Environmental Resource Specialist - Water Quality

Overview

The public works department is recruiting for a permanent full‑time Environmental Resources Specialist within the Environmental Services Division. The role focuses on water quality and lake management, with a mix of office and field work, including hybrid work capability.

• Obtain water samples from lakes susceptible to winter fish kill and analyze oxygen content to determine need for aeration.
• Collect surface water and storm sewer samples to determine chemical and biological water quality (pH, zooplankton, phytoplankton, nitrogen, conductivity, chloride, chlorophyll‑A,
  
  E. coli, hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, phosphorus) and document results for water quality improvement activities.
• Sample county beaches and analyze for
  
  E. coli to determine recreational safety.
• Organize annual weed and algae control programs by coordinating with lake improvement associations, assessing responses, and monitoring contractor work.
• Provide technical assistance to county landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing urban best management practices (BMPs).
• Serve as liaison to citizen groups, elected officials, environmental interest groups and the public by providing information about environmental resource management activities and their impacts.
• Conduct community outreach with student groups and educators to promote natural resource protection.
• Perform related environmental testing, monitoring, GIS surveying, inspection duties, research and preparation of plans and reports concerning environmental quality and natural resource management of lands, surface water and groundwater.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Design, Biology, Forestry, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management or a related environmental science field.

Experience: None required; equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required.

Applicants will be screened using a training and experience rating, comprised solely of the supplemental questionnaire. No additional tests are required.

Veteran’s Preference: Veterans who qualify will receive preference points after passing the examination process.

Criminal Background Checks: Employment offers are contingent upon passing a criminal background check. False statements or omissions will result in disqualification.

E-Verify: Ramsey County participates in E‑Verify, requiring verification of work authorization.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Ramsey County is an equal opportunity employer. The 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 committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce.

For further information or to print a paper application,
click the links provided above.