Human Health Toxicologist/Exposure Scientist - Job ID 75782

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Job Summary

This position provides toxicology and human health risk assessment expertise to MPCA programs. The primary role is to conceive, design, and implement research to understand the types of human health problems that may be caused by pollutants in the environment, including pollutant toxicity, routes of exposure and exposure parameters, and population susceptibility, and to develop and advise on the use of values that set a safe level for pollutants. The position will lead the development of water quality standards associated with the protection of recreation, fish consumption and sources of water used for domestic consumption, as part of the MPCA’s Clean Water Act authorities. The position will also lead the development of risk-based values across multiple environmental media that other MPCA programs use to implement their regulatory and environmental authorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Master of Science degree (with at least three years of experience) in environmental health, toxicology, or related natural sciences, or a closely related field, with significant coursework in risk assessment, statistics, chemistry, and environmental policy or other related coursework. A PhD in a related field would count toward 1 year of experience.

Knowledge of scientific, experimental and research techniques sufficient to understand, design and conduct comprehensive and sophisticated scientific research.

Ability to manage and conduct statistical analyses of large data sets.

Experience in applying the principles of risk assessment for the evaluation of impacts as well as to develop achievable recommendations and resolutions to identified issues.

Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others across environmental programs and research activities.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Extensive experience in the analysis of environmental and human health data involving the use of sophisticated biological, chemical, statistical, and physical principles.

Planning, executing, evaluating, and reporting on controlled experimental research in the environmental sciences.

Advanced project management and organizational skills including establishing and fulfilling work plans, timelines, budgets and spending plans, and reporting schedules.

Well-developed leadership and human relations skills for effective coordination of multi-dimensional projects with other staff, management, and external partners.

Demonstrated ability to effectively work in teams with others, the ability to model and elicit timely cooperation, and the ability to manage conflicts professionally and constructively toward successful project conclusions.

A basic understanding of the roles of various governmental branches at the state and federal levels so the incumbent may effectively contribute to policy development. These include the federal and state laws, federal and state executive branches, federal and state legislatures and the federal and state judicial systems.

A thorough understanding of the Clean Water Act and associated federal regulations, particularly those related to water quality standards.

Experience with developing water quality standards to protect human health related to fish consumption and water ingestion.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such as articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

About Pollution Control Agency

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.