Become a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a noble mission? The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is currently hiring a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in New Orleans. This position offers a unique opportunity to protect the health and safety of staff, patients, and visitors within our advanced medical facilities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, you will act as a guardian of the workplace. Your primary duties will include:
- Conducting Inspections: Performing difficult safety surveillance audits to identify hazardous conditions in both clinical and construction settings.
- Accident Investigation: Investigating mishaps, interviewing witnesses, documenting findings, and recommending corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
- Policy Development: Drafting and implementing safety standards, regulations, and educational campaigns tailored to the facility's needs.
- Technical Guidance: Providing expert advice to leadership regarding safety compliance, risk management, and the control of hazardous materials.
- Record Maintenance: Managing safety documentation, tracking training compliance, and identifying trends in workplace safety data.
Requirements
To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education/Experience: Meet the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the safety series, which involves specific coursework in safety, engineering, or related science fields, or equivalent specialized experience.
- Background Check: Ability to pass a federal security investigation.
- Health: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Physical Capability: Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and conduct inspections in various environments.
Salary and Grade Comparison
| Grade Level | GS-09 | GS-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Role Type | Entry/Developmental | Full Performance |
| Focus | Compliance & Basic Safety | Risk Management & Advanced Reporting |
| Annual Salary | $61,722 - $97,087 | $61,722 - $97,087 |
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with significant advantages, including:
- Access to federal health and life insurance plans.
- Comprehensive retirement packages (FERS).
- Paid leave, including vacation and sick time.
- A stable work environment where your work directly supports the health of our nation's Veterans.
Application Tips for Success
- Strict Adherence: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable. Ensure your resume is concise and results-oriented.
- Documentation: Gather your transcripts, SF-50s, and any certifications (like CSP or CIH) before you begin.
- Specificity: Clearly define your duties, hours per week, and exact dates of employment. Do not leave the hiring team guessing about your experience.
- Assessments: Be prepared to dedicate time to the online competency-based assessment after your initial application submission.
This role is an excellent opportunity for safety professionals who want to pivot into a mission-driven federal environment. By ensuring our medical and construction facilities remain safe, you contribute directly to the high-quality care Veterans deserve. Apply today to begin your federal career with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career in safety management while serving those who have served our nation. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in New Orleans and make a tangible impact on workplace safety and health excellence.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist to play a critical role in our safety management section. This position focuses on the administration, planning, and execution of comprehensive safety programs, with a particular emphasis on construction safety, hazard identification, and regulatory compliance. You will work within a dynamic team to prevent accidents, conduct site inspections, and foster a culture of safety for our staff and the Veterans we serve.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Ability to lift/transport equipment (up to 40 lbs) and perform site inspections involving standing/walking.
- Pre-placement physical evaluation is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
- Experience managing construction safety programs or relevant industrial health experience.
- Strong proficiency in OSHA, NFPA, TJC, EPA, and NIOSH regulatory standards.
- Demonstrated history of analyzing accident data to drive organizational safety improvements.
- Experience in training and educating personnel on safety protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Professional development and continuous training opportunities.
- ✓Opportunity to make a direct impact on the well-being of Veterans.
- ✓Service credit for annual leave based on non-federal or military experience.
💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Log in or create an account on the official federal hiring portal.
- Build or upload your resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Complete the required online application questionnaire.
- Attach all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a link to complete the required online competency-based assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to remain eligible.
- Use the resume builder to ensure your format meets federal guidelines.
- Clearly state your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment for each role.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
- Check your USAJOBS status page regularly for updates on your application and assessment status.
- Request any necessary testing accommodations for the online assessment well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree required for this position?
You may qualify through education, specialized experience, or a combination of both. Please review the IOR requirements regarding safety or occupational health coursework.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Federal regulations strictly enforce a two-page limit for resumes in this application process. Any submission exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
What is the role of the safety specialist in construction?
The specialist is responsible for ensuring that all construction activities within the facility comply with safety codes, assessing site-specific hazards, and recommending process improvements.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System provides patient-centered care through a network of community-based outpatient clinics and a state-of-the-art medical center in New Orleans. Joining our team means joining a community committed to integrity, commitment, and excellence.