State Toxicologist

State ToxicologistAugusta , Maine , United States | Public Health | Full-time | Partially remote Apply by: Dec. 4, 2024 Apply with Linkedin ApplyDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Public Service Manager IIOpening Date:November 19, 2024 Closing Date: December 4, 2024Job Class Code:MA31Grade:31 (Confidential)Salary:$74,713.59 - $105,809.60 per yearPosition Number:02000-4123Location: AugustaThis is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.-AGENCY PROMOTION ONLY-The Maine CDC Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Program (TEEP) is looking for a State Toxicologist.This position will perform professional services work responsible for reviewing complex scientific analyses and research. Interdisciplinary training with advanced expertise in toxicology, epidemiology, mathematics, statistics, and modeling is required, and Doctoral level training is preferred. The position works within the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Program in a team of professional scientific staff including toxicologists, epidemiologists, health educators, and a contracted public health physician. The State Toxicologist oversees the work of the Assistant State Toxicologist who is the PhD level scientist responsible for managing the toxicology and risk assessment work related to the emerging discovery of widespread contamination of Maine’s environment with chemicals referred to as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). The State Toxicologist also oversees the work of a doctoral-level environmental epidemiologist who is the lead scientist for the development and management of a case management system for public health oversight of PFAS blood testing and reports of carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as developing an investigation of PFAS soil exposure for farm workers. The State Toxicologist is responsible for advising the Director of Maine CDC and other State Agency Commissioners, Boards, and Legislative Committees on PFAS contamination and other emerging or critical environmental toxicology issues. The State Toxicologist appears before Legislative Committees as a subject matter expert and speaks with members of the press. 22 MRS 1691-1962 provides the statutory authority of the work of the office of the State Toxicologist. Core Responsibilities:As the unit manager for Environmental Toxicology your responsibilities will include: Management of the toxicology and epidemiology staff, including the Assistant State Toxicologist Oversees public health surveillance of select environmental diseases or conditions Development of health-based levels and guidance for chemicals in air, water, soil, fish, and other media Communicates with the public, the media, partner Maine state agencies and other state and federal agencies Reviews legislation, prepares testimony, and testifies at the legislatureMinimum Qualifications:(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).A Doctoral degree in toxicology, environmental health, or closely related field and with a minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in environmental health and toxicology in human health risk assessment, advanced expertise in toxicology, epidemiology, mathematics, statistics, and modeling – OR – a Master of Science in toxicology and environmental health AND board certification in toxicology health through the Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology® (DABT), and interdisciplinary training with relevant experience in environmental health and toxicology with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in human health risk assessment, advanced expertise in toxicology, epidemiology, mathematics, statistics, and modeling. Preferred candidates will also have: Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information Demonstrated skill applying best practices and standards for health communication The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partnersThinking about applying?Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.Agency information: TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.Application Information:For additional information about this position please contact Jennifer Jamison, Associate Director, Division of Environmental & Community Health, at (207) 215-6014 or Jennifer.Jamison@Maine.govTo apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application. Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.govBenefits of working for the State of Maine:No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/workplace-posters) .

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.