Essential Career Guide: Safety and Occupational Health Specialist at Hanscom AFB

The Department of the Air Force offers an exciting civil service career opportunity for qualified professionals as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Positioned within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), a major component of the Air Force Materiel Command, this position plays a vital role in safeguarding personnel, equipment, and infrastructure across military operations.

Filled under Direct Hire Authority, this vacancy utilizes the DoD Acquisition Demonstration (AcqDemo) project pay structure (NH-02 broadband, equivalent to GS-05 through GS-11 grade levels). With an annual compensation range of $46,137 to $109,959, this role offers professionals an outstanding platform to advance their occupational safety careers while contributing directly to national security.

About the Agency: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is tasked with a single critical mission: to acquire and support defense capabilities across the complete operational life cycle for the United States Air Force. From weapon system development to software architecture, AFLCMC ensures that Airmen are equipped with reliable, cutting-edge systems.

Operating out of Hanscom Air Force Base—a premier hub for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems—safety management is paramount. The civilian safety workforce ensures that technical operations, research laboratories, operational facilities, and construction activities maintain exemplary compliance with safety standards and federal regulations.

Primary Job Responsibilities

As a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist at Hanscom AFB, you will be responsible for a dynamic range of safety oversight, risk mitigation, and regulatory enforcement activities. Core duties include:

Comprehensive Safety Inspections: Perform routine and special safety surveys across military facilities, industrial workshops, and technical environments to identify hazards and enforce compliance with OSHA and Department of the Air Force safety standards.
Formal Mishap Investigations: Lead and participate in detailed accident and mishap investigations involving personal injuries or property damage. Analyze evidence, determine root causes, and draft formal corrective action reports.
Risk Assessment & Hazard Elimination: Evaluate high-risk operational programs and apply advanced risk assessment principles to formulate tailored mitigation strategies.
Engineering Design Review: Review facility blueprints, construction plans, and architectural specifications for new construction or building modifications to verify code compliance before projects begin.
Safety Training & Instruction: Develop and deliver interactive safety training modules covering emergency evacuation protocols, hazardous material storage, laboratory safety, and traffic safety.

Eligibility and Requirement Overview

Applicants can qualify for this position through multiple eligibility pathways, including specialized professional experience, higher education, or a combination of both.

Specialized Experience Requirements

To qualify based on work experience, applicants must possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-01 (or GS-04) level. Qualifying experience includes:

Conducting safety surveys and high-risk program evaluations on a military installation or complex industrial site.
Participating in formal investigations of occupational accidents or facility damage.
Reviewing engineering drawings for safety code compliance.
Delivering safety briefings and training to personnel on hazardous materials and emergency preparedness.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants may satisfy minimum qualification requirements through education:

Qualifying Major: Completion of a 4-year degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field.
Related Fields: A degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, toxicology, or public health that includes at least 24 semester hours in safety, occupational health, or industrial hygiene.

Professional Certifications

Holding a recognized professional credential automatically satisfies baseline technical requirements for entry-level consideration:

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
Certified Health Physicist (CHP)

Salary Overview & Broadband Breakdown

This position uses the AcqDemo Broadband System (NH-02), providing broader salary ranges and performance-based compensation progression compared to the standard General Schedule (GS) framework.

Pay System / Grade Equivalent	Minimum Salary	Maximum Salary	Typical Entry Requirements
NH-02 (GS-05 Equivalent)	$46,137	$59,982	Bachelor's Degree or 1 year entry specialized experience
NH-02 (GS-07 Equivalent)	$57,150	$74,295	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 or Master's coursework
NH-02 (GS-09/11 Equivalent)	$70,000	$109,959	Master's/Ph.D. degree or specialized technical management experience

Note: Exact compensation placement within the $46,137 – $109,959 range depends on geographic locality adjustments, candidate qualifications, and agency budgeting.

Comprehensive Federal Benefits Package

Federal civilian employees at Hanscom Air Force Base enjoy a market-leading employee benefits package, including:

Healthcare Coverage: Choice of nationwide fee-for-service, HMO, and high-deductible plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement System: Dual-tier pension coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) combined with Social Security.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Tax-advantaged retirement savings with automatic 1% agency contribution and up to 5% dollar-for-dollar matching.
Paid Time Off: Earn 13 to 26 annual leave days per year depending on service time, plus 13 sick days annually and 11 paid federal holidays.
Insurance Options: Access to FEGLI group life insurance, long-term care plans, and dental/vision insurance.

