Environmental Health & Knowledge Translation Scientist

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Environmental Health & Knowledge Translation Scientist provides expertise, surveillance and investigation of environmental health and will work on assigned research, surveillance, or knowledge synthesis translation and exchange (KSTE) projects where research findings are assessed and synthesized to provide an evidence base for Environmental Health Services (EHS) policies or practices. The Environmental Health program areas include drugs and toxins, radon, food safety, radiation, water quality, climate change, and air quality. The role works with a variety of stakeholders, including technical subject matter experts, public health staff, health care professionals, and health authorities to achieve outcomes that benefit British Columbia.

What you’ll do

• Reviews, assess, and synthesizes complex research findings from scientific literature and other lines of evidence to create knowledge translation documents that are succinct summaries.

• Consults to regional health authorities and health professionals, including health ministry staff and health officers on matters related to environmental health. Receives requests for a wide variety of information and researches and responds to complex questions and issues related to environmental science, environmental health issues, unusual events such as chemical spills, new chemicals, and so on.

• Responds to environmental health issues by retrieving, assessing and synthesizing relevant information. Performs basic statistical analysis, interprets data, identifies significant results, draws conclusions and makes recommendations. Documents findings and writes detailed research reports, summaries, and presentation materials using database, spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software.

• Maintains large databases of statistical data and develops or adapts new technology and analytical software to maximize utilization of data. Uses query languages to retrieve information and design reports. Ensures data integrity and corrects data errors.

• Participates in team meetings, quality and safety initiatives, accreditation, imPROVE and other PHSA initiatives as appropriate.

• Maintains knowledge of policy and legislation through on-going self-study.

What you bring

A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or another discipline related to Environmental Health plus five (5) years’ of recent, related experience.

• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with internal and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent quantitative analysis skills.
• Demonstrated superior level of accuracy, initiative, attention to detail, and independent error checking.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, work under time pressures to meet deadlines and handle interruptions and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and research information on-line (internet and intranet).level of accuracy, initiative, attention to detail, and independent error checking.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in using statistical and analytical software, word processing, presentation, graphical, database, and internet applications at an advanced level. Experience with R, python or other programming languages considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to work independently and as a team member.

You will have:

• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).

Job type: Regular, Full-Time

Wage: Salary Range: $86,398 - $124,197 per year. the starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Location: 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6H 1L5

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0830-1630

Requisition Number: 147687E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is dedicated to preventing and controlling communicable disease and promoting environmental health for the province.

The BCCDC is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCCDC are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.