Environmental Educator - Part Time

Ramsey County; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County in Minnesota is seeking an Environmental Educator for the Parks and Recreation department. The role develops environmental education programs, teaches a range of audiences, and collaborates with community partners.

Responsibilities include live animal care, inventory management, volunteer training, responding to visitor questions, and maintaining records. The position requires an associate degree in biology or environmental science and at least one year of related experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or Science Education.
• One year of experience developing or conducting environmental education and interpretive programs for the public, schools or youth groups.
• Substitutions: equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach a variety of year-round environmental education programs for diverse audiences.
• Maintain inventory and procure replacement supplies; gather cost information and prepare reports.
• Collaborate with community partners/vendors to meet group needs and objectives.
• Respond to public inquiries with accurate information on environmental topics and wildlife behavior.
• Provide daily care of live animals and/or manage animal handling for programs.

Skills

Environmental education

Volunteer training

Public speaking

Program development

Education

Associate degree in Biology Ecology Environmental Science or Science Education

Job description

Position Summary The current vacancy is in the Parks and Recreation department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department. Please note the schedule for this position will vary, but hours worked will be between 8:00am-5:00am, not to exceed 60 hours every two weeks. This role is responsible for developing environmental education programs, including teaching assigned educational and recreational programs for pre‑k through adult participants; preparing and requesting program supplies and equipment; maintaining inventory, maintaining exhibits and handling live animals; assisting with training volunteers; responding to inquiries from visitors, program participants or staff; and 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 on this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Develop and teach of a variety of year-round programs for a variety of audiences using education strategies and techniques for all ages, audiences, and special groups on natural history and outdoor recreational topics.
• Maintain and recommend inventory replacement supplies; and gather information on supply costs; compile information to prepare and maintain reports, records, and other documents; and maintain systems and databases.
• Collaborate with community partners/vendors to ensure programming in an assigned specialty area meets the groups needs and objectives.
• Respond to questions from the public by providing accurate and up-to-date information on environmental issues, plant, animal and mineral classification, horticulture practices and wildlife behavior.
• Provide daily care of live animals, such as owls, snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs, and insects, care includes weight checks, feedings, cleanings, and water replacements; handle animals for programs: deliver natural history programs for audiences about animals while handling; train animals for conducting care and delivering programs.

(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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree with concentration in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or a closely related field.

Experience: One year 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: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: 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 for Environmental Educator 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. 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.

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.ramsey