Strategic Application Tips

To ensure your application clears the initial screening process, follow these strategic guidelines:

Respect the Two-Page Resume Rule: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration immediately.
Include Required Employment Details: For every job entry, state your official title, employer, exact start and end dates (MM/YYYY), and average hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hrs/week).
Tailor Your Content: Align your resume accomplishments directly with the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the job description (e.g., safety inspections, plan reviews, mishap reports).
Attach Transcripts: If you are qualifying using education or a combination of education and experience, upload readable college transcripts showing total credit hours.
Exclude Sensitive Information: Do not include photos, Social Security Numbers, age, or military rank details outside official forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is telework available for this position?

According to the announcement details, this role is currently designated as non-telework and requires on-site presence at Hanscom AFB.

Who can apply for this position?

This job is open to the general public. Any U.S. citizen possessing the required experience or educational qualifications may apply.

When does the application period close?

The vacancy announcement remains active through February 23, 2027. However, because direct-hire rosters may be evaluated periodically, applicants are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.

What documents must active-duty military service members submit?

Transitioning service members must submit a military certification memo signed by their command verifying active service dates, terminal leave schedule, and expected character of discharge.

Serving as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center offers a rewarding path to apply your safety expertise in defense of national security. With competitive pay under the AcqDemo broadband system, robust federal benefits, and professional growth potential, this position represents an outstanding career opportunity. Prepare your two-page resume, assemble your transcripts, and submit your application today!

Why This Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job Matters

Protect those who defend our nation! Step into a rewarding civil service career as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base.

Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking a qualified Safety and Occupational Health Specialist (NH-02 Broadband, equivalent to GS-05 through GS-11) at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts. Operating under Direct Hire Authority, this role is crucial for maintaining safe workplace environments, conducting thorough mishap investigations, inspecting military facilities, reviewing engineering designs for safety compliance, and providing vital safety education to civilian and military personnel.

Requirements for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority

U.S. Citizenship is required at the time of application.
At least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-01 or GS-04 level performing safety and occupational health duties.
Or a 4-year degree in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a related field with at least 24 semester hours in technical safety disciplines.
Or a qualifying combination of education and specialized occupational safety experience.
Or holding professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
Must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Preferred Qualifications for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority

Professional certifications including Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
Experience overseeing occupational health and safety programs on a military installation or federal agency.
Proven background interpreting engineering blueprints and construction designs for hazard identification.
Demonstrated expertise in conducting formal accident/mishap investigations and root cause analysis.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary under the Acquisition Demonstration (AcqDemo) project broadband system.
✓Comprehensive health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% government matching contributions.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) defined benefit pension plan.
✓Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
✓Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
✓Life insurance coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program.

💡 How to Apply Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist - Direct Hire Authority Job

Prepare a focused resume that strictly does not exceed two pages and includes exact dates (MM/YYYY) and weekly hours worked for each position.
Gather necessary documentation, such as college transcripts (if qualifying via education) or performance appraisals/awards (if current federal employee).
Log in to USAJobs and select 'Apply Online' to access the USA Staffing submission tool.
Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire thoroughly and accurately.
Upload all required documents ensuring your full name appears on every uploaded file.
Review your submission package and submit prior to the closing deadline on February 23, 2027.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; any resume exceeding two pages will be disqualified automatically.
Include explicit start/end dates (month/year) and average hours worked per week for every job entry to receive full qualification credit.
Do not include personal sensitive data on your resume, such as SSNs, photographs, religious beliefs, or age.
Upload clear, legible transcripts if relying on degree work to satisfy entry requirements.
If you are an active-duty military member transitioning out, include an official VOW Act certification memo signed by your command.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pay scale and grade system is used for this position?

This position operates under the Department of Defense Acquisition Demonstration (AcqDemo) project as an NH-02 broadband position, which spans the salary equivalents of GS-05 through GS-11 ($46,137 to $109,959 annually).

Where is the primary duty location?

The position is situated at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.

What is the maximum resume length allowed for this posting?

Resumes must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes longer than two pages will be removed from consideration.

Are there pre-employment screenings required?

Yes. Candidates must successfully complete background checks to obtain security clearance and pass pre-employment drug screening.