Chief Safety Officer

About the opportunity

The Chief Safety Officer of the Office of Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) at NIST promotes and sustains a strong, integrated safety culture that enables staff at all levels to understand their roles, contribute effectively, and advance the success of the Institute. The Chief Safety Officer is primarily responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and administering the NIST-wide safety, health, and environment (SH&E) program to help ensure the NIST mission is accomplished while protecting workers, the public, and the environment. Key duties include overseeing the SH&E management system, preparing budget estimates, leading strategic and operational planning, and serving as the principal spokesperson for SH&E before Administration officials, Congress, and other stakeholders.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary range of $151,661 to $228,000
• Telework and flexible work schedules
• Paid parental leave, paid vacation, and sick leave
• Family-friendly leave
• Childcare subsidy program for qualifying families and back-up childcare program
• Child and elder-care resources, plus an on-site childcare center
• Lactation spaces
• Wellness programs and fitness center
• Employee assistance programs
• Potential authorization for relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy

Who can apply?

• Must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of senior executive-level managerial capability directly related to Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs)
• Must possess experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the duties of the position
• PTQ 1: Demonstrated leadership in managing complex programs, establishing priorities, aligning resources, and building consensus
• PTQ 2: Extensive experience in occupational safety and health risk assessment and management, with expertise in fostering a strong safety culture in laboratory environments
• ECQs (for new SES entrants): Commitment to the Rule of Law and Principles of the American Founding, Driving Efficiency, Merit and Competence, Leading People, and Achieving Results
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date

Required documents

• Resume: Must not exceed two pages, using a legible font no smaller than 11-point with at least 0.8-inch margins. Must not include images, graphics, hyperlinks, or Personally Identifiable Information (such as photos or Social Security Numbers). PDF format is strongly recommended.
• SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): For current Senior Executives, individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility, or current Federal employees to document career status, tenure, position title, series, and grade level (Award SF-50s are not accepted).
• SESCDP OPM-Certification documentation (for SES Candidate Development Program Graduates).
• Proof of former or current political appointee status (such as an SF-50), if applicable within the last 5 years.

When to apply

• Applications must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on September 14, 2026.

How to apply

• Apply online through the USAJOBS portal (usajobs.gov).
• Click 'Apply' to initiate the four-step process to attach your resume and required documents.
• Ensure your resume does not exceed the strict two-page limit and thoroughly addresses the ECQs and PTQs (do not submit separate narrative statements).
• Verify that all entered, uploaded, and submitted information is accurate and complete before the deadline.
• For reasonable accommodation requests, contact Human Resources Specialist Amy Laughter at amy.laughter@nist.gov.

Additional information

• The selected individual must have their executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment, unless they already possess noncompetitive status.
• Upon appointment, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• This position is subject to the Ethics in Government Act, requiring the appointee to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) within 30 days of appointment, annually, and upon termination.
• Veterans' preference is not applicable to positions in the Senior Executive Service.
• Individuals selected may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines.