fed2civ

GS-0019 Safety Technician Transition Guide

Explore how your federal experience as a Safety Technician (GS-0019) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.

GS Level Mappings

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, Junior Safety Technician, Entry-Level Safety Coordinator Assists in implementing safety procedures, conducting routine inspections, and maintaining safety records. Supports experienced safety technicians in various operational activities and administrative tasks. $35,000 - $50,000
5-7 Safety Specialist, Safety Technician, Occupational Safety Representative Responsible for assessing workplace safety conditions, conducting audits, training staff on safety protocols, and preparing detailed safety reports. Collaborates with management to address safety issues and improve workplace safety culture. $50,000 - $70,000
8-9 Safety Manager, Health and Safety Coordinator, Safety Compliance Officer Develops and implements safety programs, oversees safety inspections, conducts risk assessments, and ensures compliance with OSHA regulations. Leads training sessions and manages safety-related incidents and reports to upper management. $70,000 - $95,000
10-11 Senior Safety Engineer, Safety Operations Manager, Safety Consultant Designs safety management systems, directs safety operations across multiple locations, analyzes incident reports for trends, and develops strategic safety improvement plans. Engages with senior leadership to communicate safety performance and initiatives. $95,000 - $125,000
12-13 Director of Safety, Corporate Safety Officer, Safety Program Manager Sets organization-wide safety policies, oversees compliance audits, leads regional safety initiatives, and manages a team of safety professionals. Creates budgets for safety programs and coordinates with external regulatory bodies. $125,000 - $160,000
14-15 Vice President of Safety and Risk Management, Chief Safety Officer, Safety Strategy Director Directs all aspects of the organization’s safety strategy, oversees risk management initiatives, ensures alignment with business goals, and advocates for safety as a core organizational value. Represents the organization in regulatory meetings and industry forums. $160,000 - $210,000
SES Senior Vice President of Health and Safety, Executive Vice President of Safety and Compliance, Chief Risk and Safety Executive Provides high-level leadership in safety and risk management, formulates strategic initiatives across the organization, ensures compliance with national and international safety standards, and reports directly to the CEO. Influences industry standards and practices through leadership in safety governance. $210,000 - $300,000

Transferable Skills

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.

  • • Risk Assessment and Management: Ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks associated with safety in various environments, applicable to roles in risk management in private and public sectors.
  • • Incident Investigation: Experience in investigating safety incidents and accidents, useful in civilian roles focused on compliance and safety audits.
  • • Safety Training and Education: Skills in developing and delivering training programs on safety protocols, transferable to corporate training and employee development positions.
  • • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA), which is valuable for compliance officer roles in various industries.
  • • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze safety data and metrics to recommend improvements, useful in data-driven roles such as business analysis or operations management.
  • • Communication Skills: Proficient in written and verbal communication, essential for roles that require reporting and presentations.
  • • Emergency Response Preparedness: Experience in developing emergency response plans, applicable to roles in emergency management and business continuity planning.
  • • Equipment Safety Inspection: Skills in inspecting safety equipment and workplaces, can be transferred to roles in quality assurance and equipment maintenance.
  • • Project Management: Experience in managing safety projects and initiatives, valuable in project management roles across sectors.
  • • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, useful in any cooperative work environment.

Certifications & Education

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.

  • Certification in Occupational Safety and Health (COSH)

    The COSH certification demonstrates a thorough understanding of occupational safety and health regulations, which is essential for safety technicians. This credential provides a strong foundation in safety practices and compliance, making candidates more competitive in the civilian workforce.

  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

    CSP is a widely recognized certification that validates a professional's knowledge in safety management and risk assessment. This credential enhances credibility and shows employers that the individual is committed to maintaining high safety standards, crucial for industries that prioritize workplace safety.

  • Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

    The CIH certification focuses on the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental hazards in the workplace. Having this certification can give candidates an edge in industries that require detailed assessments of health risks associated with safety operations.

  • National Safety Council (NSC) Defensive Driving Course

    Completing this course equips individuals with critical knowledge about safe driving practices and accident prevention strategies. This experience adds significant practical skills for safety technicians working in sectors involving fleet management or transportation.

  • First Aid and CPR/AED Certification

    Having certification in First Aid and CPR/AED illustrates a commitment to health and safety, and it is often a fundamental requirement in civilian safety roles. This training prepares individuals to respond effectively in emergencies, adding value in workplaces where incident response is critical.

  • Hazardous Materials Management Certification (HMM)

    This certification focuses on the proper management, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, which is increasingly important in many civilian sectors. It demonstrates specialized knowledge that can enhance a candidate’s qualifications for roles involving environmental health and safety.

  • NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

    This internationally recognized qualification provides a solid understanding of health and safety management systems, enabling safety technicians to effectively protect employees and the organization. Having this certification can appeal to employers looking for qualified safety professionals with a global perspective.

  • OSHA Safety and Health Trainer Course Certification

    This certification prepares individuals to deliver OSHA training and improve workplace safety practices. The ability to train employees on safety protocols can significantly increase a job candidate's value to organizations prioritizing compliance and employee safety.

Typical Employers

See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.

