Become a Chief of Environmental Health and Safety with the Indian Health Service

Are you a seasoned safety professional looking for a role that combines technical expertise with community-driven public health? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly motivated Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to join our team in Whiteriver, Arizona. This position is a rare opportunity to lead critical safety initiatives within a healthcare setting, ensuring that our facilities are safe havens for patients, staff, and the community.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of Environmental Health and Safety, you will wear many hats. Your responsibilities will include:

Program Management: Planning and managing comprehensive programs for Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring strict adherence to federal and state regulations regarding hazardous materials, water quality, and facility safety.
Hazard Mitigation: Conducting workplace surveillance, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations to identify and control biological, chemical, and ergonomic hazards.
Leadership: Providing supervisory guidance, setting performance standards, and mentoring staff to improve overall operational effectiveness.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement Type	Criteria	Notes
Education	Relevant degree with 24+ semester hours in safety/science	Official transcripts required post-selection
Experience	1+ year specialized experience at next lower grade	Must detail hours worked per week
Certifications	CSP, CIH, or CHP	Highly preferred but not required

Requirements for Success

This position requires a combination of leadership prowess and technical safety knowledge. You must demonstrate specialized experience in managing healthcare-related safety programs. Additionally, as this role involves direct contact with or control over Indian children, it is subject to the provisions of Public Law 101-630, necessitating a thorough background investigation.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the IHS offers a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave accrual rates that honor your previous federal or related military service.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Ensure your resume is a narrative of your achievements. Don't just list titles; explain the scale and impact of the programs you managed.
Stay Organized: The application process involves multiple steps, including the USA Hire assessment. Keep your login credentials accessible and watch for email notifications.
Review for Accuracy: Any exaggeration of experience or incomplete documentation can result in immediate disqualification.

Joining the IHS as a Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in public health. If you are ready to apply your expertise to protect and serve the Whiteriver community, we encourage you to submit your application before the September 17, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters

Lead vital safety and occupational health initiatives for the Whiteriver Service Unit and make a tangible impact on the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to serve as the Chief of Environmental Health and Safety. In this high-impact role based in Whiteriver, Arizona, you will oversee comprehensive programs designed to protect staff, patients, and visitors while ensuring full compliance with federal and state environmental and safety standards.

Requirements for Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the 0018 series via education or specialized experience.
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Compliance with IHS immunization policies for healthcare workers.
Ability to provide two valid forms of ID, with a REAL ID-compliant document required for facility entry.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Certification as a Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
Expertise in managing environmental health and industrial hygiene in a healthcare setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Annual leave accrual based on federal service time.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Opportunities for professional development within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
✓Contribution to meaningful public health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

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

Application Steps for Supervisory Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job

Prepare a detailed resume highlighting relevant safety and occupational health experience.
Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the application.
Complete the required online questionnaires and assessment tools.
Upload necessary documentation, including transcripts and applicable preference forms (e.g., DD214, BIA-4432).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 17, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for assessment links and updates.

💡 General Tips

Be sure to account for all hours worked per week in your resume to ensure your specialized experience is clearly defined.
Prioritize your background investigation forms; completion within five days is critical to prevent delays.
Take advantage of the USA Hire practice assessments available on the OPM website.
Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the minimum qualifications listed in the announcement.
Review your application thoroughly to confirm all required attachments are legible and uploaded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.

Do I need to submit official transcripts immediately?

Official transcripts are required prior to a final job offer, but you may submit unofficial copies during the initial application process.

What is the role of the USA Hire assessment?

The assessment helps evaluate your competencies for the role. It is not pass/fail, but failure to complete the assessment within the specified window will result in disqualification.

What if I have a disability that prevents me from completing the online assessment?

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act. Please review the instructions in the job announcement to request these before starting your assessment.

Is there promotion potential?

This specific position currently has no promotion potential, allowing you to focus on mastering the duties of this high-level, impactful role.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our employees are not just staff members; they are partners in a movement to improve health outcomes for over 2 million people. Working here means embracing an adventurous, community-focused lifestyle and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to solve complex healthcare challenges.