Toxicology Specialist-2, Environmental Health

Toxicology Specialist-2, Environmental Health

Salary

$2,948.80 - $4,164.00 Biweekly

Location

Lansing, MI

Job Type

Permanent Full Time

Job Number

3901-26-PH-EH-113-FILL

Department

Health and Human Services - Central Office

Opening Date

07/07/2026

Closing Date

7/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING (SEIU)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

This position serves as a professional specialist who is responsible for overseeing the contaminant specialty area within the Toxicology and Assessment Section. This position provides the toxicological expertise to federal, state, and local agencies on emerging and known contaminant topics that are affecting or have the potential to affect human health. This position will serve as a liaison with other governmental agencies, professional organizations, and Division and Bureau staff for the purpose of identification and assessment of emerging and known contaminants.

This position will conduct complex analyses of risk assessment guidance and make independent determinations regarding emerging and known contaminant risks and human health exposures affecting the state - both imminent and long-term. This position will develop and monitor procedures, guidelines, and policies that make up the foundation of the Toxicology and Assessment Section's health assessments at sites of contamination and guide the development of departmental policies and response protocols to ensure public health is protected. This individual will also maintain technical contact with other experts in his/her specialized areas as well as other appropriate experts from various scientific disciplines to assist in the assessment of emerging contaminants.

This position provides review and comment on toxicological, epidemiological, and chemical-physical data on emerging and known contaminants and provides the most technical and difficult scientific documentation for science-based recommendations to protect public health. This position uses the data and recommendations to develop appropriate risk assessment-related procedures and interact with other state and federal agencies in the development of the procedures. The person in this position interacts with the public, local, state, and federal officials via meetings, telephone conversations, e-mails, and on-site visits, responding to public health concerns due to emerging contaminants and providing information to protect public health statewide.

Click here to view the Position Description & here to view the Job Specification

To be considered for this position you must:

• Apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted. See instructions for applying here: Instructions
• Relevant experience and/or education referred to in the supplemental questions must be documented in the resume, transcript and/or application to allow for accurate screening.
• Attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week.
• Attach a cover letter.
• If applicable, attach a copy of an official transcript(s). We accept scanned copies of official transcripts. We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrars signature.

Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered. See instructions for attaching transcripts here: Instructions

Required Education and Experience

Education

Possession of a masters degree in toxicology.

Experience

Four years of professional experience equivalent to a Toxicologist, including two years equivalent to a Toxicologist P11 or one year equivalent to a Toxicologist 12.

Alternate Education and Experience

Alternate Education and Experience

Toxicology Specialist 13 - 14

Possession of a master's degree in a physical, biological, or environmental science with 10 semester (15 term) credits in one or more of the following subject areas: toxicology, human or environmental risk assessment, pharmacology, pathology, environmental stress, mechanisms or modes of chemical action on living organisms; and an additional 10 semester credits (15 term) in any combination of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, zoology, ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, soil science, physiology, histology, statistics, and chemical fate and transport may be substituted for the education requirement.

Possession of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in toxicology; or, a PhD in a physical, biological, or environmental science with 10 semester (15 term) credits in a one or more subject areas including toxicology, human or environmental risk assessment, pharmacology, pathology, environmental stress, mechanisms or modes of chemical action on living organisms; and an additional 10 semester credits (15 term) in any combination of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, zoology, ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, soil science, physiology, histology, statistics, and chemical fate and transport may be substituted for two years of toxicologist experience equivalent to the 10 level.

Additional Requirements and Information

Position Location/Remote Office: The physical location of this position is 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered. Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

Employees will be provided computers to perform state work. Phones may also be provided for necessary communications. If working remotely, employees will be responsible for providing other components of a remote office at their own expense, including:

• A secure work location that allows privacy and prevents distractions.
• A high-speed internet connection of at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
• Suitable lighting, furniture, and utilities.

Your application for any position does not guarantee you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process; including, but not limited to, responses to application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises.

As a Condition of Employment: this position requires successful completion of a background investigation and a criminal records check. If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three (3) years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required.

