Toxicologist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established April 11, 1989

Scope

This series specification describes six classes in the Toxicologist series.

Entry into the Toxicologist series is typically from outside State service.

Definition of Series

Incumbents are responsible for originating, designing and carrying out toxicological studies of environmental factors relating to public health and aquatic life; designing and conducting toxicological studies and investigations; interpreting experimental study results in terms of toxicological properties and hazards; evaluating, advising and consulting on the adequacy of toxicological data submitted by other organizations; advising on precautionary labeling of hazardous chemicals and products; directing the work of lower level toxicologists and technical staff; testifying as an expert witness in hearings and court procedures; preparing reports and scientific papers for publications; and do other related work.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level, variety, and complexity of work; independence of action; degree of supervision required and received; nature and level of contacts; program and policy formulation and implementation responsibilities; and extent of supervisory responsibilities serve as differentiating factors between classes.

Definition of Levels

Associate Toxicologist

This is the entry and full journey level of the series. Under direction, advises on the toxicological properties of chemicals for the purpose of advising on health and/or environmental problems; interprets and evaluates the less specialized experimental study results in terms of toxicological properties and hazards; evaluates, advises and consults on the adequacy of toxicological data submitted by other organizations; advises on precautionary labeling for hazardous chemicals and products; may testify as an expert witness in hearings and court procedures; may serve in a lead capacity over other scientific and technical staff; and prepares reports and scientific papers for publication.

Staff Toxicologist (Specialist)

This level of the series will act as the subject matter expert. Under general�direction, originates, designs and carries out toxicological studies and investigations; in a specific area of expertise, acts as statewide expert on the toxicological properties of chemicals for the purpose of advising on health and environmental problems; interprets and evaluates experimental study results in terms of toxicological properties and hazards, especially in the area of expertise; evaluates, advises and consults on the adequacy of toxicological data submitted by other organizations; advises on precautionary labeling for hazardous chemicals and products; provides technical consultation in areas such as legislation, rule and regulation promulgation and policy development; testifies as an expert witness in hearings and court procedures; prepares reports and scientific papers for publication; and may serve in a lead capacity over other scientific and technical staff.

Staff Toxicologist (Supervisor)

This is the working supervisor level of the series. Under general direction, incumbents supervise a small scientific staff, typically from four to seven Associate Toxicologists, performing journey level work in the evaluation of toxicological risks to human health. Incumbents personally perform the most difficult or sensitive work. Incumbents may supervise a small unit of non-scientific technical or professional staff where the work of the unit requires scientific expertise at the Staff Toxicologist (Specialist) level and the needs of the organization are better served by administrative and scientific direction from a single source.

Senior Toxicologist

This is the second level supervisor of the series. Under general direction, incumbents act as supervisors of small units, with a minimum of four Toxicologists (the majority of toxicologists should be at the Staff level) performing journey level work in the evaluation of toxicological risks to human health. Incumbents are responsible for both supervisory tasks and may perform the most difficult or sensitive work. Incumbents may supervise a small unit (four to ten) of scientific, technical or professional staff.

Supervising Toxicologist

This is the third supervisory level of the series. Under general direction, incumbents act as supervisor through subordinate supervisors over a moderate to large group of scientific and technical staff, (10-20) typically including three or more Staff Toxicologists (Specialists), responsible for toxicological studies and related scientific work; or as second level supervisors responsible for the direct supervision of Staff Toxicologists (Supervisor) and Staff Toxicologists (Specialist) and supervision of lower level scientific staff (including Associate Toxicologists) through subordinate supervisors. Incumbents are responsible for the design and management of major projects addressing toxicological issues, participate in budget preparation and operational planning, and act as liaison with other managerial and administrative staff. The greatest portion of time is spent performing administrative and supervisory duties.

Supervising Toxicologist (Managerial)

This is the full managerial level of the series. Under general direction, incumbents are responsible for providing significant input into departmental policy as it relates to toxicologic issues, monitoring those policies to ensure compliance, and possessing the authority to provide for the interpretation of those policies beyond the standard operating procedures. Incumbents also act as supervisor through subordinate supervisors over a moderate to large group of scientific and technical staff, (10-20) typically including three or more Staff Toxicologists (Specialists), responsible for toxicological studies and related scientific work; or as second level supervisors responsible for the direct supervision of Staff Toxicologists (Supervisor) and Staff Toxicologists (Specialist) and supervision of lower level scientific staff (including Associate Toxicologists) through subordinate supervisors. Incumbents are responsible for the design and management of major projects addressing toxicological issues, participate in budget preparation and operational planning, and act as liaison with other managerial and administrative staff. The greatest portion of time is spent performing administrative and managerial duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Toxicologist

Either I

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related specialty.

Or II

Three years of experience past the receipt of the Master's Degree in designing and managing toxicological studies, interpreting results, and conducting hazard assessment or safety evaluations. and

Possession of a Master's Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or�a closely related specialty from an accredited college or university or equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b).

Or III

Certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology.

Staff Toxicologist (Specialist)

Staff Toxicologist (Supervisor)

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Associate Toxicologist, Range�B. and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related specialty.

Or II

Three years of postdoctoral experience in toxicology or closely related field. This experience must have included the interpretation of toxicological findings relative to probable human health or aquatic life hazards and one year of experience in the development and design of toxicological research and investigative studies. and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related specialty.

Senior Toxicologist

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Staff Toxicologist (Specialist) or Staff Toxicologist (Supervisor). and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a closely related specialty.

Or II

Four years of postdoctoral experience in toxicology or closely related field. This experience must have included the interpretation of toxicological findings relative to probable human health or aquatic life hazards and one year of experience in the development and design of toxicological research and investigative studies. and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related specialty.

Supervising Toxicologist

Supervising Toxicologist (Managerial)

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Staff Toxicologist (Specialist) or (Supervisory). and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related specialty.

Or II

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Senior Toxicologist. and

Possession of a Doctoral Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related specialty.

Or III

Five years of postdoctoral experience in toxicology or closely related field in positions of increasing responsibility. This experience must have included the interpretation of toxicological findings relative to probable human health or aquatic life hazards, one year of experience in the development and design of toxicological research and investigative studies, and two years of experience in supervisory or management positions.

Knowledge and Abilities

Associate Toxicologist

Knowledge of: General principles of toxicology, with emphasis in environmental and occupational health concerns; laboratory and testing procedures for toxicological investigations; principles and procedures of risk assessment; and provisions of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the use, processing and handling of toxic substances.

Ability to: Evaluate research studies in the fields of toxicology and pharmacology for application to issues of public health; work cooperatively with outside agencies and departmental staff; interpret and apply environmental and public health standards; communicate effectively; and analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

Staff Toxicologist (Specialist)

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles of toxicology and public health applicable to the recognition, identification and quantification of relative hazards from exposure to chemicals in the environment; and one or more specialized areas in toxicology or a closely related field.

Ability to: All of the above and provide leadership in the evaluation and development of programs to implement toxicological practices and procedures on�a statewide basis; and function as a specialist in one or more phases of toxicology.

Staff Toxicologist (Supervisor)

Senior Toxicologist

Supervising Toxicologist

Supervising Toxicologist (Managerial)

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles and techniques of effective supervision and program budget management; and the department's Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above and supervise the work of others; develop program policies, standards and procedures; organize the work of others effectively; and contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Class History

Alternate Range Criteria 286

Associate Toxicologist

Range A. This range applies to employees who do not meet the criteria for Range B.

Range B. This range applies to employees who have either:

1. One year experience in the class of Associate Toxicologist or Pesticide Evaluation Toxicologist; or

2. Possession of a doctoral degree and one year of postdoctoral experience in toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a closely related field; or

3. Possession of a Master's Degree in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related specialty from an accredited college or university or equivalent degree approved by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction under the provisions of California Education Code Section 94310(b), and four years of experience past the receipt of the master's degree in designing and managing toxicological studies; interpreting results and translating them to solve human and animal health problems; and conducting hazard assessment or safety evaluations.

4. Certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, and one year of professional experience after certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology in conducting and/or evaluating chemical toxicology studies. This experience must have included consultation on, and interpretation of, toxicological findings relative to probable health hazards and work in at least one of the following areas: exposure assessment, risk assessment, acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, oncogenicity, development toxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, or genoticity.

Allocation Concepts

Associate Toxicologist, Ranges A and B

Associate Toxicologist duties will involve the more routine, less complex, and responsible toxicological duties. Typical assignments include toxicological research and consultation in specific program areas, headquarters assignments and, in some cases, field assignments. Typically, incumbents work under the guidance of a Staff Toxicologist or Senior Toxicologist.

Allocations at this level will be used where positions are involved in less complex duties. The following guidelines specify various settings under the comment column as examples of the generic factors in practical application.

Factors Comments

1. PROGRAM SCOPE 1. Positions which require the Unidisciplinary vs. review of one kind of literature,i.e., literature concerning DDT multidisciplinary Projects in fish, lead in drinking water, or selenium in birds.

2. COMPLEXITY 2. Positions are at the entry Sophisticated vs. Average and full journey level of Quantitative Skills the series. Positions at this level will be assigned tasks of average difficulty.

i.e. An estimate of an "LD-50" (low dose that is 50% of the maximum tolerated dose used in experimental animal studies), or other common summary statistic, from some limited literature review; or, to present a range of "accepted" values for an "acceptable daily intake" (ADI) from primary (journal) or secondary (textbook or review article) sources; or, develop health based criteria known as "Applied Action Levels" (AAL) for a universe of potentially toxic components encountered at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites; search for and retrieval of relevant published scientific literature which describes the potential for toxic effects (this may include collateral information on chemical properties, environmental load, environmental fate, and potential human exposure; or, search and retrieval of unpublished data generated by industry, research institutes, or public interest groups.

In the area of Study Reviews, the least complex (acute) animal studies include areas such as: acute oral toxicity, acute dermal toxicity, acute inhalation toxicity, primary dermal irritation, dermal sensitization, 21-day dermal tests. In areas which are more complex, positions assist higher level toxicologists in performing the following types of animal studies: acute delayed neuropathy, 90-day delayed neuropathy, 90-day feeding, 90-day dermal, 90-day inhalation, teratogenicity, reproduction, mutagenicity, and metabolism.

Risk assessments performed at this level should encompass areas such as: Acute toxicity, neurotoxicity, teratogenicity, and reproduction.

3. SUPERVISION RECEIVED 3. Supervision is general and may come from general managers, scientific supervisors, or Senior/Supervising Toxicologists.

4. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION 4. At Range A all work should be Team Member vs. Team Leader closely reviewed. At Range B routine assignments should be completed independently. Only the most sensitive/complex issues should be referred or handled under guidance.

Positions may act as a team member of a large project under the leadership of a more senior, experienced staff member, typically at the Staff Toxicologist level.

5. LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING 5. Decisions can be made without review on routine matters. Decisions on more complex issues should be reviewed by the supervisory level.

6. DEGREE OF PROGRAM AND POLICY 6. May assist in DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION program/policy development. Implements established programs and policies.

7. SUPERVISION EXERCISED 7. None

Staff Toxicologist

Factors Comments

1. PROGRAM SCOPE 1. Positions which require review Multidisciplinary vs. and analysis of human health Unidisciplinary consequences of exposure to a substance which requires knowledge in several fields.

i.e. A multidisciplinary task to review and analyze the human health consequences of exposure to DDT in fish, including special consideration of women of childbearing age, infants, people's diets who rely on unusually large amounts of fish. This would include a knowledge of epidemiology, statistics, exposure assessment, and multiple source analysis, as well as toxicology.

2. COMPLEXITY 2. Positions act as subject-matter Sophisticated vs. experts; under general direction Average design and carry out toxicological Quantitative Skills studies; may act as a statewide expert on the toxicological property of chemicals, etc., i.e., risk assessment on a chemical requiring use of novel and complicated statistics, models, computer programs; or responsibility to develop a "acceptable daily intake" (ADI) level where there is none or responsibility to revise an existing ADI which is inadequate to protect public health.

Examples of study reviews appropriate at this level include reviews of animal studies in the following areas: chronic feeding, oncogenicity, dermal penetration, and immune response. Positions may lead lower level staff in a review of the following types of animal studies: acute delayed neuropathy, 90-day delayed neuropathy, 90-day feeding, 90-day dermal, 90-day inhalation, teratogenicity, reproduction, mutagenicity, and metabolism studies. risk assessments performed at this level should be in the "most complex" range such as; oncogenicity or chronic feeding.

3. SUPERVISION RECEIVED 3. Supervision should be general and may come from general managers, scientific and technical supervi- sory staff or Senior/Supervising Toxicologists.

4. INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION 4. Positions responsible for "team Team Leader vs. Team Member leader" roles have sufficient knowledge of various fields in order to incorporate project results into a cohesive finished product.

5. IMPACT OF DECISION 5. Positions have direct impact in MAKING projects where there are high- Secondary vs. Direct level exposures, or where health Public Health Impact effects are unknown and contro- versial, or, where health effects are known to be serious or immed- iate, and where rapid and unam- biguous action by a Department is required immediately following the analysis.

An additional factor would be when a Department is considered the primary responsible party for preventing an imminent or serious public health threat.

6. DEGREE OF PROGRAM AND 6. Incumbents provide technical POLICY DEVELOPMENT consultation in areas such as AND IMPLEMENTATION legislation, rule and regulation promulgation and policy development.

7. SUPERVISION EXERCISED 7. Positions may act as "Team Leaders". See Independence of Action.