State Toxicologist at Vermont Department of Health in Waterbury, Vermont

Job Description:

This is an exciting position to impact environmental toxicology work in Vermont. The State Toxicologist for the Health Department oversees a wide breadth of environmental toxicology issues and is the State's scientific expert in toxicology. This position works with the risk assessor and technical staff of the toxicology group to develop health-based levels and communicates guidance for chemicals in air, water, soil and other media. This position presents at community meetings, speaks with the media and members of the public, works with partner agencies and organizations and testifies at the legislature. This position may work on topics including PCBs in the indoor air of schools, PFAS and other drinking water contaminants, pesticides and cyanobacteria in aquatic environments, and mercury and other chemicals in emergency response situations.

Plans, coordinates, directs and evaluates statewide programs for the prevention and control of public health hazards caused by environmental conditions. Speaks for the State in mattes of environmental toxicology. Oversees programs for private drinking water concerns and works with the regulatory state agency to respond to public drinking water concern. Oversees federal grant program to expand the reach of the private drinking water program. Oversees the implementation of legislation requiring manufacturers of children's products to report to Health when certain chemicals are used. Oversees and coordinates the Health Department's cyanobacteria (blue green algae) and PCB recommendations and actions. Develops, obtains approval of, and implements regulations and procedures involving environmental health. Develops and implements programs to address new and emerging environmental threats. Performs or oversees performance of complex assessments, inspections, and research to evaluate the actual or potential human health risk from exposure to chemical compounds. Develops detailed proposals and recommendations for responses to toxicological problems. Reviews and approves determinations of minimal allowable standards for chemicals found in water, food, air and soil. Develops appropriate regulations and guidelines and drafts legislation on toxicological issues.

Prepares educational information for the public and private organizations about the medical implications of exposure to chemical toxicants. Acts as primary technical consultant providing toxicological expertise to the Department and to other public and private organizations. Develops proposals to obtain funding to evaluate special worksite populations. Designs studies to compliment and support related Health Department priorities. Performs related work as required.

Thorough knowledge of the field of toxicology as it relates to environmental health.
Thorough knowledge of the effects of chemical toxicant on human health.
Considerable knowledge of common types of pollution and toxic substances which affect food and drinking water.
Considerable knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations relating to toxicology and environmental health.
Ability to accumulate large amounts of complex information and draw reasonable, defendable conclusions.
Ability to deal effectively with the pressure of short time frames to make decisions.
Ability to develop, defend and administer environmental health regulations.
Ability to correctly interpret and apply rules and regulations of considerable complexity to both general and specific situations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Supervisory ability.

Ability to provide leadership and accountability within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Minimum qualifications: Doctoral degree in toxicology or another chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science AND four (4) years or more of experience in public health or related field INCLUDING two (2) years in an environmental health program or related field AND two (2) years in toxicology or risk assessment.

Preferred qualification: Doctoral degree in toxicology.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

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