Safeguarding Discovery: Careers in Safety at the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution, a globally recognized symbol of education and research, is currently inviting applications for a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist in Washington, D.C. This role is pivotal in maintaining a secure environment across 21 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo. If you are a safety professional with a passion for public protection and organizational excellence, this position offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of history and modern risk management.
Job Responsibilities
As a specialist, you will be on the front lines of safety management. Your key duties include:
- Hazard Identification: Proactively identifying risks in museum and research work environments.
- Inspections: Planning and conducting safety and health inspections to ensure compliance.
- Accident Investigation: Analyzing mishaps to provide corrective recommendations and prevent future occurrences.
- Safety Reporting: Compiling data for annual reports and disseminating vital safety information to the workforce.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive federal role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's or higher in Safety/Health/Engineering or 24+ credits in relevant fields. |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 or GS-09 grade level. |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen. |
| Compliance | Must pass background investigation and meet selective service requirements. |
Salary Overview
This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) framework, offering a competitive salary ranging from $70,623 to $111,087 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Employees of the Smithsonian Institution enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance plans.
- Comprehensive retirement programs.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Generous leave accrual for work-life balance.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Avoid copy-pasting the job description. Instead, use specific examples from your career to demonstrate how your skills match the required duties.
- Mind the Details: Ensure your resume clearly lists the hours worked per week for every job entry.
- Documentation: Keep your SF-50 forms and official transcripts organized and ready for upload.
Joining the Smithsonian as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist is a chance to protect a national treasure. Apply today to bring your expertise to an institution that values both the past and a safe future.
Why This Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Protect the legacy of the world’s largest museum and research complex while advancing your career in Occupational Health and Safety.
Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a dedicated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join the Office of Protection Services (OPS) in Washington, D.C. In this role, you will help safeguard a diverse workforce, international visitors, and priceless artifacts by managing safety programs, conducting rigorous inspections, and identifying potential hazards. This is an exceptional opportunity for a safety professional to influence organizational culture within a world-renowned cultural institution.
Requirements for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- U.S. citizenship or eligibility as defined by federal employment regulations.
- Completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or graduate degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in relevant disciplines.
- One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (or equivalent) in federal service.
- Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- Must maintain a bank account for mandatory direct deposit.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must avoid verbatim copying of the vacancy announcement.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- Advanced knowledge of occupational safety techniques and industry best practices.
- Proficiency in conducting complex hazard inspections and survey procedures.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in research, data analysis, and report generation.
- Exceptional written communication skills to develop training materials and safety documentation.
- Experience with federal safety compliance and reporting standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal Retirement Program
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Generous leave policies
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives based on availability
💡 How to Apply Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages) and gather necessary documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
- Access the official application portal via the USAJobs link provided.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire to be rated against the position's requirements.
- Submit your application and required documents before the closing date of November 5, 2026.
- Download and save the confirmation receipt generated at the end of the process.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically address the duties listed rather than using generic language.
- Clearly document your hours worked per week for all previous positions.
- If using a foreign degree, ensure you obtain U.S. accreditation verification well in advance.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJobs dashboard.
- Ensure your SF-50 forms clearly indicate time-in-grade and position details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my application by email?
No, you must apply through the online system. Paper applications are only accepted in rare cases with prior approval from the Office of Human Resources.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, the Smithsonian Institution does not offer relocation expenses for this position.
How long will the hiring process take?
The review process is thorough and may take a few weeks following the closing of the announcement. You will receive email updates regarding your status.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is November 5, 2026.
Can I work remotely?
This role is not listed as a remote position; local presence is required in Washington, D.C.
Job from Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex. The Office of Protection Services (OPS) is dedicated to the safety and security of the millions of visitors who pass through these halls annually, as well as the staff and researchers who dedicate their lives to discovery. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values knowledge, integrity, and safety.