Pursue a Mission-Driven Career: Industrial Hygienist at the VA Sierra Nevada

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans. To achieve this, we rely on a diverse team of professionals who ensure our facilities are safe, compliant, and efficient. If you are an expert in occupational health and industrial hygiene, we invite you to join the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada, as an Industrial Hygienist.

Job Responsibilities

As the facility Industrial Hygienist, you will:

Design and implement comprehensive industrial hygiene programs.
Analyze and measure chemical, physical, and biological workplace hazards.
Inspect medical center environments to identify risks to staff and patients.
Develop legally sufficient reports in alignment with OSHA and EPA standards.
Provide expert guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet strict federal qualifications, including:

Citizenship of the United States.
A qualifying degree in industrial hygiene, safety, or related sciences.
Fulfillment of specific coursework in chemistry, physics, and biological sciences.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.

Salary and Qualifications Comparison

Metric	Requirement/Range
Salary Range	$74,229 - $96,493
Education	Bachelor's or Higher in Science/Engineering
Experience	1 Year Specialized (GS-9 equivalent)
Location	Reno, Nevada

Benefits

Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrued annual and sick leave.
Professional development and training.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit on resumes. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you remain compliant.
Highlight Quantifiable Results: Use concrete numbers and metrics when describing your experience in hazard mitigation.
Complete Assessments: After applying, monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire assessment. Timeliness is critical.

Serving as an Industrial Hygienist at the VA Sierra Nevada is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of those who have given so much for our country. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the lifestyle of Reno, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding career while protecting your community.

Why This Industrial Hygienist Job Matters

Protect the health of those who served by leading safety and industrial hygiene programs at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System.

Industrial Hygienist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Industrial Hygienist to join the Safety and Emergency Management Service in Reno, Nevada. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining a safe, healthy environment for Veterans and staff. You will lead the development of industrial hygiene policies, conduct workplace inspections, and implement corrective actions to mitigate chemical, physical, and biological hazards. This position offers a unique chance to combine professional expertise with a mission-driven career in one of the country's most scenic regions.

Requirements for Industrial Hygienist

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree or higher in industrial hygiene, occupational health, safety sciences, or a closely related physical/life science field.
Must meet specific course requirements including 12 semester hours of chemistry (including organic) and 18 additional hours in related sciences.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Successful background and security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Industrial Hygienist

Certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing.
Proven track record in developing comprehensive industrial hygiene programs.
Expertise in OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance.
Advanced experience in measuring workplace exposures and recommending engineering controls.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement plans including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Work-life balance initiatives.
✓Career development and training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Industrial Hygienist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Industrial Hygienist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume following the strict two-page limit requirement.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application and questionnaire by the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment when prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder for formatting accuracy.
Be specific with your experience—include dates, job titles, and hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Set aside at least three hours for the online assessment and complete it promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, applicants may qualify based on three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent, or a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position located in Reno, Nevada.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor those who have served by providing them with the highest standard of care. Working in Reno offers the unique benefit of a vibrant community nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering unparalleled access to outdoor recreation such as skiing, hiking, and water sports, without the burden of state income tax.