This position is in the Office of Management (OM), Administrative Services Division (ASD), Safety and Physical Security Branch (SPSB). The SPSB provides safety and health guidance to FSIS employees and managers. The SPSB also manages the FSIS Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) program.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level.) For the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that demonstrates: Reviewing and recommending changes to Industrial Hygiene guidance documents and standards, such as survey documents, technical reports, policies, guides, SOPs, etc. Conducting industrial hygiene surveys and utilizing sampling tools and methods to identify workplace hazards. Advising on Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health issues such as controls or elimination of hazard exposures. Planning, implementing, and evaluating Occupational Health programs and initiatives to improve workplace safety. Such work must have involved experience in all of the following areas: the acquisition of quantitative and qualitative data, and the measurement of exposures for a variety of chemical, physical, and biological stresses; the analysis of the data acquired and the prediction of probable effects of exposures on the health and well-being of workers; and the selection and recommendation of appropriate controls, including management, medical, engineering, education or training, and personal protective equipment. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Industrial Hygiene Series 0690 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Plans and conducts surveys and investigations in Federally inspected meat, poultry, and egg product plants, laboratories, and offices to identify and determine the extent of, or potential exposure to, hazardous agents and conditions.
Prepares technical reports based on sampling results, observations of the industrial operations, and knowledge of hazardous agents, in accordance with OSHA’s applicable Regulations and Standards.
Applies Federal occupational health standards, recommendations, guidelines, and USDA and FSIS policies regarding occupational health and safety to FSIS workplaces and employees, to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
Provides technical assistance to FSIS Occupational Safety and Health Specialists on the interpretation of results and occupational exposure criteria or other health hazards.
Represents the occupational health segment on FSIS task forces for issues such as avian influenza, tuberculosis, and emerging zoonotic diseases as well as new inspection procedures.
Participates in the development of new or revised directives related to occupational health and updates FSIS occupational health policies in accordance with Federal regulations and USDA policy.
Reviews proposed or newly issued regulatory standards to determine impact on FSIS activities.
Acts as a liaison between FSIS and management and health and safety personnel at the private establishments where FSIS inspection and compliance personnel work.
Administers the OSHA mandated Respiratory Protection Program for inspection and compliance personnel.
Manages the industrial hygiene program for all FSIS employees.