Environmental Toxicologist (Tox2) - DOH5730

Description

Important Note: As stated in Governor’s Proclamation 21-14, all employees engaging in work for the Department of Health are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before October 18, 2021. Proof of vaccination will be verified by the Office of Human Resources after an employment offer has been extended and accepted. Please reach out to the Office of Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation. See vaccine requirement timeline.
This position supports the Department of Health’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State by reducing exposures to environmental hazards and the mission of the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences (OEPHS) to assure environmental public health programs and policies are based in sound science.
Reporting to the Senior Epidemiologist in the Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology Section, this position supports the Environmental Toxicology Program serving as a toxicologist technical lead. This position has the primary responsibility of conducting assessments, providing recommendations on a broad array of non-routine human health toxicological issues and collaborating with DOH programs, external agencies, and communities to address the threats to public health from environmental contaminants. External agencies include agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Washington State Department of Ecology, other state public health agencies, and Tribal governments.
This is a full-time permanent Toxicologist 2 position located within the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences, Division of Environmental Public Health.
Currently, this position may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to the Tumwater duty station for work activities.
About the Department of Health
The vision of the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is equity and optimal health for all. Our mission is to work with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state.

Our Values
Good organizations know what they do and how they do it. Great organizations also understand why they do it. Our values are:

• Human-centered: We see others as people who matter like we do and take into account their needs, challenges, contributions, and objectives.
• Equity: We are committed to fairness and justice to ensure access to services, programs, opportunities, and information for all.
• Collaboration: We seek partnership and collaboration to maximize our collective impact. We cannot achieve our vision alone.
• Seven Generations: Inspired by Native American culture, we seek wisdom from those who came before us to ensure our current work protects those who will come after us.
• Excellence: We strive to demonstrate best practices, high performance, and compelling value in our work every day.

Benefits of Working for DOH
Washington is America's Top State, according to U.S. News (2021), and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Tumwater is a vibrant city just south of Olympia, the state's capital, with a small-town feel conveniently situated between Seattle and Portland. Tumwater enjoys the benefits of an engaged and educated community and a well-supported school system, with two universities and a community college within a ten-mile radius.

We also offer:

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
• Growth and development opportunities.
• A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
• Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• An Infant at Work Program based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
• A modernized workplace.

Duties Include

• Evaluates toxicological studies, data and other technical information, and conducting assessments on a broad array of non-routine human health toxicological issues impacting multiple areas of the agency and other agencies.
• Determines the potential for adverse health effects and identifies and provides guidance and recommends strategies and actions to reduce or eliminate people’s exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental contaminants.
• Collaborates with internal and external state, federal and tribal partners to leverage resources and effectively identifies and addresses priority public health toxicological issues in the state.
• Provides support to the office, division and internal and external agency staff on toxicological issues of concern to their programs and work.
• Provides technical leadership, training and education to other agency staff.
• As the lead toxicologist for the agency’s fish advisory work, evaluates fish contaminant and consumption data, writes reports documenting process, findings and recommendations and issues fish advisories to protect public health while balancing the risks with the benefits of fish consumption. Provides technical leadership, training and education to other local, state and federal agency staff, tribal governments and the public on issues regarding contaminants in fish and fish consumption.
• Evaluates and interprets toxicological studies, data and other technical information on a broad array of environmental contaminants and exposure scenarios to determine the potential for adverse human health effects of exposure to environmental contaminants.

What we’re looking forOur ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly. Our ideal candidate is outward even when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative. They demonstrate resilience to model outward behaviors even when stressed or tired.
Required Qualifications

• Option 1: Master of Science degree in toxicology or in a health or ecological related science (e.g. chemistry, environmental science) with a major emphasis in toxicology; AND three (3) or more years of toxicology experience.

OR

• 
  Option 2: A Ph.D. degree in toxicology or in a health or ecological related science (e.g. chemistry, environmental science) with a major emphasis in toxicology; AND one (1) or more years of toxicology experience.

ANDTwo (2) or more years of experience in the following:

• Analyzing toxicological and health data.
• Evaluating toxicology research literature.
• Communicating results through written and oral presentations.
• Spreadsheet and word processing software.

Desired QualificationsTwo (2) or more years of toxicology experience working for a public health agency.
Application ProcessIntrigued? Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• 
  A cover letter, describing how you meet the qualifications and why you are interested in this position.
• A current resume.
• Three (3) or more professional references, to be included in your profile. Please include at least one supervisor, peer, and (if you have supervised staff) someone you have supervised or led.

Important Note: Do not attach documents that contain a photo or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.) or documents that are password protected. These documents will not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and year of birth.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Conditions of Employment/Working ConditionsWith or without an accommodation, I am willing and able to:

• 
  Important Note: As stated in Governor’s Proclamation 21-14, all employees engaging in work for the Department of Health are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before October 18, 2021. Proof of vaccination will be verified by the Office of Human Resources after an employment offer has been extended and accepted. Please reach out to the Office of Human Resources at HR@doh.wa.gov if you need information on a medical or religious accommodation. See vaccine requirement timeline.
• Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle or provide alternative transportation.
• Occasionally work more than 40 hours per week and/or to adjust normally scheduled hours, which may include evening and weekends.
• Work in a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free environment (campus).
• Move objects and materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without accommodation.
• Work in a stressful environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines.
• Occasionally work in stressful emergency response conditions.
• Sit and stand for extended periods at a computer.
• Work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, with a one-hour lunch.
• Willing to travel statewide, or out of state, when necessary to perform the functions of the position.
• Meet frequently with a variety of stakeholders in a variety of settings.

If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Danielle Dahm at (360) 236-4276, danielle.dahm@doh.wa.gov, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
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Supplemental Information

This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Education and experience selected, listed and/or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the detailed applicant profile submitted.