Become a Supervisory Industrial Hygienist with the VA

Are you an experienced safety professional looking to serve those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Supervisory Industrial Hygienist at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to protect the health of Veterans and medical staff while managing high-level facility safety programs.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Industrial Hygienist, your work will be diverse and highly impactful. Key responsibilities include:

Facility Inspections: Identifying potential occupational health hazards and surveying work environments.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all operations meet EPA, OSHA, and facility-specific safety standards.
Hazard Mitigation: Developing and recommending controls for toxic chemicals, noise, biological, and radiological hazards.
Policy Development: Creating and implementing robust industrial hygiene programs for a large medical facility.
Training: Organizing and presenting safety information to staff groups.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet strict qualification standards. Applicants are required to hold either a specialized science/engineering degree with specific coursework (12 credits in chemistry) or a professional certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). Additionally, you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Qualification Type	Requirement Details
Education	Bachelor's in Industrial Hygiene, Toxicology, or related Science
Technical Coursework	12 credits Chemistry, 18 credits in technical electives
Professional Path	Valid ABIH Certification
Specialized Experience	1 year at GS-11 equivalent level

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $100,059 to $130,080 per year. In addition to base pay, you will have access to the full federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health Insurance
Federal Retirement Plans (FERS)
Paid Annual and Sick Leave
Structured Monday-Friday schedule (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM)

Application Tips

Resume Limit: The VA strictly enforces a two-page limit on resumes. Ensure your most relevant experience is featured prominently.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience and ensure your resume lists start/end dates and hours worked per week for every role.
Document Everything: If you are using education to qualify, provide your transcripts immediately. Failure to provide necessary documentation can disqualify your application.

If you have the technical expertise and the desire to serve, we encourage you to apply. This role is a vital component of the safety and healthcare infrastructure for Veterans in the North Chicago area. Take the next step in your career by visiting USAJOBS and completing your application before the November 2, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job Matters

Protect the health of those who served: Become a leader in occupational safety and health with the VA.

Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Industrial Hygienist to join the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois. In this role, you will play a vital part in maintaining a safe environment for our nation’s Veterans and healthcare staff. You will oversee critical inspections, develop safety policies, and ensure our facility remains in full compliance with rigorous regulatory standards. This is an essential leadership position responsible for mitigating chemical, biological, and physical hazards across our medical system.

Requirements for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license.
Bachelor’s or graduate degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health, toxicology, or a closely related science.
Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in engineering/science with at least 12 semester hours in chemistry and 18 additional hours in related technical fields.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent).
Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must pass a pre-placement physical examination and background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist

Certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).
Extensive background in industrial hygiene within a medical or healthcare setting.
Demonstrated ability to lead safety inspections and manage environmental compliance programs.
Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety policies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance with a set Monday-Friday schedule

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and formatted as a PDF.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms (if applicable).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Focus your resume on results and skills directly relevant to the industrial hygiene duties listed.
Be specific with your start/end dates and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly demonstrate the required semester hours in science and chemistry.
Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Industrial Hygienist in this role?

You will oversee the identification of occupational health hazards, ensure compliance with EPA and facility regulations, and develop policies to protect Veterans and staff from chemical, biological, and radiological exposures.

Are there any physical requirements for this job?

Yes. The role requires moderate physical exertion, including carrying sampling equipment, walking, bending, and occasionally working in confined spaces or varied temperature environments.

Can I use foreign education to qualify?

Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcripts to receive credit.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. By joining our team, you become part of a community dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to our Veterans.