JOB TITLE: ASSOCIATE TOXICOLOGIST

JOB CODE: 34585

DEFINITION: This is professional and scientific work researching and evaluating data to identify human risk and protect the public from exposure to toxicological and environmental hazards.

An employee in this job conducts technical toxicological research and analysis of data to identify environmental chemical exposures and assess the potential harmful effects posed by them. Work involves developing environmental exposure databases, models, and methodology; analyzing environmental and exposure data; and preparing technical documents and findings. An important aspect of the work is providing consultation to Commonwealth agencies, health care practitioners, pharmacists, and the public on the health effects of exposures to toxic substances and recommending public health actions to control or prevent harmful exposures. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level toxicologist and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Evaluates toxicological information related to environmental chemical exposures and ensures accurate and timely dissemination of information to the public and other stakeholders to prevent or minimize adverse health effects.

• Provides support in the collection and analysis of data on environmental exposure and health outcomes and in the dissemination of information pertaining to the health effects of toxicological and environmental hazards to protect public health.

• Assists in coordinating resources during toxic environmental emergencies and conducting follow-up epidemiological studies and investigations to prevent or mitigate adverse health effects to the public.

• Provides toxicological technical assistance for other programs, such as the health assessment program, the unconventional oil and natural gas production registry, drinking water inquiries, adult blood lead, and others.

• Assists senior toxicologists and other staff in providing clinical recommendations to healthcare practitioners during toxic and environmental emergencies.

• Assists senior toxicologists and other staff in providing consultation and advice to healthcare practitioners on the toxic and clinical effects of chemical and industrial hazards on humans.

• Assists senior toxicologists in identifying toxicological hazards and implementing emergency plans and procedures to protect public health.

• Under the guidance of a senior toxicologist, provides consultative service to other governmental agencies, private industries, and local communities on toxicological issues and environmental hazards to prevent or mitigate adverse health effects.

• Under the guidance of a senior toxicologist, prepares specialized reports to inform and educate a variety of audiences on environmental health issues of public or individual interest.

• Assists in developing health advisories and educational brochures and factsheets related to environmental health, and uses knowledge of toxicology, methods and routes of exposure, and acute and chronic human health effects to effectively convey environmental health messages to the public, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to increase awareness about toxicologic environmental hazards.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal and state health standards, guidelines, action levels, comparison values, and screening levels to make consistent decisions about what contaminant concentrations associated with site exposures may pose a public health threat.

• Assists in preparing and presenting special reports and conducts special environmental investigations as required.

• Assists in planning and conducting research projects in cooperation with other agencies and state and educational institutions.

• Performs related duties as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health toxicology.

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology as related to environmental health.

• Knowledge of environmental health regulations.

• Knowledge of the clinical and physiological effects of toxic substances.

• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of epidemiological research methodology.

• Knowledge of laboratory diagnostic techniques used in identifying and reporting environmental and toxicological hazards.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present epidemiological data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A doctoral degree in toxicology or a closely related field, that includes a dissertation focusing on toxicology research;

or

• A master’s degree in toxicology or a closely related field and four years of professional experience in toxicology research or conducting human health risk assessments.