TCEQ - Toxicologist I

About the role

Join the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as part of the Executive Director's office, supporting the agency's day-to-day operations within the Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division. This position plays a key role in protecting public health and natural resources through toxicological expertise.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and/or review the development of effects screening levels in accordance with sound scientific principles and agency guidance.
• Communicate with the public, industry representatives, advocacy groups, agency staff, governmental agencies, legislative staff, and the academic community; provide expert testimony in legal proceedings such as public hearings; and participate in public meetings.
• Conduct and/or review health effects reviews of ambient air monitoring data and projects.
• Conduct and/or review health effects reviews of air permit applications.
• Conduct and/or review advanced risk assessments for site remediation, including developing media-specific cleanup levels and determining the adequacy of data collected for use in risk assessments.
• Conduct and/or coordinate advanced toxicological evaluations to determine potential health risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants or other special projects, either in-house or by independent contractors.
• Stay abreast of new toxicological data by attending teleconferences, professional conferences, training events, and reading scientific literature.

Requirements

• Knowledge of standard principles and methods of toxicology and chemical laboratory procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
• Ability to initiate, plan, develop, interpret, and conduct evaluations of toxicological information to determine health risks associated with public/environmental exposure to toxic substances.
• Ability to communicate effectively, produce and present highly technical reports, express ideas clearly, and address audiences.
• Ability to assemble, summarize, and interpret pertinent technical literature.
• Ability to interact with the public and represent the agency as an expert toxicology witness.
• Ability to work independently to ensure assessments align with standard principles and agency policy.

Qualifications

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely related field, plus 2 years of full-time experience in toxicology, pharmacology, risk assessment, or a closely-related field.

OR

A Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in toxicology, pharmacology, or a closely-related field.

Employees in this classification may research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure, including communication systems, cybersecurity systems, the electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, or water treatment facilities. Maintaining the security and integrity of such infrastructure is a requirement for employment.

A copy of your official college transcript or evaluation of foreign credentials may be required if needed to verify qualifications.

Schedule

Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Individual and work group schedules are determined by TCEQ Austin Headquarters.

Benefits

• Optional 401(k) and 457 retirement plans.
• Insurance: Health, Vision, Dental, and optional FSA.
• Paid days off for national and state-observed holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Longevity pay based on years of state service.
• Wellness Program and Activities.
• Onsite Nurse Practitioner at headquarters.
• Work-life balance initiatives.