Aquatic Toxicologist

3 days ago

Lacey, Washington, United States Washington State Department of Ecology Full time
About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Aquatic Toxicologist to join our team at the Washington State Department of Ecology. As an Aquatic Toxicologist, you will play a critical role in managing and overseeing sediment and upland contaminated site cleanup, providing expert-level technical support on benthic and human health protective standards.

Key Responsibilities
  • Apply principles of environmental chemistry, human toxicology, and aquatic toxicology to evaluate remedial actions needed at contaminated sites.
  • Review site chemical and biological sampling data to determine if sediment is fully characterized.
  • Apply regulatory standards in the investigation and cleanup of contaminated marine and freshwater sediment sites.
  • Determine the efficacy of proposed field sampling, testing, and data gathering, and evaluate the sampling and analysis plans, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies at contaminated sites.
  • Review and provide comments to technical documents, including remedial investigations/feasibility studies, sediment sampling and analysis plans, sediment data reports, engineering design reports, construction compliance and as-built surveys, and post-construction monitoring programs.
  • Provide in-field oversight of active cleanup construction work, evaluate and document contractor performance related to construction plans and permits.
  • Analyze and interpret toxicity tests and related data, and the application of the Sediment Management Standards as it relates to toxicity requirements.
  • Actively participate in the development of sediment policy.
  • Assist with evaluating and providing statistical analysis on Quality Assurance/Quality Control and sampling plans.
Requirements
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • 9 years of experience and/or education in toxicology or a health or ecological-related science with a major emphasis in toxicology.
Desired Qualifications
  • Expert knowledge of marine and freshwater sediment biology/ecology, upland source control, bioassays, hydrologic processes, and marine chemistry.
  • Expert knowledge of the Sediment Management Standards, and the Model Toxics Control Act, or similar environmental regulations.
  • Expert knowledge of federal environmental regulations and guidance, including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) as well as other state's environmental regulations.
  • Experience conducting human health and/or ecological risk assessments.
  • Strong verbal and written communication, project management, and facilitation skills.
  • Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

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