Explore how your federal experience as a Safety and Occupational Health Management (GS-0018) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Safety Assistant, Health and Safety Coordinator, Occupational Health Technician | Assist in implementing safety programs, conduct basic hazard assessments, support training sessions for staff on safety protocols, and maintain incident reports. | $35,000 - $48,000 |
| 5-7 | Safety Specialist, Occupational Health Specialist, Compliance Officer | Develop and enforce safety policies, inspect facilities for compliance with safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and train employees on occupational health risks. | $49,000 - $65,000 |
| 8-9 | Safety Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Safety Compliance Manager | Oversee the organization’s safety programs, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, implement safety initiatives, and manage audits and inspections to minimize risks. | $65,000 - $85,000 |
| 10-11 | Senior Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director, Occupational Health Program Manager | Lead safety strategy across multiple departments, conduct complex investigations into workplace incidents, provide expert guidance to senior management, and liaise with regulatory agencies. | $85,000 - $110,000 |
| 12-13 | Chief Safety Officer, Director of Occupational Health and Safety, Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Director | Establish and maintain a comprehensive safety culture within the organization, develop strategic safety policies, evaluate program effectiveness, and manage budget allocations for safety initiatives. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Safety and Risk Management, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety, Corporate Safety Executive | Provide vision and leadership for the organization’s overall health and safety program, develop long-term safety strategies, interact with the board and stakeholders, and ensure compliance with international safety standards. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Safety, Chief Risk Management Officer, Senior Vice President of Occupational Health | Shape organizational policies related to health and safety, drive a culture of safety at executive levels, oversee compliance and risk management on a corporate-wide basis, and guide strategic improvements in safety performance. | $180,000 - $220,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
The CSP certification demonstrates a strong understanding of safety principles and practices, making it advantageous for professionals transitioning to civilian roles in safety management. Employers often seek CSP-certified individuals as they are recognized for their ability to effectively reduce workplace hazards and enhance employee safety, which is critical in various industries.
Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST)
The OHST certification showcases proficiency in safety and health practices on the job, essential for professionals looking to manage safety programs in civilian sectors. This credential can make a candidate more competitive, as it proves hands-on knowledge in safety regulations and compliance.
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
The CIH certification is a valuable credential for safety professionals, as it indicates expertise in identifying and mitigating workplace health hazards. Possessing this certification enhances a candidate's marketability in the civilian sector, particularly in industries focused on occupational health and safety compliance.
Hazardous Materials Management Certification (HMMC)
This certification is beneficial for individuals involved in managing hazardous materials and ensures a competent understanding of regulations and risk management. In sectors where hazardous materials are prevalent, such as construction and manufacturing, this certification will make candidates stand out in the hiring process.
Certified Safety Executive (CSE)
CSE certification emphasizes leadership and strategic safety management skills, making it a strong asset for those pursuing senior roles in safety and occupational health. This credential can help individuals demonstrate their capability to enhance organizational safety culture and implement comprehensive safety programs effectively.
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
While basic, this certification provides critical skills that are a prerequisite in many workplaces, instilling a foundational understanding of personal and workplace health. It shows employers a commitment to safety culture and readiness, which is highly valued across all civilian sectors.
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
A graduate certificate program offers advanced knowledge and skills specifically tailored to managing occupational safety and health programs. This formal education demonstrates a commitment to the field and may open doors to specialized positions and advanced roles within organizations.
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Safety Management or Occupational Health
Higher education in safety management equips professionals with in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge essential for developing effective safety programs. Graduates from these programs are often favored by employers for their comprehensive understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, and management principles.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certification
NFPA certifications are important for safety professionals involved in fire safety and prevention, addressing a key aspect of occupational safety management. This credential enhances an individual's profile when applying for roles where fire safety compliance is critical, such as in manufacturing and construction industries.
OSHA Training Certifications (e.g., 30-hour Outreach Training Program)
OSHA training certifications are widely recognized and demonstrate an understanding of federal safety regulations, a vital component of occupational health and safety roles. This certification makes individuals more attractive to potential employers who prioritize compliance and a safe working environment.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0018 Safety and Occupational Health Management role to the private sector involves navigating several key areas, including mindset shifts, resume crafting, interview preparation, and networking strategies. Below, I’ll break down these components to equip you for a successful career change.
