Become an Industrial Hygienist for the VA Boston Healthcare System
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring Industrial Hygienists to support the health and safety of the staff and Veterans at our Boston Healthcare System campuses in Brockton and West Roxbury. This role is essential to our mission of providing world-class care to those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Industrial Hygienist, your day-to-day duties will focus on identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Key responsibilities include:
- Hazard Assessments: Conducting regular surveys to identify environmental and health risks in medical and research areas.
- Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring OSHA and EPA requirements and managing hazardous material usage through internal systems.
- Data Analysis: Performing sampling and monitoring air, water, and soil quality.
- Safety Consultation: Advising departments on control measures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and improved work procedures.
- Equipment Management: Calibrating and operating specialized diagnostic tools.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific educational and professional benchmarks.
- Education: A bachelor's or advanced degree in industrial hygiene, toxicology, or a relevant science/engineering field, with specific coursework in chemistry.
- Skills: Proficiency in data collection and risk prediction.
- Physicality: Must be comfortable lifting up to 20 pounds and performing field work in various environments.
- Compliance: Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $69,905 - $90,882 (per year) |
| Paid Time Off | Up to 50 days (leave + holidays) |
| Retirement | Pension + 401k (5% match) |
| Insurance | Comprehensive Health/Vision/Dental |
Application Tips
The federal application process is highly structured. Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: The VA utilizes a strict two-page limit. Focus on the most recent, relevant experience.
- Quantify Results: When describing your work, focus on the 'how' and 'what' of your safety impact.
- Formatting: Use a standard, readable font and save as a PDF to preserve your layout.
- Assessment Prep: Take the online USA Hire assessment seriously; it is a critical component of the selection process.
If you have the skills to maintain safe, healthy environments and the drive to support America's Veterans, we invite you to apply. This role offers the stability of a federal position with the satisfaction of knowing your daily work directly protects those who have given so much.
Why This Industrial Hygienist Job Matters
Protect the health of our nation's heroes while advancing your career as an Industrial Hygienist with the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Industrial Hygienist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Industrial Hygienists to join the Facilities Management team at our Brockton and West Roxbury, Massachusetts locations. In this vital role, you will be the frontline defender of workplace safety, tasked with identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental hazards to ensure a healthy space for both staff and the Veterans we serve. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise in chemistry, biology, and safety engineering within a mission-driven healthcare environment.
Requirements for Industrial Hygienist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of an accredited degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health, safety sciences, or a related field; OR an engineering/physical/life science degree with at least 12 semester hours in chemistry (including organic) and 18 hours in related technical subjects.
- Certification from the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (formerly ABIH).
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work in various field conditions, including laboratories, maintenance areas, and patient care settings.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Industrial Hygienist
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative data acquisition.
- Proficiency in calibrating and utilizing specialized industrial hygiene equipment.
- Professional knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and FDA regulatory standards.
- Prior experience in hazardous material management systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills for consulting with management and staff on safety protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive salary with opportunities for step increases.
- βGenerous Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- βComprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- βFederal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
- βUp to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- βChildcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
- βFlexible, ad-hoc telework opportunities.
π‘ How to Apply Industrial Hygienist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Industrial Hygienist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Monitor your email for a link to the required USA Hire assessments.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
π‘ General Tips
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Use concise, results-oriented language in your resume to highlight your impact.
- Ensure your resume details hours worked per week, as part-time and full-time status affects credit.
- Practice using resources at the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center before starting your assessment.
- Double-check your two-page limit; exceeding this will make your application ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. While some ad-hoc telework may be discussed during the interview, the role requires on-site field work at the Brockton or West Roxbury campuses.
What is the closing date for this announcement?
This is an open continuous announcement, but the current closing date is 12/31/2026. Review of applications occurs at periodic intervals.
Does this position offer relocation assistance?
No, relocation assistance and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule?
The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST.
Can I telework?
The position allows for ad-hoc telework for special circumstances, but it is primarily an on-site, campus-based role.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, and our facilities are managed by dedicated professionals who ensure the highest standards of safety and sanitation. Working at the VA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our freedom.
External Resources
- β Job Announcement
- β Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β Accreditation Verification
- β Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- β OPM Qualification Standards
- β View Questionnaire
- β USA Hire Resource Center
- β Application Status Help
- β Resume Page Limit Guidance
- β I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β VA Benefits Information
- β Career Transition Resources
