TDA - Toxicologist

Agency Information

The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Agriculture and Consumer Protection Division administers consumer protection programs which includes overseeing items such as grocery store scales, egg quality, nursery products, licensing and training pesticide applicators, worker protection, and registration of pesticides for sale. TDA's consumer protection efforts promote success, unity and prosperity for the people of Texas.

The Toxicologist will perform advanced toxicology work for the ACP Division. The role involves evaluating, analyzing, and making sound recommendations based on the presence of pesticides in soil, water, and air to help prevent unreasonable or adverse effects on human health and the environment.

• Evaluate chemical exposure and toxicity; analyze and interpret environmental data on pesticides in food, soil, water, and air as it relates to federal regulations regarding pesticide registration, use, and disposal; and make sound recommendations to prevent unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment.
• Provide technical assistance for TDA employees and other state, federal, and private sources concerning the potential health effects of pesticides, especially advising management and the public on issues of food safety.
• Develop multimedia pesticide risk assessment strategies to evaluate and communicate potential hazards to human health.
• Perform in‑depth scientific reviews and coordinate interagency health and pesticide monitoring projects.
• Serve as an expert on human health issues; conduct case reviews and other special projects; and prepare reports, factsheets, and other documents on the nature and degree of health impact resulting from the use and/or misuse of pesticides.
• Review interagency project contracts and contribute to the design of field studies to evaluate health risks of pesticides.
• Remain abreast of new technical, scientific, and legislative information on all areas of pesticide issues and risk assessment.
• Maintain and update the pesticide database and perform research/review on health effects of pesticides used in Texas.
• Assist in reviewing precautionary pesticide labeling and farm worker safety laws and procedures, ensuring the use of restrictions.
• Serve as an expert toxicologist and risk assessor in agency/court hearings on the nature and degree of hazards to human health, domestic animals, and non‑target organisms from pesticide exposure, and consult with legal staff as appropriate.
• Attend committee meetings and forums on human health/environmental issues, and make presentations as required.
• Participate in pesticide inspector training and public outreach programs.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. with specialization in pharmacology/toxicology and coursework in risk assessment principles, environmental or occupational health, pesticide and/or chemical regulation and policy.
• Work experience comprehending and interpreting clinical findings and laboratory data to evaluate potential health hazards from pesticide exposure.

• Knowledge of standard principles and methods of toxicology and chemical laboratory procedures; ability to conduct, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize chemical toxicity research as evidenced by research publications; familiarity with toxicological data requirements for product registration, toxicity study design, safety assessment evaluation, and field and laboratory procedures for toxicity testing.
• Skill in operating laboratory equipment and using computers and applicable software.
• Ability to initiate, plan, develop, interpret, and conduct risk assessments and evaluations of toxicological information; determine health risks associated with public and environmental exposure to toxic substances; provide expert testimony; conduct surveys; perform investigative research and studies; analyze environmental samples; prepare reports; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

The position is primarily office‑based with occasional field visits and travel. Physical requirements include normal office work, exposure to dust and environmental allergens, walking, standing, pulling and pushing, kneeling, stooping, bending, and safe lifting and carrying of items up to 30 pounds. Extended periods at a computer and occasional evenings or weekends may be required. Travel (up to 20%) and overnight stays may occur as needed.

The State of Texas offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families, representing approximately one‑third of total compensation.