Industrial Hygienist

Industrial hygiene is concerned with the recognition, evaluation, and control of those workplace environmental conditions or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health, significant discomfort, or inefficiency. Evaluation of occupational health hazards in volves the use of experienced judgment and quantitative measurement techniques to assess the magnitude of environmental stresses in relation to their potential to impair workers' health and well-being.

Major Duties include: Develops, plans, implements, and manages the comprehensive industrial hygiene programs. Leads in the development of facility industrial hygiene goals, policies, and procedural documentation. Manages various industrial hygiene programs, to include respirator, ventilation, asbestos, ergonomics, heat stress, indoor air quality, ergonomics, hazardous communication, OSHA lead, mercury, waste anesthetic, formaldehyde; and assists with programs for medical surveillance, hearing conservation, laser safety, incident/accident review board, hazardous drugs, bloodborne pathogens, permit-required confined space entry, etc. Conducts in-depth surveys and evaluations of working conditions/environments to determine the nature and magnitude of hazardous exposures and the effectiveness of existing control measures. Applies appropriate sampling techniques and procedures and may oversee the work of contractors engaged to perform specific monitoring. Performs analyses of samples and evaluates the interpretation of scientific data. Analyzes hazardous exposures findings and recommends, devises, or works with engineers/other disciplines to develop corrective control measures, such as changes in work procedures, systems, materials, or use of personal protective equipment. Serves as the Hazardous Materials Officer, responsible for the initiation, development, administration, coordination and auditing all aspects of Federal, State, and municipal environmental health. Audits for compliance with protocols and guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, The Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists, National Sanitation Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The purposes of these efforts are to maintain safe working conditions and effective engineering and administrative controls as they relate to biological hazards. Serves as the technical representative in the design, modifications, operation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with NFPA codes, OSHA regulations, etc. standards. Reviews construction drawings and provide expertise for determination of locations and adequacy of eye washes, biological safety devices, chemical safety devices, and industrial hygiene requirements. Conducts education and training for staff and other personnel on industrial hygiene program requirements, occupational health matters, hazard awareness, safe health working procedures, personal protective equipment, and materials handling. Composes correspondence in response to all inquiries, deficiencies, or action plans related to the industrial hygiene program. Manages the reports and documents for the industrial hygiene programs, to include analysis, inspections, hazardous findings, auditing, etc. Reviews and updates policies. Performs other duties as necessary. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for Ad-Hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Industrial Hygienist/PD23557A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

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 dentification 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.