Naturalist

The current vacancy is part-time 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule 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.

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.

1. Develop, create, prepare, implement, conduct, evaluate and remediate year-round programs for a variety of audiences using current interpretive and education strategies and techniques for all ages, audiences, and special groups on natural history and outdoor recreational topics; including preparation and cleanup after program delivery.
2. Guide subordinate staff, volunteers, community service workers, and youth workers in preparing and conducting interpretive, and environment education programs for all ages, audiences, and special groups and the general public.
3. Develop interpretive materials, environmental curriculum and opportunities for schools, community groups, summer programs and the general public.
4. Collaborate with community partners/vendors to ensure programming in an assigned specialty area meets the groups needs and objectives.
5. Contribute ideas and content for program curriculum, exhibits, and displays for Tamarack Nature Center building, grounds, and trails.
6. 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.
7. Assist in maintaining the Tamarack Nature Center’s collections and its inventory of program teaching supplies and recreation equipment.
8. Participate in regular staff meetings and trainings and in the development of nature center and park management plans, strategies and initiatives.

(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.

Education: Two 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 environmental education and interpretive programs for the general public, schools and/or youth groups, or performing other similar duties.

Substitutions: None.

Certifications/Licensure: None

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or a closely related field.

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 filed 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 one of month 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 posted and their rank on the list. The names of all applicants who score in the top 25 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 our workforce.

To print a paper application for this posting click 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 Miriam Simpson at mirian.simpson@co.ramsey.mn.us or call 651-266-2711.

Salary : $21 - $31