Lead Occupational Health and Safety: Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Opportunity
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a unique chance to combine technical expertise with a profound sense of purpose. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Industrial Hygienist to join the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois. If you are passionate about ensuring a safe environment for those who have served our country, this role offers a stable and impactful career path.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Industrial Hygienist, your primary duties involve overseeing the safety and health of the entire facility. Key responsibilities include:
- Hazard Identification: Conducting regular inspections to detect biological, chemical, physical, and radiological risks.
- Compliance Management: Ensuring adherence to EPA, state, and facility-specific safety standards.
- Policy Development: Drafting and implementing industrial hygiene protocols and detailed reports.
- Leadership: Leading teams, conducting training sessions, and advising facility leadership on necessary work procedure adjustments.
- Hazardous Waste: Managing the proper disposal and record-keeping for toxic materials used in healthcare operations.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's in Industrial Hygiene, Science, or Engineering |
| Experience | 1 year at GS-11 level or equivalent |
| Licensure | Valid state-issued driver's license |
| Assessment | Mandatory Supervisory Situational Judgment Test |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 role, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in industrial hygiene principles. You must possess a relevant degree recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and hold one year of specialized federal experience at the GS-11 grade level. Additionally, all applicants must pass a pre-placement physical and complete the required Supervisory Situational Judgment Test.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $100,059 to $130,080 per year.
Benefits
Working with the VA means more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:
- Robust health insurance options.
- Federal pension and retirement plans.
- Paid federal holidays, sick leave, and vacation time.
- Professional growth opportunities in a diverse, collaborative environment.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Federal guidelines now require a maximum of two pages for resumes.
- Documentation: Always include your most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Use PDF: Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF to maintain the integrity of your formatting and font choices.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to influence workplace safety at the highest level. By applying your technical knowledge to the VHA’s mission, you ensure that our Veterans receive care in the safest possible environment.
Why This Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job Matters
Protecting those who served: Lead critical industrial hygiene initiatives for our nation's heroes at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center.
Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Industrial Hygienist to join the Fleet Medicine Directorate in North Chicago, Illinois. In this role, you will lead efforts to identify, evaluate, and control occupational health hazards across a comprehensive healthcare system. You will play a vital role in ensuring a safe environment for Veterans, active-duty service members, and clinical staff by implementing sophisticated industrial hygiene programs, conducting facility inspections, and maintaining rigorous compliance standards.
Requirements for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in industrial hygiene, occupational health, or a related science (or equivalent engineering/physical science degree with specific credit hours)
- Possession of a current, valid state-issued driver's license
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Completion of a Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT)
- Pass a pre-placement physical examination
- Must maintain compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Undergo a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist
- Certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)
- Demonstrated expertise in healthcare-specific industrial hygiene inspections
- Proven ability to manage complex safety programs and hazardous material disposal protocols
- Experience in training and presenting safety data to diverse groups
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and committee participation
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Industrial Hygienist Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting relevant industrial hygiene experience.
- Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests regarding interviews.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to comply with current federal hiring plans.
- Ensure your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade requirements.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.
- Be specific in your resume—the agency cannot make assumptions about your skills.
- Save and upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this position?
The role focuses on identifying and mitigating occupational health hazards within the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, ensuring compliance with EPA and facility regulations.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
What are the physical demands of this role?
The job requires moderate physical exertion, such as carrying equipment, climbing, walking, and occasionally working in confined spaces or areas with varying temperatures.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position at the North Chicago facility.
What is the probationary period?
A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period is required.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is a critical part of the VHA system, providing comprehensive medical and dental services to Veterans, military recruits, and active-duty beneficiaries. Our mission is built on the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.