What are the responsibilities and job description for the Naturalist (Part-Time) position at Ramsey County, MN?
Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the Parks and Recreation Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
This naturalist role centers on equity, inclusivity and diversity within the development, delivery, and assessment of year-round educational programs on natural history and outdoor recreation for audiences of all ages. They will greet visitors and clients, answer phones, and respond to visitor questions. The naturalist will assist with the supervision of staff and volunteers in their assigned specialty area and perform related duties as assigned.
GOOD TO KNOW: This position will be 20 hours a week, over 3-4 days depending on programming needs falling Wednesday through Saturday.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
Examples of Work Performed
- Develop, create, prepare, implement, conduct, evaluate, remediate and clean up from environmental and outdoor recreation programs throughout the year for a variety of audiences. These audiences may include PreK-12 school groups, on-site nature preschool, community groups, and the general public of all ages.
- Develop interpretive materials, environmental curriculum and opportunities for schools, community groups, summer programs and the general public.
- Contribute ideas and content for program curriculum, exhibits, and displays for Tamarack Nature Center building, grounds, and trails.
- Respond to written and verbal questions from the public by providing accurate and up-to-date information on natural phenomena, environmental issues, plant, animal and mineral classification, horticulture practices and wildlife behavior.
- Assist in maintaining the Tamarack Nature Center’s collections and its inventory of program teaching supplies and recreation equipment.
- Collaborate with community partners/vendors to ensure programming in an assigned specialty area meets the groups needs and objectives.
- Guide volunteers, subordinate staff, and community service and youth workers in preparing and conducting environmental education programs for all audiences served by the nature center. Support, assist, and offer feedback to other staff in these endeavors.
- Participate in regular staff meetings and trainings and in the development of nature center and park management plans, strategies and initiatives.
- Participate in professional development both independently and as assigned to improve programs, interpretive skills, and inclusion.
(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: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
WORK ENVIROMENT: Approximately 20% of the duties are performed inside and 80% working in a natural environment (outdoors) with exposure to extreme heat or cold. Duties include moving along unpaved trails and transporting materials around nature center grounds for about 70% of the time: working with live animal care (with exposure to odors and animal bites or other injuries); and working in an office environment (uses a county provided personal computer on average 10% of their time). Work includes variable schedule, including weekends.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of basic natural science principles.
- Knowledge of educational theory, program needs assessment and course development including delivery, review, and evaluation.
- Knowledge of children’s cognitive development and application in program development and implementation.
- Knowledge and ability to develop, create and evaluate objectives and messages for materials, exhibits or displays for public audiences.
- Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer at an intermediate level to produce materials, communicate, self-educate, and record information.
- Skill in the implementation of interpretation techniques and environmental education principles.
- Skill in responding effectively to questions from the public.
- Skill in presenting information to the public.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
- Ability to work successfully both independently and as a member of a team.
- Ability to perform or learn basic outdoor recreational skills such as canoeing, cross-country skiing, and/or snowshoe ata beginner's level.
- Ability to conduct tours and hikes of the Tamarack Nature Center.
- Ability to work with and manage groups with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and ages.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Two (2) years of post-secondary education concentrating in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science, Education or a closely related field.
Experience: One year (2080 hours) of experience developing or conducting interpretive, environmental, or recreational programming for the general public, schools, and/or youth groups, or performing other similar duties.
Substitutions: Related experience equal to three (3) years of working with the general population around resource connection, social work, organization, communication, community partnerships, youth work, or performing similar duties can substitute for two years of post-secondary education.
Certifications/Licensure: None
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or a closely related field.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
- Training and Experience Rating = 100%
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filled out a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Naturalist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.
The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 75% or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consider.
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 being 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.
. 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 provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2024-benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
- Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2024 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2024-benefits
Salary : $4,000
