Become a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the DCMA

Are you an expert in safety management looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is currently seeking a motivated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist. This GS-12 position offers a unique opportunity to oversee critical safety protocols that protect our military assets and industrial workers. If you possess a background in risk management, explosives safety, or industrial occupational health, this role at the Department of Defense could be the next chapter in your career.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as the primary technical authority for safety programs. Your daily duties will include:

Risk Management: Developing and implementing contract safety surveillance programs to mitigate hazards.
Technical Guidance: Providing expert advice on explosive safety site plans for manufacturing and storage facilities.
Compliance Audits: Conducting assessments of contractor safety performance during pre-award and post-award phases.
Collaboration: Working closely with contracting officers to ensure all processes meet strict federal safety standards.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

You must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
You must be a United States Citizen.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
You must adhere to the two-page resume limit.

Salary and Location Comparison

Location	Salary Range
Marion, IL	$89,508 – $116,362
Kansas City, MO	$90,968 – $118,261
Saint Louis, MO	$91,779 – $119,315

Benefits of Federal Employment

Choosing a career with the federal government provides long-term stability and a comprehensive benefits package. You will enjoy:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Structured professional development, including required Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) to maintain your expertise.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail.

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will not be reviewed.
Documentation is Key: Ensure you upload your SF-50 (if a current federal employee) or DD214 (if a veteran) correctly.
Prepare for Assessment: You will be required to complete the USA Hire assessment. Set aside approximately 3 hours of quiet time to complete these tests after you receive your unique portal link.

Serving as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist for the DCMA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our defense industrial operations. If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a mission of national importance, submit your application today.

Why This Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters

Protect the backbone of our national defense: The Defense Contract Management Agency is seeking expert Safety and Occupational Health Specialists to ensure mission readiness and operational safety across our industrial base.

Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is looking for a dedicated Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to serve as a vital technical authority. You will play a critical role in mitigating risks associated with ammunition, explosives, aircraft ground operations, and industrial safety. By collaborating with contracting officers and partners, you will ensure that the defense industry remains safe, compliant, and ready to support the warfighter. This position is available in Marion, IL, Kansas City, MO, and Saint Louis, MO.

Requirements for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours of application submission.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements for current federal employees.
Submission of required supporting documentation, such as DD214 or SF-50, based on hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist

Broad experience in ammunition and explosives safety management.
Proven background in aviation safety protocols.
Extensive knowledge of federal industrial safety policies and fire prevention standards.
Experience in developing risk-based surveillance programs for contract administration.
Strong ability to provide technical guidance on explosive safety site plans.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Competitive retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays and vacation leave
✓Ongoing professional development and Continuous Learning Points (CLPs)
✓Opportunities for remote work and telework
✓Structured career advancement within the Department of Defense

💡 How to Apply Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Log into your USAJOBS account to complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required eligibility documentation (e.g., SF-50, DD214).
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 16, 2026.
Monitor your email for a notification containing the link to the mandatory USA Hire Assessment.
Complete the online assessments within 48 hours of receipt.
Track your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; documents exceeding this limit will result in automatic disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes the number of hours worked per week and specific employment dates.
Use a professional, legible font like Lato or Calibri.
Save your documents in PDF format to preserve formatting.
Do not wait until the last minute; give yourself enough time to complete the USA Hire assessments after submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Per the agency requirements, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration entirely. Please ensure your key accomplishments are concise.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance.

What are the USA Hire Assessments?

These are competency-based tests required for this position. You will receive a unique link via email after submitting your application and must complete the testing within 48 hours.

Can I use education to substitute for experience?

*A: No. For this specific GS-12 grade level, substitution of education is not permitted in lieu of the required specialized experience.*

Is travel required for this position?

*A: Yes, this position requires periodic travel to oversee contract sites.*

Job from Defense Contract Management Agency

As the independent eyes and ears of the Department of Defense, the DCMA ensures that the warfighter receives high-quality products on time. The agency is responsible for the performance of the Defense Industrial Base, managing contracts that support everything from aviation equipment to ammunition manufacturing. By joining Team DCMA, you become part of a professional workforce dedicated to affordability, readiness, and safety.