Safety and Occupational Health Specialist-Direct Hire Authority

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Safety and Occupational Health Management Series, 0018. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems.

Specialized experience is described as: managing safety or occupational health program; 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; analyzing or evaluating new and existing jobs, processes, products, or other systems to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of 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; and training of workers, supervisors, managers, or other safety and occupational health personnel in safety or occupational health subjects.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate is an agile, mission-focused Occupational Safety Professional who pairs deep technical mastery with high emotional intelligence and collaborative mindset.

As a key contributor to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Safety Office, this individual thrives in a complex, fast-paced research, development, and test environment-delivering proactive safety solutions that match the operational velocity of national defense testing. This role requires a self-directed subject matter expert who views safety not as an administrative barrier, but as an essential force multiplier for ground-test missions.

The ideal candidate would have expertise in the use of Department of the Air Force safety doctrine, specifically DAFI 91-202 (The US Air Force Mishap Prevention Program), DAFMAN 91-203 (Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards), and hands-on operational proficiency in the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS). Prior experience in an AFMC, AFTC, or complex industrial/flight test wing is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1: Knowledge of established safety and occupational health principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues as they relate to the military installation ground safety program; the requirements, methods, and techniques of accident and mishap investigation, analysis, resolution of occupational safety problems/health risks, and formal reporting procedures; and risk assessment methods and techniques for evaluating occupational safety and health risks.

2: Knowledge of communication techniques, principles, and regulations to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in responding to work related problems and questions. 3: Knowledge of basic construction standards, methods, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with regulations and standards. 4: Knowledge of standard training techniques, methods, and materials sufficient to prepare and present formal training and instructional sessions.

5: Skill in the interpretation of engineering drawings and specifications sufficient to identify hazardous conditions in proposed facilities. 6: Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Manages and develops effective Wing occupational safety programs, to include contractor operations that necessitate the application of occupational safety criteria and requirements as an integral part of the mission. Performs a broad range of safety and occupational health duties in one or more areas of ground safety and occupational health.

Plans and carries out (or oversees) formal investigations of reportable and non-reportable mishaps involving personal injury accidents, property damage, and cases of occupational illnesses covering a wide range of work operations. Develops specialized operating practices, modifying or departing significantly from standard techniques when necessary, based on interpretation of policies, standards, and regulations.

Reviews plans and specifications for new construction, major building alterations, and/or changes in installation equipment and monitors project through completion to ensure compliance with safety codes and standards. Develops and provides technical safety training/instruction to supervisors, employees, and/or unit safety representatives on a wide range of work operations areas, such as traffic safety techniques, proper storage of hazardous materials, common laboratory hazards, and building evacuation procedures.