What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Resources Specialist position at Ramsey County, MN?
Basic Function
Ramsey County is now recruiting for two (2) temporary seasonal Environmental Resource Specialist position!
Both positions will work within the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department.
One position focuses on Water Quality
One position focuses on Environmental Maintenance and Inspections.
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. More key tasks for each position are listed below.
PUBLIC WORKS: To perform environmental testing, monitoring, and inspection duties related to the functions of the Environmental Services Division; to perform related duties as assigned.
Examples of Work Performed
- 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.
- Serve as division liaison to citizen groups, local elected officials, environmental interest groups and the public by providing information regarding environmental resource management activities and impacts from county projects.
- Provide community outreach by working with student groups and educators for information on natural resource protection.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:
Water Quality
- Obtain water samples from lakes susceptible to winter fish kill and analyze for oxygen content to determine need for aeration.
- Obtain water samples from surface waters and storm sewers to determine water quality through laboratory analysis of chemical and biological properties such as pH, zooplankton, phytoplankton, nitrogen analysis, conductivity, chloride, chlorophyll A, E. coli, hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, and phosphorous level; identify the presence, community composition, and distribution of lake weeds; and document results for use in water quality improvement activities.
- Obtain water samples from county beaches and analyze for presence of E. coli to determine safety for recreational use.
- 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.
Environmental Maintenance
- 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.
- Investigate and initiate remediation of spills or contamination of county properties in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Conduct periodic inspection of county facilities and infrastructure such as public water accesses, lake outlets, storm sewer, stormwater treatment systems, and shoreline erosion control projects; and prepare lists of required maintenance materials and actions.
- Provide GIS services including coordinating, initiating, and implementing programs/services, planning and budgeting conservation activities, writing grants/securing funding, providing reports, updates, and outcomes, providing consultation, and other tasks as assigned.
- Interpret data, create and maintain GIS databases and maps, and use GIS software to analyze spatial and non-spatial information.
(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.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:
Water Quality: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Natural Resources Management: 1, 2, 3.
Regulatory Permitting: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Environmental Maintenance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or Design, Biology, Forestry, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management or a related environmental science.
Experience: None.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: Must have a valid driver’s license. Work assignment may require incumbent after hire to obtain additional certification or licensure by the State of Minnesota in environmental areas such as tree inspection or erosion and sediment controls.
Exam/Screening Process Information
There is no exam for this temporary unclassified position. To be considered for this role, please submit the following documents:
- Complete the online application
- Submit a resume
- (Optional) Submit a cover letter
Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act:
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."
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.
It is preferred that you apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you can print a paper application for this posting by clicking Paper Application . To apply with a paper application, 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-2025-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 two floating holidays
- Up to eight 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 three 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 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits
Salary : $4,000
