Position Summary

The current vacancy is in the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

This position is within the Soil and Water Conservation division with the following responsibilities:

Design conservation projects to reduce stormwater volume and improve water quality of local water resources including infiltration/filtration, bioengineering shoreline and stream banks;
Complete construction site inspections for erosion and sediment control; consult on landscaping with native plants; manage the DNR general work permit; prepare cost estimates, project schedules and contract execution;
Model for hydrologic and pollutant loading using various software;
Assist with projects to support the county’s Climate Equity Action Plan;
Prepare and present at seminars and workshops; provide site inventory and assessments; oversee construction activities;
Prepare plans and grants relating to environmental quality and water resource management of both surface water and groundwater;
Complete a variety of conservation projects; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Basic Function:

To perform environmental analysis, monitoring, GIS surveying and inspection duties related to the environmental functions within an assigned department; to conduct research and prepare plans and reports relating to environmental quality and natural resource management of lands, surface water and groundwater; to provide subject matter expertise in core environmental services to complete a variety of conservation projects; and to perform related duties as assigned. (This is the entry-level of this classification series. Experience at this level enables employees to gain the knowledge and skill required for advancement to Environmental Resources Specialist 2.)

PARKS AND RECREATION: To research, recommend, and administer effective management practices to protect, enhance, and restore the natural resources within the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation system and Ramsey County landowners’ property; to act as a liaison with other jurisdictions and the public regarding natural resources; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions.Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:
Natural Resources Management & Soil and Water Division

Complete natural resources field research, surveys of plants and animals and gather, analyze, record, and evaluate data on various land cover, wetlands, lakes, streams, soils, and other flora and fauna.
Assist in completing individual site restoration plans and budget estimates.
Administer the Department's parkland encroachment program, including completing encroachment surveys, monitoring, owner notification, coordinating of enforcement and other associated duties.
Assist with wildlife management programs.
Complete wetland delineations and work with public works on shared wetland bank restoration management.
Represent the Department at community meetings, public forums, and public meetings held by other agencies, such as City Council and Planning Commission Meetings, with respect to natural resource management and environmental issues.
Assist in the coordination and training of volunteers and Parks staff in the proper care and maintenance of natural resources.
Conduct field inspections of engineering projects to document adherence to environmental protection requirements.
Provide technical assistance to Ramsey County landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing urban best management practices (BMPs).
Prepare cost estimates, project schedules and contract execution; oversee construction activities, project verification and closeout.
Model for hydrologic and pollutant loading using MIDS, WinSLAMM/P8 and HydroCAD as necessary.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans and have knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
Organize and perform plan surveys, construction inspection, and assist in the design and plan preparation for lake improvement, erosion control and other environmental projects.
Assist in implementing Ramsey County's natural resources management plans and identify and implement sound natural resources management practices.
Assist in the completion and administration of natural resources and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration projects; including, but not limited to, native prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and shorelines.
Coordinate removal and replacement tree programs, diseased tree and wood abatement, landscape tree planting, and oversee tree and shrub maintenance.
Assist in GIS data creation and management and map making. Interpret data and use GIS software and online applications to analyze information and for natural resources decision making.
Use handheld GPS, tablets, and GIS software to collect field data.
Assist in drafting grants and researching funding options.
Assist in coordinating work for interns and seasonal employees.
Survey and coordinate the maintenance of best management practices infrastructure on parks property.
Perform soil testing including mechanical and qualitative analysis and identification of hydric soils.
Use AutoCAD and Vectorworks, design conservation projects, such as rain gardens and shoreline restorations, to reduce storm water volume and improve water quality of local water resources; consult on landscaping with native plants.
Organize annual weed and algae control programs by corresponding with lake improvement associations, assessing their responses and monitoring the work of contractors hired to perform weed control activities.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:

Natural Resources Management & Soil and Water Division: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or Design, Biology, Forestry, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Land Design, or a related environmental science.

Experience: None.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: Must have a valid driver’s license.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Environmental Resources Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Environmental Resources Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

The top 20 applicants who pass the examination with a score of 75 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact lindsey.hunter@co.ramsey.mn.us.

Ramsey County jobs

Environmental Resources Specialist