What are the responsibilities and job description for the Toxicologist position at Harris County?
Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) Mission
The mission of Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (HCPCS) is to protect the citizens of Harris County from environmental impacts through firm, consistent enforcement of state and federal regulations. The ultimate goal of PCS is clean air, water, and proper management of waste. The activities PCS are directed toward ensuring clean air and water for the citizens of Harris County, consistent with the protection of public health, enjoyment of property and the protection of plant, animal, and marine life.
What you will do for Harris County Pollution Control
Responsible for performing a variety of professional assignments to assess and control the impact of toxic substances on human health and the environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct evaluation of the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of chemical substances; assesses associated hazards
- Develop criteria and rational for assessing chemical hazards
- Provides guidance and technical expertise to Executive Team on potential toxicological exposure issues during severe weather events or environmental responses such as major industrial leaks, spills, fires, explosions, etc.
- Compiles, analyzes and interprets field and laboratory toxic substances; obtains toxicological, biological and chemical data and reports conclusions
- Identifies possible presence of toxic substance components in discharges, emissions and waste stream
- Apply knowledge of toxicology, biology, chemistry to practical situations and documentation of comments to local, state and federal agencies as required
- Prepare technical as well as non-technical documentation in a concise, understandable manner
- Serve as subject matter expert to provide testimony of toxicological hazards in support of litigation as needed for Harris County Attorney Office and Harris County District Attorney Office as required
- Work in conjunction with required sections of Harris County Public Health to create health evaluation information and action levels for indicated toxins
- Effectively communicate toxicological information internally and externally
- Assist the PCS community engagement team by collaborating on the creation of outreach materials and participating in community presentations to schools, community groups, community centers, and organized events.
- Perform other duties as required
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Education:
Masters degree in Toxicology from an accredited college of university
Experience:
Three (3) years of verifiable experience as a toxicologist or related field
Licence:
Valid Texas Driver's License (Class C)
Additional Requirements:
Copy of unofficial college transcripts
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to use Microsoft Office programs including Word, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Working knowledge of SharePoint or similar document system preferred.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Good organizational skills.
- Good critical thinking skills.
- Ability to formulate policies and procedures.
- Math skills and ability to perform conversion and some statistical analysis
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Education:
Doctoral degree in Toxicology from an accredited college of university (preferred)
- Full-time
- Must be available to work hours outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings and holidays; before, during and after emergency events or natural disasters as required
- May be required to work evening, and some weekends as needed in support of project meetings or public education and outreach as required.
- This position may require employee to be deployed to alternative county locations during emergency events.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to Position: Field Supervisor
- Supervised Positions: None
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets. Position requires the person to be exposed to outdoor conditions, chemicals, etc.
- Frequent sorting, filing, shelving and handling of documents, files, file drawers and related office equipment required for professional operations
- Frequent driving of vehicle to appointed locations require Class C license
- Stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying items up to 15 lbs.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $39,520
