC) standards
Strong analytical skills regarding incident investigation and hazard mitigation
Proven experience conducting compliance surveys in complex medical facilities

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and leave programs
✓Flexible scheduling opportunities
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Meaningful career path serving the Veteran community
✓Professional development and training support

💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting relevant experience.
Gather supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete the assessments within the allotted timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Ensure your resume includes month/year of employment and hours worked per week.
Clearly highlight your experience with NFPA and Life Safety Code to meet the selective placement factor.
Use PDF format for documents to preserve formatting.
Check your spam folder regularly for communications from the USA Hire system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Healthcare System in Augusta, GA.

Do I need to submit a transcript?

Yes, if you are using education to meet the qualification requirements, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript must be submitted.

What happens after I apply?

Applications are reviewed for qualifications. If you meet the criteria, you may be invited to complete additional assessments or invited for an interview.

Do I need prior experience in a hospital?

*A: The role requires specific experience with healthcare occupancies regarding the Life Safety Code, so a background in medical or similar clinical environments is highly advantageous.*

Can I work from home?

*A: No, this position requires physical presence at the facility for inspections and hazard surveillance.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve millions of Veterans annually through our network of hospitals, clinics, and residential care facilities. Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. Our employees enjoy a supportive work culture, competitive federal benefits, and the satisfaction of contributing to a mission-driven organization.