Safety Technician Required In Japan

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) is seeking a dedicated Safety Technician to join the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department. In this role, you’ll perform administrative and training tasks in support of the MWR Facilities Manager and department safety activities, ensuring compliance with occupational safety and health laws, conducting inspections, and maintaining critical safety records. Working in collaboration with the CFAY Safety Office and higher organizations, you’ll play a vital role in accident prevention, hazard identification, and maintaining a safe environment for military personnel, families, and employees. If you have experience in safety administration, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a unique military community.

About the Position

This full-time, permanent position is assigned to the MWR Department at CFAY in Yokosuka, Japan. As a Safety Technician, you’ll serve as a key point of contact for safety matters across MWR facilities, including playgrounds, recreational areas, and child development programs. You’ll conduct inspections, investigate hazards, manage hazardous materials programs, and provide safety training to personnel. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, you’ll work alongside MWR managers, the CFAY Safety Office, and other departments to ensure a safe and compliant environment. If you’re detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about safety, you’ll thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

As a Safety Technician, you’ll perform a wide range of duties to support the MWR safety program.

Inspections and Investigations:

Perform routine inspections and investigative work to monitor compliance with occupational safety and health laws.
Investigate and report on unsafe mechanical and physical conditions and work practices that may lead to injury or property damage.
Inspect and evaluate safety issues throughout the organization, identifying hazards and possible means of elimination.
Conduct surveys of MWR facilities and programs, documenting findings and conducting follow-up surveys as required.
Assist senior safety specialists from the CFAY Safety Office in conducting surveys and evaluations of low-to-medium hazard installation activities, including administrative operations, logistics and storage facilities, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.
Serve as the Playground Safety Inspector for the CYP program, inspecting and certifying N92 and N96 playgrounds.
Conduct two annual inspections of CYP facilities (CDC, SAC, Teen Center, CDH) with the Fire Department and PREVMED.

Program Management and Administration:

Manage the administrative functions of the MWR safety program, including maintaining records, reports, and documentation.
Initiate and monitor work-order submissions, progress, and completion for assigned areas.
Assist MWR management with timely submission of required reports and MISHAP documentation.
Serve as the Point of Contact for the MWR N92 and CYP N96 Hazmat Portal Program.
Assist in enrolling personnel in HAZMAT systems and establishing Authorized Users Lists (AUL) in all programs.
Manage hazardous materials for MWR N92 and CYP N96, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Compile statistical data on all accidents, injuries, and illnesses for the installation.
Maintain recordable accident reports and logs.
Analyze accident and injury reports to determine trends and mishap causes.
Maintain Administrative Access for the Safety RMI program, entering and maintaining data on all mishaps.

Training and Communication:

Assist with developing and improving safety-training programs for supported activities.
Coordinate training classes, including scheduling, identifying participants, and arranging equipment.
Research and assemble background reference materials for training use.
Hold periodic training on proper reporting, documentation, and follow-up on mishaps and safety discrepancies.
Research technical and non-technical areas and assist in composing safety alerts for publication.
Develop promotional materials and techniques for accident prevention.
Prepare plans and programs to solicit participation and cooperation from officials and employees.
Compose written articles and publicity materials for distribution as needed.

Collaboration and Representation:

Serve as a MWR representative on various Command Safety committees and working groups.
Act as a safety technical consultant to various safety committees in supporting organization elements.
Serve as the primary point of contact between MWR N92 and CYP N96 and PREVMED/Occupational Health and Safety at USNH Yokosuka.
Accompany the CFAY Safety Team on annual inspections of all CYP and MWR facilities.
Serve as a member of the FCC quality review board, determining initial and maintained certifications for Family Child Care homes.

Additional Duties:

Perform other safety-associated duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for someone with practical knowledge of safety standards, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Minimum Qualifications:

One (1) year of specialized experience in the lower grade (GS-5/6) or NF-2 level acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
OR three (3) years of progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work experience acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of an extensive body of laws, regulations, standards, and codes applicable to facilities, building structures, workplaces, machinery, and equipment inspected, enabling determination of compliance and corrective actions needed.
Practical knowledge of established Federal statutes, safety standards, protective devices, and accident prevention measures.
Knowledge of inspection, interviewing, and survey techniques sufficient to identify occupational hazards and determine elements giving rise to mishaps.
Knowledge to identify standard Hazardous Material without supervision.
Skill in using computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs.
Skill in oral and written communication, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
Ability to train others.
Ability to research, analyze, and compile data and present findings.
Ability to maintain records and reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in safety administration in a Department of the Navy agency.
Experience in office procedures and customer service.
Knowledge of safety inspection, federal regulations, laws, and policies.
Training experience.

Conditions of Employment

Must be able to satisfactorily complete and maintain a T1 level background investigation.
Must have a valid US driver’s license and obtain a government driver’s license.
This position is eligible for situational telework.
Must be able to meet SOFA sponsorship requirements (applicants with SOFA Sponsorship only, including current Military Spouse Preference, Family Member Preference, and current CNIC employees within the Kanto region).
All candidates must reside within the commuting area.
Non-US Citizen or Non-US Bona Fide Resident Alien (Non-Green Card Holder) applicants who are SOFA sponsored must provide a completed police record check with at least seven years of history from their embassy/consulate upon receipt of a formal job offer.
Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer is required.
Selectee may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $19.50 to $33.00 per hour (NF 3 pay scale)
Location: Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan
Appointment Type: Permanent, Full-time
Travel Required: Occasional travel may be expected
Benefits: As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and more. Eligibility depends on the type of position and whether it’s full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Important Information for Applicants

Medical Access: Employees and their family members who require medical or dental care in Japan may experience severe limitations accessing care both on the military installation and in the local economy, and could incur costly medical expenses. Access for civilian employees and their families to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis only.
Probationary Period: Selectee may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
Background Investigation: Must satisfactorily complete and maintain a T1 level background investigation.

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted at the time of application:

Resume limited to two pages
Proof of SOFA Status: Copy of PCS orders and Family Entry Approval (Military) or Sponsor’s Letter of Employment (Civilian)
If claiming Military or Family Member Preference: Copy of PCS orders and Family Entry Approval (Military) or Sponsor’s Letter of Employment (Civilian) AND copy of marriage certificate
If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: Copy of the notice of separation
If claiming Veteran’s Preference: Copy of DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
If a current or former Federal Employee: Copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50
If required under qualifications: Proof of Education such as high school diploma/GED or relevant coursework transcripts

Note: Applications missing any required document(s) will not be eligible for consideration.

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on February 19, 2026.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application through USAJOBS. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (two-page maximum resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Department of the Navy (DON) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.

The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to MILL_HQ_NAF_HR.FCT@navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Agency Contact Information

Email: FFR_NAFRecruitment@us.navy.mil
Address: Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, CNRJ NAF HRO (N941), PSC 473 Box 12, FPO, AP 96349-0001 US

Next Steps

Please ensure your resume and supporting documents contain all information requested. If they do not provide all required information, you may lose consideration for the job.

All applicants will be notified regarding their status by email. Applicants will either be contacted for an interview or sent an email of non-selection 3-6 weeks after the announcement cut-off date. Please note that if you provide an inaccurate email address or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication affecting your consideration.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of the selection certificate.