A change in mindset will greatly enhance your transition experience. Here are some important adjustments:
Value Yourself: Transitioning to the private sector means recognizing the value of your skills and experiences. Feel confident about your knowledge in safety regulations, compliance, risk management, and occupational health—these are critical in the private sector as well.
Embrace Flexibility: Private companies often have different cultures compared to federal agencies. Be open to a more dynamic work environment where processes or policies may change rapidly and innovation is encouraged.
Outcomes Over Processes: In the federal environment, much emphasis is placed on processes and adherence to standards. In private industry, however, outcomes and results are prioritized. Shift your focus from how things are done to what results can be achieved.
Customer-Centric Approach: Understand that in the private sector, your work impacts customers. Emphasize your role in ensuring safe and healthy environments that contribute to employee productivity and satisfaction.
Your resume will be a critical tool in your job search. Here’s how to tailor it effectively:
Translate Federal Language: Replace federal terminology with industry-specific jargon that hiring managers in the private sector will recognize. For example, instead of "compliance with OSHA regulations," you might say, "ensured workplace safety aligning with industry standards."
Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to highlight your impact. Include figures such as the number of safety inspections conducted, reduction in incident rates, or the percentage improvement in safety training completion._For example, "Implemented a safety training program resulting in a 30% reduction in workplace accidents."
Focus on Skills and Accomplishments: Place your relevant experience and skills front and center, particularly those that directly relate to the private sector such as risk assessment, program development, emergency response planning, and safety audits.
Use a Simple Format: Keep your resume clean and simple, avoiding overly complex government jargon or lengthy descriptions. Prioritize clarity over formality.
Include Key Sections: Consider sections for a summary statement, core competencies, professional experience, and education. This organization will help recruiters quickly find the information they need.
Preparing for private sector interviews can vary significantly from federal interviews, so consider these strategies:
Research the Company: Understand the industry the company operates in, its culture, mission, and values. Tailor your answers to show how your background and skills align with their goals.
Behavioral Competency Questions: Expect questions that focus on how you’ve handled specific situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This works well for illustrating your problem-solving skills and decision-making processes.
Emphasize Soft Skills: Private sector employers often prioritize cultural fit and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. Provide examples that showcase these.
Ask Insightful Questions: Indicate your interest in the role and company by asking insightful questions about future projects or challenges they face in occupational health and safety.
Networking is a powerful tool during your job transition. Here are practical approaches:
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your safety and occupational health expertise. Connect with professionals in the industry, participate in discussions, and follow companies of interest.
Attend Industry Conferences: Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences related to occupational health and safety. These events provide networking opportunities and updates on industry trends.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to former colleagues or contacts in the private sector for informational interviews. Ask about their experiences, gather insights, and seek advice on transitioning effectively.
Join Professional Associations: Consider joining professional organizations like the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) or the National Safety Council (NSC), which can offer resources and networking opportunities.
Effectively communicating your federal experience to resonate with private sector employers is crucial:
Highlight Transferable Skills: Skills such as risk management, safety training, and compliance analysis are relevant across both sectors. Be explicit about how these experiences will benefit your prospective employer.
Discuss Initiatives and Team Leadership: Share instances where you led initiatives or supported teams in improving safety standards or practices. This demonstrates leadership and project management experience.
Utilize Action-Oriented Language: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Words like 'implemented,' 'developed,' 'led,' and 'optimized' convey a proactive and results-driven approach.
The transition from federal employment to the private sector may feel daunting, but consider it an exciting opportunity to leverage your skills in new and impactful ways. Each step you take in this process, from rebranding your resume to networking with industry professionals, strengthens your position as a candidate. Remember, you carry with you a wealth of experience that is highly valuable—especially in today’s safety-conscious business environment. Stay motivated, flexible, and open to learning as you embark on this new journey, and take pride in the contributions you can make in the private sector.