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Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position has an individual occupational requirement. A copy of complete college TRANSCRIPTS confirming the applicable degree has been AWARDED is required when applying. Failure to submit a copy of all college transcripts will result in your application being rated ineligible/incomplete.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
09/17/2019 to 10/01/2019
Salary
$45,554 to - $87,649 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 07 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Philadelphia, PA
FEW vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
75% or less - Inspections/Training
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Full time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
MS-19-PHIL-OSHA-0160
Control number
545915800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current federal employees with competitive status; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP and ICTAP eligibles in the local commuting area; VEOA eligibles; Land and Base Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibles; Military Spouse eligibles. Also advertised as job #PW-19-PHIL-OSHA-0030 for Pathways Recent Graduate eligible applicants and DE-19-PHIL-OSHA-0110 for non status applicants; to be considered for each, apply to ALL jobs.

Duties

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This position is located in the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Region 3, Philadelphia Area Office located in Philadelphia, PA.

The mission of OSHA is to develop and promulgate occupational safety and health standards, develop and issue regulations; conduct investigations and inspections to determine the status of compliance with safety and health standards and regulations; issue citations and propose penalties for non-compliance with safety and health standards and regulations.

This position is inside the bargaining unit.

Selection(s) can be made at any advertised grade.

Additional vacancies may be selected using this announcement.

Relocation and/or PCS funds are not available.

Plans, schedules, and conducts a full range of inspections in establishments and worksites where there is a strong probability of encountering hazardous work processes and materials, and unsafe environmental conditions from minor to serious in severity. Works to secure immediate corrective action of conditions which are of imminent danger to life or limb. Works to obtain the cooperation of various parties at inspected worksites. Investigates mishaps resulting in fatalities or injuries and serious incidents.

Prepares for inspections by conducting file and records reviews, including case files of previous inspections to become familiar with work processes, operations, and standards applicable to the workplace to be inspected. Identifies possible abatement procedures common to the work processes and operations. Assures that appropriate technical and personal protective equipment is available and is in proper operating condition.

Conducts investigations of accidents which may involve one or more fatalities, a large number of injuries or serious accidents, or other unsafe conditions. The specialist observes and documents accident scenes, identifies conditions related to cause and result, and assures that appropriate intermediate or permanent action is taken to remove any danger of recurrence. Conducts interviews as appropriate with witnesses, employees, employers, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, and/or other persons in order to identify conditions and potential causes and to obtain and communicate other case-related information.  Conducts workplace analyses and reviews establishments' occupational safety and health programs to determine the hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the injury or illness. Interviews complainants and witnesses and takes statements concerning allegations. Documents ongoing case files with relevant information to support a legally sufficient case. Identifies violations and documents hazards, proposes citations for OSHA standards which have allegedly been violated, and requests employers to voluntarily abate serious or imminently dangerous conditions to employees, and provides assistance to resolve unsafe or hazardous conditions. Conducts follow-up inspections as required.

Documents case files with findings, completes forms, and attaches background notes and other material. Ensures case files are processed within the OSHA Information System in an accurate and timely manner and ensures proper annotation for reporting purposes and achievement of agency goals.

Uses the automated system to calculate and adjust penalties assessed based on the gravity of the violations and consideration of the severity of possible injury or illness and the probability that such should occur.

Conducts opening conferences with management officials, employees, and employee representatives concerning the nature and purpose of the inspection and the procedures which will be followed. Conducts closing conference with employer, reviewing hazards identified and violations cited. Discusses employer's safety and health programs and possible abatement alternatives. Explains employer rights and obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the right to contest citations and follow-up procedures. Assists agency attorneys in the preparation of contested cases for hearing before agency review judges; testifies under examinations conducted by attorneys representing the agency and the employer.

Accompanies trainees on inspections and provides them with on-the-job experience in a variety of techniques and procedures used to evaluate compliance with safety and occupational health standards.

Assists in the conduct of special studies and the preparation of specialist reports of findings and conclusions. Assists in the development or review of area and/or national office materials, policies, and procedures. As requested or appointed, serves on special task forces. 

*Duties at the GS-07 and GS-09 are developmental assignments and as the incumbent progresses, the assignments become more difficult and complex at the GS-11 and GS-12 full journeyman level.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be at least 16 years of age. Driver's License.
  • Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
  • Requires a medical examination preemployent and annually.
  • This position is a Drug Test Designated Position at the GS-11 & 12 levels.
  • Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.

