Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

Summary The Department of Commerce ranked top 5 in the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government amongst large agencies for the 12th year in a row! The ranking showcases the Department's continued commitment to increasing our employee engagement, employee satisfaction, and positive perceptions towards diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Come join our team! Responsibilities Serves as a safety consultant supporting the Office of Facilities and Property Management (OPFM) operations, responsible for; Conducting occupational safety and health (OSH) inspections of workplaces and operations that are sometimes complex with high hazard or technically difficult. Providing line managers, employees, and division safety personnel with assistance in hazard recognition, assessment, and abatement options consistent with agency requirements and industry standards. Reviewing facilities & construction related safety plans, job hazard analysis, for adherence to accepted safety principals, Federal/State regulations and agency procedures. Analyzing diverse OSH data for trends, identify gaps or needs, and develop strategies to address those identified gaps or needs. Developing, coordinating and presenting safety training; advising OFPM leadership on opportunities to improve the staff's OSH awareness and agency's systems. Managing assigned OSH programs and contracts. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 (ZA-II at NIST) level. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in reviewing and applying occupational safety and health (OSH) federal regulations, agency policies, and workplace practices as they apply to maintenance/operations and construction activities; to include managing workplace injury process, hazardous materials databases, and reviewing safety plans. Experience conducting workplace OSH investigations, annual inspections, and communicating the information to management. Experience coordinating and presenting safety training. In addition to the required specialized experience; all applicants must have a valid U.S. drivers license (uploaded with their application). 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration Education Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position. Additional Information This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Learn more about the APMS here! We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy. Click all links in this vacancy announcement to view additional information or instructions. You MUST select at least ONE ELIGIBILITY to be considered for this position. All documents submitted for this announcement must be legible to make qualification or eligibility determinations. A probationary period may be required. This position has physical requirements which include but may not be limited to: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Climbing, use of legs and arms Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle This position has environmental factors which include, but may not be limited to: Outside and inside Excessive heat Excessive cold Silica, asbestos, etc. Fumes, smoke, or gases Slippery or uneven walking surfaces Working on ladders or scaffolding This position requires filing of an OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of onboarding and annually thereafter. NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as: Telework Flexible work schedules Paid parental leave Paid vacation Sick leave Family-friendly leave Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families Back-up child care program Child and elder-care resources On-site childcare center Lactation spaces Wellness programs Fitness center Employee assistance programs