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).
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
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% The examination for Naturalist 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 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.
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
White Bear Township, Ramsey, Minnesota 55110
US