Applicants must meet time-in-grade, time-after-competitive-appointment and qualifications requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the vacancy to be eligible for consideration for selection.

Federal Employees Please Note: Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met and reflects your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. competitive/excepted). In some cases you may need to submit more than one SF-50.

Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.  

Qualifications

THIS POSITION HAS AN INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT. ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology;


OR


Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in or related to safety and occupational health that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

  • Managing safety or occupational health program elements.
  • Developing and recommending safety and occupational health policy to higher levels of management.
  • Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements.
  • Developing safety and occupational health standards, regulations, practices, and procedures to eliminate or control potential hazards.
  • Developing or implementing programs to reduce the frequency, severity, and cost of accidents and occupational illnesses.
  • Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
  • Designing or modifying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards.
  • Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards.
  • Training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.
  • Work in occupational fields such as industrial hygienist, safety engineer, fire prevention engineer, health physicist, and occupational health nurse.

OR

Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP), or similar certification that included successful completion of a written examination meets the requirements for GS-5. Applicants may also qualify for higher grade levels based on their education and/or experience.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE


For the GS-7: In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirement, applicants must demonstrate 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, experience may be in Federal or Private Sector (see description below).  Specialized Experience is described as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience are as follows:

    • Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements.
    • Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards.
    • Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards;

FOR THE GS-9: In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirement, applicants must demonstrate 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, experience may be in Federal or Private Sector. (see description below).  Specialized Experience is described as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience are as follows:

    • Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements.
    • Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards.
    • Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
    • Designing or modifying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards.
    • Training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.

FOR THE GS-11: To qualify for using experience, applicants must demonstrate 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, experience may be in Federal or Private Sector. (see description below).  Specialized Experience is described as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience are as follows:

    • Applying safety and occupational health laws, regulations, principles, theories, practices, and procedures to advise on or resolve technical matters dealing with occupational safety and health requirements.
    • Inspecting or surveying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems for compliance with established safety and occupational health policies or standards and to identify potential new hazards.
    • Analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
    • Designing or modifying workplaces, processes, products, or other systems to control or eliminate hazards.
    • Training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.
    • Developing and recommending safety and occupational health policy to higher levels of management.
    • Developing safety and occupational health standards, regulations, practices, and procedures to eliminate or control potential hazards.
    • Work in occupational fields such as industrial hygienist, safety engineer, fire prevention engineer, health physicist, and occupational health nurse.

Education

To qualify for this position solely on education, in addition to meeting the individual occupational requirement, the following education may be used to substitute for specialized experience:

At the GS-07: 1 year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade point average, or (3) honor society membership.

At the GS-09: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related.

At the GS-11A Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

Combining Education and Experience

In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, an equivalent combination of successfully completed related undergraduate (GS-07) and graduate (GS-09) level education and specialized experience as described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement, can be used to meet the total experience requirements for this position. For more information please click here (Application of Qualification Standard/Option 5).

Unofficial Transcript(s) (in English) - submit if using education as a basis for qualifying for this position.  If so, you must submit all applicable academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements (ex. BA/BS, MA, JD, PHD, etc).  If specific course work is required to qualify, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit.

You may upload your transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit).  If over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature.

OFFICIAL Transcripts MUST BE RECEIVED prior to selection and report date.  Reference the “Education Section” for College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education.

Additional information

DOL seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse customers we serve. DOL fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Click here for Evaluation details. For Displaced Employees ONLY: if you meet the eligibility requirements for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection.  ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered "well-qualified" if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 and 27 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP/CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.

Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:

Technical Competence:  Comprehensive knowledge of safety and occupational health, regulations, techniques, procedures, practices, and standards applicable to the performance of compliance inspections for a wide range of industries. This knowledge extends to a wide variety of work processes, practices, machinery, and environmental conditions sufficient to identify failures in human or equipment performance, and to recommend control measures.

Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, freindliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cncern, and politeness to others.

Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individual or groups effectively, taking into account audience and nature of the information.

Problem Solving: Identifies problems: determines accuracy and relevance of information.

Reasoning: Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information.

Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammer, punctuation and spelling.

Technology Application: Uses machines, tools or equipment effectively.

The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview).  Your evaluation may also include a review by an HR Specialist or panel and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc).  The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings.  Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses.  If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.


To preview questions please click here.

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