Industrial Hygienist

The Industrial Hygienist service under the supervision of the Chief of Safety, in the Safety Department of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS). The incumbent is responsible for management of the VAPHS Industrial Hygiene Programs for VAPHS is a university affiliated medical center which spans approximately 180 acres at two geographically separated campuses.

Major Duties include but are not limited to: Oversees a comprehensive and effective program of industrial hygiene which recognizes, evaluates and monitors chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic stresses in the workplace to provide patients, visitors and staff of the VAPHS the highest possible level of safety attainable. Maintains a comprehensive and current library pertaining to industrial hygiene, as well as individual currency in the promulgation of new codes and regulations. Identifies opportunities for improvement through an ongoing effort of hazard identification, evaluation, solution implementation, and monitoring. Makes decisions and commitments relating to assigned programs which routinely do not typically require referral to higher management. These decisions and commitments have direct and considerable effect on the efficacy of the spectrum of medical center programs. Evaluates existing and proposed new work processes or materials, particularly in experimental operations, to assure incorporation of adequate measures for prevention of occupational disease hazards. Performs ergonomic assessments existing and proposed new work processes to evaluate and make recommendations to alleviate ergonomic stressors. - Investigates health problems which arise among workers, such as individuals having allergic or environmental reactions related to their work, and determines corrective measures. Establishes a program and protocols for physical screening of employees exposed to particular toxic materials or physical hazards, concentrating on specific health effects. Formulates directives, laboratory procedures and information bulletins related to the occupational health program at the VAPHS. Participate in major facility, VISN, or agency wide projects and activities that significantly affect the context, interpretation or development of agency, VISN, and facility policies or programs concerning critical industrial hygiene matters. Ensures that all internal Industrial Hygiene and OSH codes standards and regulations are practiced uniformly and consistently and makes recommendations for changes to achieve full compliance when deficiencies are detected. The Industrial Hygienist is authorized to take the necessary immediate action when hazardous conditions pose a threat of personal injury or danger to equipment or buildings. Reviews findings with appropriate facility management and employee groups; prepares formal findings and recommendations for alleviation or elimination of hazards; involved in negotiating settlement or implementation of corrective action with facility managers at various organizational levels, as well as labor unions representing federal employee interests. Provides expert and consultative technical assistance to various VAPHS committees, work groups and task forces as well as to senior leadership and as a member of the Incident Command Team during activation of the hospital Incident Command System on industrial hygiene matters. Plans and directs a health education program designed to educate the VAPHS personnel as to means of preventing occupational disease and their role in controlling hazards. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Industrial Hygienist/PD01154A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.