Environmental Resource Specialist - Water Quality

Full Job Description

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

Ramsey County is now recruiting for a permanent full-time Environmental Resources Specialist. This position will work within the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department and focus on water quality and lake management. Key tasks for the position are listed below.

Water Quality:

1. Obtain water samples from lakes susceptible to winter fish kill and analyze for oxygen content to determine need for aeration.

Obtain 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.

2. Obtain water samples from county beaches and analyze for presence of E. coli to determine safety for recreational use.
3. Organize annual weed and algae control programs by corresponding with lake improvement associations, assessing their response, and monitoring the work of contractors hired to perform weed control activities.
4. Provide technical assistance to Ramsey County landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing urban best management practices (BMPs).
5. 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.
6. Provide community outreach by working with student groups and educators for information on natural resource protection.

An ideal candidate will possess strong GIS skills and technical writing skills. This position is a mix of office work and field work, with some capability for hybrid work.

Job Class Basic Functions: 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.

Public Works Assignment: To perform environmental testing, monitoring, and inspection duties related to the functions of the Environmental Services Division; 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. Provide technical assistance to Ramsey County landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing urban best management practices (BMPs).
2. Prepare cost estimates, project schedules and contract execution; oversee construction activities, project verification and closeout.
3. 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.
4. Provide community outreach by working with student groups and educators for information on natural resource protection.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:
Water Quality

1. 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.

2. Obtain water samples from county beaches and analyze for presence of E. coli to determine safety for recreational use.
3. 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.

(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.)

JOB CLASS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:

Water Quality: 1, 2, 3, 4.

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.

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 Environmental Resources Specialist. 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 Environmental Resources Specialist.

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