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Forester (Environmental Resources Specialist)

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Forester (Environmental Resources Specialist)

Salary

$58,996.89 - $88,495.33 Annually

Location

(Parks & Recreation Admin Bldg) Maplewood, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2025-00444

Department

Parks & Recreation

Division

SWC

Opening Date

06/03/2025

Closing Date

6/23/2025 11:59 PM Central

Union

Unrepresented

FLSA Status

exempt

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Basic Function

Join our team in providing programs and services that protect and enhance the natural resources in Ramsey County. This position is within the Soil and Water Conservation Division of the Parks and Recreation Department with the following responsibilities: oversee all aspects of tree management and forestry, including, but not limited to, drafting forest and individual tree management plans, secure grant funding, maintain the forestry budget, coordinate with county tree contractor and parks staff for the care and removal of trees, coordinate the maintenance of planted trees.

The basic functions of this specific position are to use GIS software and GPS equipment to create and manage tree inventory data. Assist in drafting specifications, hiring, and managing the county tree contractor. Provide oversight for county tree contractor and other vendors for tree care, trimming and removal. Respond to county residents on tree related issues. Perform hazardous tree assessment. Secure funding and coordinate tree care assistance for county residents. Prepare plans and grants relating to tree and natural resources management work with adjoining private and public entities; complete a variety of tree conservation projects. Provide subject matter expertise in tree matters and to complete a variety of tree related projects; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Job Class Basic Function:

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. (This is the entry-level of this classification series. Experience at this level enables employees to gain the knowledge and skill required for advancement to Environmental Resources Specialist 2.)

PARKS AND RECREATION ASSIGNMENT: To research, recommend, and administer effective management practices to protect, enhance, and restore the natural resources within the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation system and Ramsey County landowners’ property; to act as a liaison with other jurisdictions and the public regarding natural resources; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Examples of Work Performed

+ Provide technical assistance to Ramsey County landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing urban best management practices (BMPs).

+ Prepare cost estimates, project schedules and contract execution; oversee construction activities, project verification and closeout.

+ 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.

+ Provide community outreach by working with student groups and educators for information on natural resource protection.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:

Natural Resources Management & Soil and Water Division

+ Inventory tree data and needs across the Ramsey County Parks System and make tree care and removal decisions.

+ Draft woodland and tree management plans.

+ Coordinate hazardous tree removal and update hazardous tree inventory

+ Prepare grant requests for funding and monitor expenditures from the budget. Make budget requests and organize and maintain budgets.

+ Complete tree research as needed.

+ Assist in completing woodland and individual tree restoration plans and budget estimates.

+ Assist in the completion and administration of natural resources and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration projects of woodlands.

+ Coordinate removal and replacement tree programs, diseased tree and wood abatement, landscape tree planting, and oversee tree and shrub maintenance.

+ Use GIS and GPS hardware and software to create, manage and analyze data, and map making.

+ Interpret data and use GIS software and online applications to analyze information and for tree and natural resources decision making. Use handheld GPS, tablets, and GIS software to collect field data.

+ Assist in drafting grants and researching funding options.

+ Assist in coordinating work for contactors, volunteers, interns, and full time or seasonal employees in other divisions.

+ Represent the Department at community meetings, public forums, and public meetings held by other agencies, such as City Council and Planning Commission Meetings, with respect to natural resource management and environmental issues.

+ Assist in the coordination and training of volunteers and Parks staff in the proper care and maintenance of tree resources.

+ Provide technical assistance to Ramsey County landowners, internal staff and partnering agencies on implementing tree management practices.

+ Prepare cost estimates, project schedules and contract solicitations and execution; oversee tree preservation during construction activities, project verification and closeout.

+ Assist with construction site inspections; read and interpret construction plans.

+ Organize and perform plan surveys, construction inspection, and assist in the design and plan preparation for tree projects.

+ Assist Parks staff with other resource projects as needed.

+ Maintain records for federal emergency reimbursement claims.

+ Assist in finding solutions for wood waste including alternative streams and disposal.

(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.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT:

Natural Resources Management & Soil and Water Division: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or Design, Biology, Forestry or Urban 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.

*Work assignment may require incumbent after hire to obtain additional certification or licensure by the State of Minnesota in environmental areas such as tree inspection or erosion and sediment controls. Ideal candidate would have or ability to obtain, within one year of hire, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualified certificates.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following sections with each section weighted as indicated.

Step 1: Minimum Qualifications Screening = Pass/Fail

Step 2: Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for the Forester (Environmental Resources Specialist) role 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 properly completed and submitted an application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the Rule of Bands eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Forester (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, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.

The applicants who pass Training and Experience Rating (Step 2) with a score of 75 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

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 our workforce.

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 (https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Departments/Human%20Resources%20Dept/RAMSEY%20COUNTY%20EMPLOYMENT%20APPLICATION.pdf) (Download PDF reader). 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: [email protected]