Environmental Educator Assistant (Intermittent)

Ramsey County; Minnesota; On-site; USD 13,776,000 - 24,797,000; Part time

Job summary

Ramsey County is seeking an Environmental Educator Assistant to support Tamarack Nature Center programs and public interactions. The role involves answering telephones, guiding visitors, assisting with live animal care, and delivering environmental education activities at Ramsey County parks and open spaces.

The position is intermittent with a minimum commitment of two Saturdays or Sundays per month, and duties include equipment setup, sales and ticketing for programs, and assisting with special

Qualifications

• Education: High School graduate, or equivalent.
• Experience: None.

Responsibilities

• Answer telephone calls and respond to public inquiries concerning Tamarack Nature Center and other County facilities; explain park rules and answer a variety of questions about natural history topics; and conduct user surveys.
• Assist in the maintenance of Tamarack Nature Center’s collections by taking inventory of recreation equipment, organizing supplies, and keeping records and files as directed by supervisor.
• Contribute to the general operation of Tamarack Nature Center by keeping the building clean and well maintained, including setting up and taking down equipment and supplies for programs, sweeping, mopping, shoveling, cleaning, and vacuuming.
• Present environmental education programs for all ages and audiences on natural history and outdoor recreation topics; and assist in the delivery of special programs and events.

Skills

Public inquiries

Telephone answering

Program support

Guest services

Live animal care assistance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The current vacancies are in the Parks and Recreation department. The eligibility list created by these vacancies may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

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.

Work hours for this intermittent role vary depending on departmental or community need but will require working a minimum of 2x a month on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once on this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Answer telephone calls and respond to public inquiries concerning Tamarack Nature Center and other County facilities; explain park rules and answer a variety of questions about natural history topics; and conduct user surveys.
• Assist in the maintenance of Tamarack Nature Center’s collections by taking inventory of recreation equipment, organizing supplies, and keeping records and files as directed by supervisor.
• Contribute to the general operation of Tamarack Nature Center by keeping the building clean and well maintained, including setting up and taking down equipment and supplies for programs, sweeping, mopping, shoveling, cleaning, and vacuuming.
• Present environmental education programs for all ages and audiences on natural history and outdoor recreation topics; and assist in the delivery of special programs and events.
• Rent cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment, collect rental fees, fill out rental forms and account for money received.

(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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School graduate, or equivalent.

Experience: None.

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 Environmental Educator Assistant 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 have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Environmental Educator Assistant. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants 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.

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 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 to be 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.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: [e-mail]

Benefits Summary

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered
• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement