Environmental Research and Policy Analyst

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Manager Health Protection is responsible for researching and evaluating environmental health data risk management strategies and preparing technical reports on water air and/or soil analysis in order to manage toxicological and health impacts on residents within York Region.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

• Investigates the adverse health/environmental effects of chemicals and potential toxins in day-to-day and emergency response situations.
• Assesses the probability of a health hazard caused by such effects estimates the results of these effects on public health and make recommendations to mitigate such effects.
• Assesses impact of environmental contaminants on groundwater surface water and drinking water supplies through collection of information on landfill industrial and contaminated sites review of hydrogeological data on groundwater movement and review of regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Researches environmental health issues as directed through review of technical reports environmental assessments and toxicological and epidemiological studies.
• Assists the Healthy Environments Team in interpreting and assessing the validity of research studies.
• Monitors environmental health issues in the media research literature and the Internet and provides regular updates and recommendations on evidence-based practices
• Evaluates the risk versus benefit of certain chemicals for example disinfection by-products and pesticides for use in conducting a risk-benefit analysis.
• Provides advice to the management on best practise risk management procedures for issues related to environmental health.
• Provides assistance and advice on risk communication as it relates to environmental health.
• Prepares reports as directed for Regional Council
• Assists in planning of community meetings and public forums on environmental health issues and conducts presentations as directed
• Assists in the development of public policy recommendations on environmental health issues.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

• A Masters Degree in Toxicology Environmental Science Applied Science or a related environmental health program.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in the fields of risk assessment risk management and risk communications.
• Demonstrated experience in research methodologies and the collection and interpretation of health-related data.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication innovation teamwork and collaboration and personal ownership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of risk assessment techniques and risk management tools.
• Ability to plan and conduct research studies and toxicological studies.
• Knowledge of environmental health issues.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to formulate and assess environmental policies.
• Ability to travel to off site locations in a timely and efficient manner as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required