Environmental Educator Assistant-Tamarack Nature Center (Summer Day Camp)

Full Job Description

The current vacancies are in the Parks & Recreation Department at Tamarack Nature Center.

Tamarack Nature Center is seeking passionate, creative, and enthusiastic Full-Time Summer Environmental Educator Assistant to support our seasonal day camp program. Our team is dedicated to connecting children with nature through meaningful educational, recreational, and cultural experiences.

Summer Environmental Educator Assistants serve as a support and co-teacher, working alongside experienced Environmental Educators to plan and implement camps for audiences from ages 3-13.

You’ll help create immersive outdoor experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and deepen children’s connection to the natural world. Campers attend programs Monday–Thursday, 9a – 4p.

Fridays are reserved for all-staff meetings, planning, and preparation for upcoming camps.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, supporting youth development, and collaborating with a diverse team of educators, assistants, and volunteers.

Environmental Educators play a key role in creating engaging, safe, and inclusive learning environments that foster curiosity, confidence, and connection to the natural world.

More detailed information on this role can be found here: 2026 Full-Time EEA POSTING Info

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Ability to successfully pass a background check

Season and Time Commitment

• Program Season: June 15 – August 13, 2026
• Average Hours: Approximately 40–45 hours per week

Schedule:

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Required Dates:

• Training Week: June 15–18, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Staff Meetings & Camp Planning: Fridays | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Youth Volunteer Celebration: August 6, 2026 | 4:00–7:30 p.m.
• Day Camp Wrap-Up: August 14, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  (Celebration, clean-up, and exit interviews)

Basic Functions:

To perform customer service and program support duties, such as answering telephones, talking with visitors about a variety of natural history topics, directing clients or visitors to proper location, setting up and taking down equipment and supplies for programs, assisting with live animal care, selling and collecting tickets; presenting environmental education and recreation programs in Ramsey County parks and open space, primarily at Tamarack Nature Center (TNC); and to perform related duties as assigned.

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. Foster a safe, inclusive, positive, organized and creative learning environment.
2. Co-plan and co-teach engaging outdoor programing for a variety of age groups based on camp goals and objectives and under the guidance of the Environmental Educator.
3. Support program delivery across areas such as ecology, wildlife studies, sensory exploration, and nature crafts.
4. Assist with welcoming campers and guardians and getting campers settled.
5. Communicate regularly with Administration and fellow camp staff.
6. Supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being at all times
7. Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules, and procedures
8. Provide first aid in accordance with camp protocols
9. Serve as a positive role model and mentor for Youth Volunteers and campers.
10. Walk, hike, or stand for extended periods
11. Navigate uneven terrain, trails, and natural play areas
12. Participate in outdoor activities such as canoeing, nature exploration, and group games
13. Lift or carry up to 25–40 pounds as needed for program materials and camp setup
14. Work in varying outdoor conditions, including heat, rain, and exposure to insects

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work 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.

Qualifications

Education: High School graduate, or equivalent.

• Must be at least 16 years of age

Experience: None.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Two or more summers of volunteer service as a Junior Assistant Naturalist at Tamarack Nature Center or equivalent experience working with children in structured environments (e.g., camps, after-school programs, scouting, sports, babysitting)
• Enthusiasm for connecting people with nature

• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• First Aid & CPR certification (training is provided)
• Demonstrate interest and comfort with working in an outdoor setting, in all weather conditions

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications, as transferable skills and a passion for environmental education are highly valued.

Additional Information

This is an unclassified, at-will temporary position. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, temporary position.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Employment isn't guaranteed beyond the end of this assignment.

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, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance 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.