Environmental Health Educator

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

PERA retirement

401(K) and 457

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible work

Holidays

Paid time off

Free parking

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

Professional development

Career opportunities

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment seeks a Physical Science Researcher/Scientist I to support the ECHO unit's science communication needs. You will translate technical toxicology and risk information for diverse audiences and help assess outreach effectiveness.

You will collaborate with TARA staff to analyze data, create visualizations, and respond to public inquiries, contributing to public health messaging and education across Colorado.

Qualifications

• Five years experience in toxicology or related environmental health field.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, public health, education, communication, or related field; plus relevant experience.
• Excellent writing and data interpretation skills; strong communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support science communication needs for the ECHO unit with clear messaging.
• Translate complex technical information for diverse stakeholders.
• Evaluate effectiveness of communications and outreach strategies.
• Contribute to data analysis, visualization, and interpretation for decision making.
• Respond to technical inquiries from the public and stakeholders.
• Assist with public workshops and seminars.

Skills

Toxicology

Environmental health

Public health communication

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

ABOUT CDPHE:

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado’s health and environment – a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado’s health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position will have hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.
• The referral list generated by this position announcement may be used to fill multiple position vacancies and may be extended.

CDPHE offers:

CDPHE offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to build a meaningful career in public service. Benefits include:

• Medical and dental plans.
• Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
• Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Potential flexible working arrangements
• 11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
• Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. For more information, go to: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

The Work Unit:

The Toxicology and Risk Assessment (TARA) Program is under the direction of the Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability Deputy Director and exists to provide epidemiologic research, surveillance data, toxicology and health risk assessment assistance, and consultation to CDPHE management, divisions and programmatic units; federal and local public health and environmental agencies and officials; and businesses and the public. Our programs span the topics of exposure to toxic substances (e.g., lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, and pesticides), cancer clusters, oil and gas health impacts, and more. TARA responds to community concerns about environmental exposures and disease clusters. Staff members provide expertise and oversight for state and community-based environmental health research, health surveillance, and biomonitoring. The Regulatory Toxicology Work Group is a work group within the Environmental Contaminants Health and Outreach Unit within TARA. The Regulatory Toxicology Workgroup conducts health risk investigations and evaluates environmental exposures, hazards and health status of communities. The purpose of this workgroup is to (1) provide statewide consultation to the department's environmental programs other state agencies federal agencies (US EPA, ATSDR) local public health departments, and the general public and (2) conduct public health assessment to identify potential impacts from environmental chemical exposures. The work unit is responsible for reviewing, interpreting and presenting on the toxicological properties of chemicals as it relates to evaluating the public health risks from environmental chemical exposures. The Emerging Issues Work Group is a work group within the Environmental Contaminants Health and Outreach Unit within TARA. The purpose of this work group is to: (1) be a resource on the relationship between PFAS/emerging issues exposure and public health for stakeholders including: TARA, DEHS, other CDPHE divisions, other state agencies, federal agencies, and the general public; (2) increase transparency and understanding of PFAS/emerging issue data and what it means for public health;

What You Will Do:

The purpose of this position is to support science communication needs for the ECHO unit. This includes translating complex technical information into understandable information for a variety of stakeholders through appropriate methods. In addition, this position is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of communications to different stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Based on guidance and support from senior TARA staff, provides risk consultation and communication expertise on environmental health problems to local public health agencies, and other stakeholders as needed.
• With support of senior outreach staff, educate communities, local public health partners, and local policymakers about environmental health risks and protective measures.
• With the guidance and support of other TARA staff, conduct data analysis, visualization, and interpretation to assist in data-driven decision making on environmental contaminants.
• With the guidance and support of other TARA staff, conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on the effectiveness of communication and outreach methods for different stakeholders.
• Participate in responding to technical inquiries from the public (i.e., Toxcall, PFAS TAP).
• Assists with public workshops, seminars and other meetings.

Residency Requirement

• This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

I3B2T* Physical Science Researcher/Scientist I

Minimum Qualifications:

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Experience Only:

Five (5) years experience in a related field such as toxicology, environmental science, environmental public health, human health risk assessment, education, and community engagement and outreach.

OR

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, public health, education, communication, journalism, or closely related field AND one (1) year experience synthesizing toxicology, risk assessment, or data analysis information into clear communications on scientific issues or closely related work experience.

**You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. "See resume" will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.*

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience serving as a resource for explaining the complexities of environmental exposures in public health.
• Previous experience in developing health education materials (verbal and written) that educate affected communities about the relationship between hazards and risks associated with contaminants.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data.
• Ability to work well independently and within a team.
• Masters or other advanced degree in public environmental health, toxicology, or closely related field.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Residency Requirement Options:
  • This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• TRAVEL: Occasional travel to site specific community environmental health investigations.

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

A complete application packet must include:

• Completed State of Colorado application.
• Cover Letter
• If using education to qualify for this position a copy of your transcripts (unofficial acceptable) or diploma must be provided with application. Transcripts must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.
• If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify:

CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

ADAAA Accommodations:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at [e-mail] or call 303-692-2060, option 5.