Environmental Research and Policy Analyst

York Region • Newmarket, Ontario • 1w ago

Description

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 that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local 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 Canada’s 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 Program and 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 - We’re 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 YOU'LL 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 WE'RE LOOKING FOR

A Master’s 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