  • Construction companies
  • Manufacturing firms
  • Oil and gas companies
  • Utilities providers
  • Federal contractors
  • Consulting firms specializing in safety and compliance
  • Warehousing and distribution centers
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Transportation companies
  • Aerospace and defense contractors

Career Transition Advice

Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.

  • Leverage your expertise in safety standards and protocols to target roles in the private sector, such as safety coordinator or safety manager, where your skills in risk assessment are highly valued.
  • Enhance your resume by quantifying your achievements in the GS-0019 role, such as reduced incident rates or successful implementation of safety programs, to demonstrate your impact on workplace safety.
  • Network with professionals in industries like construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, as these sectors prioritize safety management and may benefit from your federal experience.
  • Consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), to bolster your qualifications in civilian roles.
  • Tailor your job search to include companies that prioritize safety and compliance, making sure to highlight your understanding of federal regulations and best practices in your applications.

Industry Trends

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.

  • 📈 Increased regulations and enforcement of workplace safety standards due to a heightened focus on employee health, especially post-COVID-19.
  • 📈 Growing emphasis on mental health and well-being in the workplace, leading to expanded safety programs and initiatives.
  • 📈 Adoption of advanced technology, such as AI and IoT, for monitoring and enhancing workplace safety, creating a demand for technicians skilled in these technologies.
  • 📈 Rising interest in sustainability and environmental safety, which may require Safety Technicians to focus on environmental compliance and safety in hazardous materials handling.
  • 📈 Expansion of remote work may necessitate new safety protocols and training for home office setups, leading to opportunities in safety consulting and program development.

General Transition Advice

Navigating Your Transition from Federal Employment to the Private Sector: A Comprehensive Guide
Transitioning from a GS-0019 Safety Technician role in the federal workforce to a position in the private sector is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for both personal and professional growth. This transition may feel daunting, but with the right mindset, skills, and strategies, you can successfully make this shift. Here are some comprehensive tips and insights to support you in this process.

Mindset Shifts

  1. Embrace Change: Transitioning to the private sector often means adapting to different work cultures, management styles, and expectations. Embrace the change and view it as an opportunity to learn and expand your skill set.
  2. Think Like a Private Sector Employee: Federal jobs often have a different focus on processes and compliance. In the private sector, there is typically a stronger emphasis on profit, efficiency, and innovation. Understand that your mindset needs to shift from a compliance-based approach to one that prioritizes outcomes and value.
  3. Adopt a Growth Mindset: The private sector rewards versatility and adaptation. Stay open to learning new skills, ideas, and concepts. Attend training, webinars, and workshops relevant to your industry to stay competitive.

Resume Tips

  1. Translate Federal Experience: Use language and terminology that resonate with private sector employers. For instance, instead of mentioning "government regulations," frame your experience in terms of "industry standards" or "quality assurance".
  2. Focus on Achievements: Highlight measurable achievements rather than duties. For example, instead of stating "Conducted safety inspections," say "Reduced workplace incidents by 20% through proactive safety training and inspections."
  3. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Use keywords found in the job description to align your experience with the role you are applying for.
  4. Include Soft Skills: Soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are highly valued by employers. Include these in your resume and provide examples that showcase your abilities in these areas.

Interview Tips

  1. Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Prepare for situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to share specific examples from your federal experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to work under pressure.
  2. Research the Company: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals.
  3. Practice Your Delivery: Practice responding to common interview questions with friends or mentors. Prepare to answer why you want to make the transition to the private sector and what you can bring to the organization.
  4. Ask Insightful Questions: During the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role, such as how the company measures success for the position you’re applying for or what challenges the team is currently facing.

Networking Strategies

  1. Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your desired career transition. Connect with professionals in your target industries and engage with their content. Consider sharing articles or insights related to safety practices to establish yourself as knowledgeable in the field.
  2. Attend Industry Events: Join local professional associations, attend networking events, and consider volunteering for committees related to safety. These connections can lead to job opportunities and mentorships.
  3. Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals working in positions or companies of interest and request informational interviews. Ask them about their career paths and gather insights about transitioning from federal to private sector roles.
  4. Utilize Veteran Networks: If applicable, leverage your status as a veteran to connect with other veterans in the private sector who have made similar transitions. They may have valuable resources and advice to share.

Translating Federal Experience into Private Sector Language

  1. Use Business Language: Familiarize yourself with private sector terminology. For example, replace "disaster preparedness plans" with "risk management strategies."
  2. Highlight Relevant Skills: Skills such as project management, regulatory compliance, safety audits, and training development are valuable in both sectors. Emphasize how you’ve applied these skills in a way that would benefit a private sector employer.
  3. Showcase Adaptability: Emphasize scenarios where you adapted to changes or implemented new systems. The ability to pivot and learn quickly is highly regarded in the business world.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from a federal safety technician role to a position in the private sector is not just about changing jobs; it’s about leveraging your unique experiences and skills to create new opportunities. The process may take time, but remain persistent and proactive. Engage in networking, continuous learning, and personal branding to position yourself effectively in the competitive job market.

Remember that every step you take is an investment in your future. Approach this transition with confidence, and don’t hesitate to seek support from career coaches, mentors, and your professional network. Best of luck on your new journey!