🟢 Status: OPEN – Closes Oct 9, 2026 | OSHA Area Offices Nationwide | Source: USAJOBS.gov
Safety and Occupational Health Specialist Jobs 2026 — U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA | 102 Vacancies Nationwide | Apply USAJOBS
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is hiring for safety and occupational health specialist jobs across the country, with this single announcement covering 102 vacancies at OSHA Area Offices nationwide. If you are searching osha jobs 2026, this is one of the largest CSHO (Compliance Safety and Health Officer) hiring rounds in recent years, spanning agricultural, construction, general industry, and maritime worksites. As a CSHO, you will conduct workplace inspections, investigate accidents, and help protect millions of American workers from preventable hazards.
This is a career-ladder position starting as low as GS-5 or GS-7 depending on your background, with progression up to the GS-12 full performance level. If you are researching how to become an osha inspector, this announcement is a direct path in – no prior federal service required, just relevant safety, industrial hygiene, or related technical experience or education.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Safety and Occupational Health Specialist (Compliance Safety and Health Officer / CSHO) |
| Agency | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| Department | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Job Series | GS-0018 Safety and Occupational Health Management |
| Location | Washington, DC (Dept. of Labor headquarters) – this announcement fills 102 vacancies across OSHA regions nationwide |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time – selectees expected to report to an assigned OSHA Area Office |
| Appointment Type | Permanent, Career-Ladder (GS-5/7 to GS-12) |
| Pay Scale & Grade | gs-12 safety jobs federal is the full performance level; entry at GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, or GS-11 depending on qualifications |
| Salary Range | $45,700 – $104,000 per year (varies by grade and locality) |
| Vacancies | 102 positions available under this single announcement |
| Opening Date | Currently accepting applications |
| Closing Date | Oct 9, 2026 – Apply Now (six cut-off dates through the year) |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens – Open to Public; ICTAP/CTAP eligible in local commuting area |
| Security Clearance | Not Required (background/suitability check required) |
| Drug Test | Not Required |
| Interview Note | A writing sample may be included as part of the interview process |
| Apply Now | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
For over 50 years, OSHA has worked to reduce workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses across American industry, and CSHOs are the front line of that mission. This is genuine osha compliance officer jobs territory: you will travel to active worksites, conduct inspections, and hold both employers and employees accountable to federal safety standards.
Day to day, a federal safety inspector jobs role like this one means planning and conducting inspections in industries ranging from construction to maritime, leading opening and closing conferences with site management, investigating accidents that may involve serious injuries or fatalities, and issuing citations when violations are found. It is technical, field-based work that combines regulatory knowledge with the judgment to handle high-stakes, sometimes adversarial situations professionally.
“OSHA provides opportunities if you are passionate about traveling to different places, meeting new people, and receiving on-the-job training.” – U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, and conduct occupational safety and health inspections across assigned industries
- Conduct opening conferences with management, employees, and employee representatives
- Investigate accidents involving fatalities, serious injuries, or other unsafe conditions
- Analyze injury and illness data to identify compliance risks and priorities
- Conduct closing conferences reviewing identified hazards and cited violations
- Participate in efforts to obtain warrants or subpoena witnesses and documents when necessary
- Conduct targeted outreach activities on OSHA legislation, regulations, and compliance
- Review employer safety programs and documentation for regulatory compliance
- Prepare legally sufficient documentation to support enforcement actions
- Respond to public and employer requests for information on OSHA policies and programs
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Experience (GS-7) | 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5, applying OSHA or related safety standards |
| Education Alternative | One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education, OR superior academic achievement in a related bachelor’s degree |
| Certification Alternative | CSP, CIH, or CHP certification (written exam required) can qualify for GS-5 |
| Background Check | Required suitability/background investigation |
| Bargaining Unit | Yes – this position is inside the bargaining unit |
Career Ladder & Salary by Grade
| Grade | Salary Range | Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | ~$45,700 – $59,400/yr | Entry | 52 weeks specialized experience at GS-5 OR qualifying education |
| GS-9 | ~$51,800 – $67,300/yr | Developmental | 1 year experience at GS-7, demonstrated inspection proficiency |
| GS-11 | ~$61,100 – $79,500/yr | Developmental | 1 year experience at GS-9, independent inspection capability |
| GS-12 | ~$73,900 – $104,000/yr | Full Performance | 1 year experience at GS-11, full inspection and enforcement authority |
💡 Note: Entry grade depends heavily on your existing credentials – candidates with a CSP, CIH, or CHP certification, or a related graduate degree, often qualify at higher starting grades than those relying on general experience alone. This affects compliance safety and health officer salary outcomes significantly at time of hire.
Other Requirements
- Financial disclosure may be required depending on final duty assignment
- Selectees may need to travel regularly to worksites within their assigned region
- This announcement uses six cut-off dates through October 9, 2026, with applications reviewed after each cut-off
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $45,700 – $104,000/yr depending on grade and locality |
| Paid Time Off | 13–26 days annual leave + 13 sick days/year |
| Federal Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays per year |
| Health Insurance | FEHB – wide selection of plans, no physical exam or age restrictions |
| Dental & Vision | FEDVIP |
| Retirement | FERS (pension + Social Security + TSP) |
| TSP (401k) | Up to 5% government matching |
| Training | Structured on-the-job training and professional development opportunities |
| Career Growth | Non-competitive promotion path from entry grade up to GS-12 full performance |
How to Apply
- Create a free account at USAJOBS.gov if you do not already have one.
- Build your federal resume, highlighting any OSHA-related, safety, industrial hygiene, or inspection experience in detail.
- Navigate to the Safety and Occupational Health Specialist announcement (Control #860223900).
- Submit your application, including transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Watch for referral notifications after each of the six cut-off dates – applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Prepare a writing sample in case it is requested as part of the interview process.
- If selected, complete required background investigation and any onboarding training before reporting to your assigned Area Office.
⚠️ Important: This announcement closes October 9, 2026, with six separate cut-off dates throughout the year – applying before the next cut-off gives you the best chance of early consideration. Apply directly at USAJOBS.gov; FederalJobsAlert.us does not process applications.
Veterans’ Preference
Standard veterans’ preference applies to this announcement. Veterans with 5-point or 10-point preference should claim it during the application process and provide a DD-214 and, if applicable, a VA disability rating letter. Military experience in safety, explosive ordnance disposal, industrial hygiene, or related inspection and compliance roles translates directly to csho jobs government work, making this a strong fit for transitioning service members. Veterans should also review OPM’s guidance on age and physical requirement exemptions where applicable.
About the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, has worked for more than 50 years to ensure American workers have safe and healthful working conditions. The agency oversees compliance across nearly every industry, from construction and manufacturing to agriculture and maritime work, operating through a nationwide network of Area Offices. For anyone exploring department of labor jobs 2026, OSHA offers one of the more mission-driven, field-based career paths within DOL, with meaningful autonomy and direct impact on worker safety.
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at usajobs.gov/job/860223900. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, or any US government agency.
Sources
- USAJOBS – Safety and Occupational Health Specialist Announcement #860223900
- OSHA Careers – Official OSHA Careers Page