Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygiene Specialist

Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

GS-09:

• Assists in planning and conducting portions or limited inspections or compliance reviews (or independently conducts inspections of business establishments and worksites whose operations are generally characterized by the presence of moderately stable, low-risk processes or some higher hazards or unsafe working conditions or technically difficult operations which are covered by specific written guidelines) in establishments and worksites.
• Deposes, makes affidavits and testifies in a court of law where an opposing attorney may challenge the competence of the IH including his/her work methods or findings.
• Conducts research assignments using internet technology to prepare for on-site inspections or in response to requests for information.
• Interprets the application of specific guidelines for particular phases of an inspection, exercising sound judgment in the application of industrial hygiene criteria to potential hazards or unsafe working conditions.

GS-11:

• Plans and conducts portions or limited inspections or compliance reviews (or independently conducts inspections of business establishments and worksites whose operations are generally characterized by the presence of moderately stable, low-risk processes or some higher hazards or unsafe working conditions or technically difficult operations which are covered by specific written guidelines) in establishments and worksites.
• Gains compliance with published standards by exchanging information, communicating findings and advice, and coordinating work efforts. Contacts often involve dealing with uncooperative persons and include serious technical disagreements and difficult labor-management relations.
• Conducts research assignments using internet technology to prepare for on-site inspections or in response to requests for information.
• Selects and applies appropriate regulatory provisions to determine whether establishments are complying with prevailing safety and occupational health standards.
• Conducts specific (targeted) outreach activities and provides information on OSHA legislation, regulations, and compliance activities to a variety of different audiences.
• Communicates orally and in writing, in order to communicate basic occupational safety and health information and guidance, participate in some outreach activities, and provide technically accurate information generated by requests for information.

As the employee progresses, the assignments will become more difficult and complex with less supervision.