Protecting the Workforce: A Career as an OSHA Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

The health and safety of the American workforce are the bedrock of a productive nation. As a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you serve on the front lines of this critical mission. This position in Hartford, Connecticut, offers a unique opportunity to apply technical expertise to real-world scenarios, ensuring that employers maintain safe environments for their staff. If you are passionate about compliance, hazard prevention, and public service, this role provides an impactful career path within the Department of Labor.

Job Responsibilities

This role evolves with your grade level. As you progress from GS-07 to GS-11, your responsibilities will expand significantly:

GS-07 Level: Participate in inspection teams, assist in investigating minor hazards, and conduct outreach to explain OSHA programs.
GS-09 Level: Conduct targeted outreach, participate in opening/closing conferences, and perform compliance reviews of industry processes.
GS-11 Level: Independently conduct complex inspections in sectors like construction, maritime, and general industry, manage evidence for legal cases, and train management on safety regulations.

Career Progression Overview

Grade Level	Scope of Responsibility	Typical Focus
GS-07	Entry/Support	Data entry, inspection assistance, policy research
GS-09	Intermediate	Targeted inspections, program evaluation, outreach
GS-11	Full Performance	Independent site inspections, fatality investigations, warrants

Requirements

To be eligible, you must demonstrate specific experience or educational background. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a background investigation and drug screening.

Educational Requirements: A degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or related STEM fields.
Specialized Experience: 52 weeks of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, involving the identification and control of workplace hazards.
Documentation: You must provide official or unofficial transcripts and recent performance appraisals if available.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated within the GS pay scale, ranging from $56,934 to $109,545 per year. Your starting grade will be determined by your verified education and previous work history.

Benefits

Working for the Department of Labor comes with comprehensive benefits:

Health and Life Insurance coverage.
Federal pension plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Flexible work arrangements including telework.

Application Tips

Resume Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less to be considered eligible under the current Merit Hiring Plan.
Be Specific: List the hours worked per week for all previous roles to ensure your specialized experience is calculated correctly.
Test Preparation: Utilize the USA Hire practice assessments to familiarize yourself with the evaluation style.

Serving as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our nation's workers. If you possess the required technical skills and a drive for regulatory compliance, we encourage you to apply and join a team that values your contributions and offers robust professional growth.

Why This Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters

Protect American workers and lead the charge in workplace safety with the Department of Labor as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist.

Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking a dedicated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join its team in Hartford, Connecticut. This position is vital to the DOL mission, focusing on identifying, mitigating, and preventing occupational hazards. Successful candidates will support the agency in ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations, conducting field inspections, and educating the workforce on critical health and safety standards. This role offers a clear career path with potential advancement up to the GS-12 level.

Requirements for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.
Must meet specialized experience requirements or educational substitutions specific to the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 grade levels.
Ability to submit a resume limited to two pages per the Merit Hiring Plan.
Ability to pass a background investigation for access to government facilities and systems.

Preferred Qualifications for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist

Possession of professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
Extensive experience in industrial hygiene, fire prevention engineering, or occupational medicine.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders regarding safety compliance.
Advanced technical writing skills for investigative reports and case documentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary schedule.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Flexible telework arrangements based on agency policy.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.

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

Application Steps for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS, including a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Apply through the USAJOBS portal to initiate the process.
Complete the mandatory assessment via the DOL application system.
Upload required documentation, such as transcripts and SF-50 forms, to the DOL portal.
Review and certify your application package before the closing date.
Monitor your status through the applicant dashboard and email notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week for every position to verify experience.
Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid potential system timeouts.
Preview the assessment questions early to understand the competencies required.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly demonstrate the required 24 semester hours if using education to qualify.
Use the 'Application Status' feature on USAJOBS to verify that all documents have successfully cleared the virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be required to report to the Hartford office, though telework may be available in accordance with DOL policy.

What is the promotion potential for this role?

While this position is advertised for the GS-07 to GS-11 range, the full performance level is GS-12.

Do I need a specific degree to qualify?

Yes, you generally need a degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job from Occupational Safety And Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a major division within the U.S. Department of Labor. Our mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Every employee at the DOL contributes to a noble cause, protecting the welfare of workers and ensuring fairness in the American workplace.