Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygienist

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro and the Nashville VA Medical Center, as well as 21 outpatient clinics located in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services. More than 146,000 Veterans in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia trust VA TVHS for their health care needs. TVHS is the seventh largest VA medical center system in the nation serving roughly 75 counties with robust research and development, health care innovation, and more. Middle Tennessee offers an abundance of entertainment such as historic music venues, NFL Titans and NHL Predators, recreational activities, and natural sceneries ideal for any individual. Additionally, Tennessee does not have state taxes making the area more attractive to high-quality candidates.

The primary purpose of the position is serves as the primary technical authority for this multi-site, multi-disciplinary HCS and research facility on industrial hygiene matters, providing expertise and advice to top level management, service chiefs and their staff, and to employee organizations. Specifically, advice concerns occupation health, safety, and environmental hazards associated with a wide variety of industrial work situations, including laboratory and maintenance operations. This includes domestic and industrial wastewater treatment and environmental media permitting; toxic substances; and regulatory oversight. Ensures that Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) policies and programs are carried out in accordance with governing regulations. Applies GEMS environmental science and technology to issues of human health, ecosystems, environmental media, and natural resources.

The duties for the Industrial Hygienist include but are not limited to:

• Represents, and acts on behalf of, the facility upon request at professional committees and boards and serves as a community resource on application of standards and occupations health matters.
• Audits records of industrial accidents, related injuries, deaths, illnesses, and other indicators as required to assess the state of the occupation environment of the facility properly and completely.
• Review's expansions, modifications, closures of existing facilities and infrastructure, and new construction to determine how this affects the environment.
• Provides information that will minimize adverse impacts to human health and the environment and reduce the HCS vulnerability.
• Measures the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommends additions to environmental programs as needed to meet changing environmental requirements.
• Plans and manages industrial hygiene and environmental projects/programs that are related to achieving and maintaining environmental (GEMS) compliance, as well as developing and implementing environmental policy, guidance and procedures related to all environmental media.
• Resolves difficult and complex technical, project management and organizational problems using innovative and original approaches.
• Provides expert technical advice and guidance to senior management officials in the appropriate application of technology to VHA's mission as it relates to environmental issues including GEMS.
• Serves as a technical expert on issues related to environmental statutes and OSHA requirements, as well as for new or enhanced information system software related to occupational safety and health and environmental programs.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00AM-3:30PM

Position Description Title/PD#: Industrial Hygienist/PD70963A

Physical Requirements: The performance of duties requires long period of walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, and bending. Moderate lifting and carrying of equipment, use of personal protective devices, and work in hazardous and confined spaces is required. Use of all appendages, good vision and hearing are necessary. Emotional and mental stability are required.

Work Environment: The incumbent is exposed to a variety of potential health hazards and uncomfortable work situations which may be physically taxing.