The Department of Health & Human Services reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

For information about this specific position, please email MDHHSVacancies@michigan.gov. Please reference the job posting number in subject line.

Follow us on LinkedIn for more job opportunities!

MDHHSJobs #MDHHSJobs #Veteranfriendly #CareersWithPurpose #CommunityHeroes

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.

Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.

State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.

More details on benefits for our new hires are below:

Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.

Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.

Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.

Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.

Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.

Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.

Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.

Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.

Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.

Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.

Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.

Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.

Updated: 2/28/24

01

TOXSPL2 - Do you possess at least four years of professional experience equivalent to a Toxicologist, including two years equivalent to a Toxicologist P11 or one year equivalent to a Toxicologist 12?

• Yes
• No

02

TOXSPL - Do you possess one of the following? A masters degree or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in toxicology. OR a PhD. or masters degree in a physical, biological, or environmental science with 10 semester (15 term) credits in one or more of the following subject areas: toxicology, human or environmental risk assessment, pharmacology, pathology, environmental stress, mechanisms or modes of chemical action on living organisms; and an additional 10 semester credits (15 term) in any combination of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, zoology, ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, soil science, physiology, histology, statistics, and chemical fate and transport. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.

• Yes
• No

03

• Please select from the options below: (Please note, actions that have been expunged, formal counseling, and layoff actions, such as a reduction in force, need not be reported.) Please select all that apply.
• I have been dismissed within the last two years
• I have resigned in lieu of discipline or dismissal within the last two years
• I have been issued a disciplinary suspension in the last two years.
• I am currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
• I have received a written reprimand within the last two years
• I have received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years
• I have signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years
• I certify that none of the above circumstances apply to me

04

If you selected that you have been dismissed within the last two years, resigned in lieu of dismissal within the last two years, were issued a disciplinary suspension within the last two years, are currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation, received a written reprimand within the last two years, received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years, or signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years, please provide an explanation below. If none of the above apply to you, please enter N/A.

05

• Do you have any objection to being fingerprinted or drug tested?
• Yes
• No

06

• From the options below, which accurately describes your current status? (A current state employee works for an actual state department such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Transportation, etc.)
• A current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee
• A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee in layoff status
• A current State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee
• A State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee in layoff status
• None of the above

07

• Did you attach a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)
• Yes
• No

08

• Did you attach a copy of an official college/university transcript to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)
• Yes
• No

09

• Do you have any substantiated cases of abuse or neglect reported on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Central Registry?
• Yes
• No

10

• Do you have an Intentional Program Violation from the Department of Health and Human Services?
• Yes
• No

11

Are you a current MDHHS employee classified at the posted classification and level(s) (meet the Selective Position Requirement/SubClass Code, etc., if applicable)? If selected, pay and qualifications will be reviewed to determine if the appointment may result in a lateral job change or as a promotion, etc., to the position at the posted location.

• Yes
• No

12

Describe a time when you had to navigate cultural differences in a professional or work setting.

13

Do you have a PhD in Toxicology?

• Yes
• No

14

How would you assess your understanding of environmental public health hazards?

• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Basic
• None

15

Please select how many years of public speaking experience you have.

• 5 years or more
• 3 to 4 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

16

Please select how many years of experience you have writing reports and/or guidance documents.

• 5 years or more
• 3 to 4 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

17

How many years of experience do you have assessing sites of chemical contamination; evaluating environmental data; and conducting risk assessments, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, or other regulatory agency's risk assessment guidance.

• 5 years or more
• 3 to 4 years
• 1 to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

18

Do you have training in or direct experience in risk assessment?

• Yes
• No

19

Please describe any formal training you have received in public health risk assessment, such as Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) training offered by the EPA, Public Health Assessment Training by the ATSDR, other state/federal training or relevant coursework.

20

Do you have experience developing health-based screening levels?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Michigan

Department Health and Human Services - Central Office Address Office of Human Resources

235 S. Grand Ave.

Lansing, Michigan, 48933