TCEQ - Toxicologist I

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and 457 plans

Health, Vision, Dental insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Professional development opportunities

Longevity pay

Wellness program

Job summary

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is seeking an experienced Toxicologist to join the Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division in Austin. The role involves developing and reviewing exposure data, risk assessments, and health effect evaluations for air quality and remediation projects.

The ideal candidate will have advanced degrees in toxicology or pharmacology, strong communication skills, and the ability to represent the agency as an expert witness.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of standard principles and methods of toxicology and chemical laboratory procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
• Ability to initiate, plan, develop, interpret, and conduct evaluations of toxicological information and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or review effects screening levels following scientific principles and agency guidance.
• Communicate with the public, industry reps, advocacy groups, staff, and agencies; provide expert testimony in public hearings; participate in public meetings.
• Review health effects of ambient air monitoring data and projects, and of air permit applications.
• Coordinate advanced toxicological evaluations for site remediation and determine data adequacy for risk assessments.
• Conduct advanced toxicological evaluations to assess health risks from environmental contaminants.

Skills

Toxicology knowledge

Computers & software

Effective communication

Education

Master's degree in toxicology/pharmacology/related

Doctorate in toxicology/pharmacology/related

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Toxicologist, ready for a unique opportunity to grow with an environmental state agency?

Join TCEQ! We bring passion and drive to carry out our mission of protecting our state's public health and natural resources.

YOUR FUTURE TEAM

As part of the Executive Director's office, you would support management of the agency's day-to-day operations. See details about what we do.

This position is a member of our Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division.

Here's What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct and/or review the development of effects screening levels in accordance with sound scientific principles and agency guidance.
• Communicate with the public, industry representatives, advocacy groups, agency staff, representatives of governmental agencies, legislative staff, and the academic community; provide expert testimony in legal proceedings such as public hearings; and participate in public meetings.
• Conduct and/or review the health effects reviews of ambient air monitoring data and projects.
• Conduct and/or review the health effects reviews of air permit applications.
• Conduct and/or review advanced risk assessments for site remediation. Develop media-specific cleanup levels and determines adequacy of data collected for use in risk assessments.
• Conduct and/or coordinate advanced toxicological evaluations to determine potential health risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants, or other special projects, conducted either in-house or by independent contractors.
• Stay abreast of new toxicological data by attending teleconferences, professional conferences, training events, and by reading scientific literature.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of the standard principles and methods of toxicology and of chemical laboratory procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
• Ability to initiate, plan, develop, interpret, and conduct evaluations of toxicological information to determine the health risks associated with public/environmental exposure to toxic substances; to communicate effectively; to produce and present highly technical reports and studies related to toxicology, to express ideas clearly and concisely, and to address audiences; to assemble, summarize, and interpret pertinent technical literature; to interact with the public and to represent the agency as an expert toxicology witness; and to work independently to ensure that assessments are consistent with standard principles and methods of toxicology and agency policy.

Required Education & Experience

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely related field, plus 2 years full-time experience in toxicology, pharmacology, risk assessment, or a closely-related field.

OR

A Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely-related field.

Employees in this classification series may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including but not limited to a communication infrastructure system, cybersecurity system, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment system, or water treatment facility. See Tex. Business & Commerce Code Section 117.001(2). Accordingly, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a requirement to be hired for and to continue to be employed with TCEQ.

TRANSCRIPT/ COLLEGE HOURS Or COURSE WORK

See instructions on how to attach documents. A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials in CAPPS is required if needed to meet the qualifications listed above.

Work Schedule

Standard business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individual and work group schedule determined by the TCEQ Austin Headquarters

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA
• Paid day(s) off from work on national holidays and holidays that the state observes
• Professional development opportunities
• Longevity pay based on your number of years working for the state
• Wellness Program and Activities
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner in HQ
• Work-Life Balance

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

TCEQ will conduct a criminal history records search, driving history (if required for the job) on candidates offered employment.

In compliance with ADA, if you need accommodation during the employment process, please contact HRSS for assistance at [phone].

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (MOS) CODES

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes can be found at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/. Please click the hyperlink under 'Occupational Category' for the respective Class Title.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.