Industrial Hygienist Career Opportunity with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a dedicated professional in occupational health looking for a career that serves those who have served our nation? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a skilled Industrial Hygienist to lead safety initiatives at the Finger Lakes Healthcare System in Canandaigua, New York. This role is a vital component of the VA’s mission to provide high-quality, safe healthcare environments for Veterans and staff members alike.
Job Responsibilities
As the primary Industrial Hygienist, your duties will span across two medical centers, a large Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), and several rural clinics. You will:
- Perform surveys to determine the nature and magnitude of hazardous exposures.
- Collaborate with management to implement corrective actions for identified safety hazards.
- Monitor airborne contaminants, noise levels, and ventilation systems.
- Develop and update safety policy and procedural documentation.
- Investigate work-related injuries or exposure incidents and recommend preventive measures.
- Provide staff education on hazardous materials and proper PPE usage.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Basic Education: A degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, or a related science field. Alternatively, an engineering degree with specified coursework in chemistry and physics.
- Selective Placement Factor: You must have hands-on experience in asbestos sampling, fit testing, and indoor air quality monitoring.
- Professional Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal service.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Required |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree in Science/Engineering (or higher) |
| Experience | Equivalent to GS-9 level |
| Driver's License | Must have valid state license |
| Probationary Period | 1-year required |
Salary Overview
This position is structured at the GS-11 grade level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $75,202 to $97,767. This salary is commensurate with federal pay scales and may be subject to future adjustments.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including:
- Health Insurance: Choice of multiple comprehensive plans.
- Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training and advancement within the VA system.
Application Tips
To stand out as a candidate, ensure your resume is concise and adheres to the two-page limit requirement. Focus on results-oriented language that highlights your experience in industrial hygiene, specifically addressing the Selective Placement Factor. Ensure your transcripts are included if you are qualifying based on education.
This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your industrial hygiene expertise in a healthcare setting where safety is paramount. If you are passionate about protecting workers and honoring our Veterans, apply for this VHA position today.
Why This Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job Matters
Protect the health of those who served by leading critical industrial hygiene programs for the Veterans Health Administration in beautiful Canandaigua, New York.
Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Industrial Hygienist to join the Finger Lakes Healthcare System. In this vital role, you will manage, coordinate, and implement comprehensive industrial hygiene programs across various medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. You will be instrumental in identifying and mitigating occupational hazards to ensure a safe environment for our staff and the Veterans we serve. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact healthcare operations directly.
Requirements for Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive)
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license.
- Must satisfy a background and suitability investigation.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must meet the Selective Placement Factor: experience with asbestos sampling, semi-annual inspections, fit testing, addressing indoor air complaints, and conducting indoor air sampling.
Preferred Qualifications for Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive)
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Toxicology, or Safety Sciences.
- Engineering or Life Science degrees including 12 semester hours of chemistry (including organic) and 18 additional hours in relevant sciences.
- Current certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing.
- Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in industrial hygiene principles and hazardous material analysis.
- Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Potential for Recruitment or Relocation Incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance
- ✓Generous Paid Annual and Sick Leave
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs including TSP
- ✓Work-life balance with standard M-F, 7:30am-4pm schedule
💡 How to Apply Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Industrial Hygienist (Recruitment/Relocation Incentive) Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided portal.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts, professional licenses, and any veteran status proof (SF-50, etc.).
- Review your application and submit by the November 6, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF and uses a readable, sans-serif font.
- Quantify your results using specific metrics and data.
- Align your experience descriptions directly with the duties listed in the job announcement.
- Check your application status frequently through your USAJOBS profile.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as they are essential for education-based qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote status.
What is the Selective Placement Factor for this job?
You must have documented experience with asbestos sampling, semi-annual inspections, fit testing, and conducting indoor air quality investigations.
Does the VA offer relocation incentives?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates at the discretion of the agency.
What is the work schedule?
The position is standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Is there flexibility for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position requiring physical inspections of laboratory and mechanical spaces.
Are relocation incentives available?
Yes, the agency may offer recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates on the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). As an Industrial Hygienist with the VHA, you become a critical part of a massive, mission-driven organization where your expertise directly translates into the safety and well-being of the healthcare workforce.