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Posted: March 6, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Director of Operations - Soil & Water Division

Ramsey County

Parks & Recreation

Fresh

Location

Salary

$47 - $70.50

per hour

Closes

March 21, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This role involves leading the Soil & Water division in a county parks department, overseeing daily operations, staff, budgets, and programs focused on protecting and maintaining natural areas like soil, water, plants, and wildlife.

It also includes assisting the overall department director with planning, representing the team to outside groups, and stepping in to lead when needed.

A good fit would be an experienced manager with a passion for environmental conservation and strong skills in team leadership and resource management.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, parks management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • At least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management or parks operations
  • Proven supervisory experience managing teams of 5+ employees, including seasonal and temporary staff
  • Strong budget development and fiscal management skills, including preparing and monitoring operating budgets
  • Knowledge of natural resource preservation, restoration, and maintenance (soil, water, vegetation, wildlife)
  • Excellent communication and representation skills for working with government agencies, civic groups, and committees
  • Ability to promote diversity, cultural competence, and a respectful workplace

Full Job Description

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

To direct and manage the Soil & Water division of the Parks and Recreation Department including management of fiscal resources, natural resources management, human resource management, implementation and evaluation of program services; and to perform related duties as assigned.

This position could supervise a team of up to 9 full-time employees, multiple seasonal / temporary employees and interns.

Flexible Workplace:

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment.

Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy.

To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy


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.

Requirements

  1. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
  2. Assist the director as principal assistant in the administration and management of all Parks and Recreation activities, including serving as the acting Director of Parks and Recreation in the director’s absence.
  3. Assist the director in the formulation of goals, objectives, priorities, strategic plans and annual work plans for the department.
  4. Assist the director in identifying, organizing and implementing departmental activities.
  5. Act as department representative with government agencies, civic groups, and special interest groups to promote the county's interests in parks and recreation matters.
  6. Represent the Parks and Recreation Department by serving on countywide committees.
  7. Perform special assignments as directed, including research and policy analysis related to the Parks and Recreation Department, and make recommendations based on the results of such analysis.
  8. Plan, direct and manage all operation maintenance and program functions within assigned divisions to ensure high quality natural resources, facilities and services.
  9. Manage the operation and maintenance of natural resources; including soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife facilities.

    Direct the development, marketing and evaluation of programs and services to determine if they are achieving desired goals and objectives.

    Direct the development, preservation, and restoration of natural resources including soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife.

    Direct assigned staff in developing work plans, including priorities to assure proper training and effective and efficient utilization of staff and equipment.

    Develop and manage operating budgets for assigned divisions in a manner that ensures effective use of financial resources.

    Direct the purchase of materials and services in accordance with Ramsey County policies and procedures. Coordinate budget preparation and implementation with Director of Parks and Recreation.

    Prepare and manage annual operating budgets. Participate in the development of plans and specifications for purchase of equipment, and act as project manager for projects as assigned.

    Identify outside funding sources and develop and coordinate grant proposals to advance the goals and objectives of the department.

    Analyze operating statements and advise on methods to improve efficiency. Work with Finance to monitor and administer the operating budgets.

  10. In coordination with the department director, administer labor contracts and coordinate human resource management of the department, if applicable.
  11. Depending on assignment, represent the department as a member of the county negotiating team in collective bargaining.

    Administer employee performance evaluations for employees within assigned divisions. Represent the department in handling employee grievances pursuant to collective bargaining agreements.

  12. Plan staffing levels, assist Human Resources Department staff in coordinating examinations, conducting interviews and hiring of permanent and seasonal staff.
  13. Monitor workers compensation cases and coordinate with QRCs, attorneys and risk management on employee return to work programs.

    Integrate rules and regulations mandated by OSHA, EPA and Environmental Health to provide a safe work environment and hazard-free recreation facilities.

    Implement and direct Critical Incident Management Plan, Federal Highway Environmental Protection Agency, Bloodborne Diseases Exposure Control Plan, National Recycling and Emissions Program.

  14. Lead the department’s Safety Committee; direct the development and implementation of staff training related to safety of employees and customers.
  15. Direct volunteer programs within assigned divisions to ensure proper utilization and recognition of volunteers consistent with department policies.
  16. Direct research, marketing, promotions, public relations, and customer service activities within assigned divisions to ensure responsiveness to customers.
  17. Prepare county board documentation, reports, manuals and other documents as they relate to assigned divisions.


(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, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration of parks and recreation facilities, services and programs, including two (2) years in a supervisory/management capacity.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certifications/Licensure: Valid class D driver's license.


Additional Information

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

  • Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Director of Operations - Soil & Water Division role. 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 Director of Operations - Soil & Water Division.

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 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

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.

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

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/7/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-ramsey-5254717