Environmental Health Specialist - Yard Waste

Environmental Health Specialist - Yard Waste

Salary

$63,502.40 - $95,264.00 Annually

Location

ALL-Multiple Ramsey County Locations, MN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00491

Department

Public Health

Division

EnvHlth/SolWasteAdm

Opening Date

09/29/2026

Closing Date

10/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

Union

Unrepresented

FLSA Status

exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The current vacancy is in the Environmental Health Division. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

The Environmental Health Specialist - Yard Waste position supports Ramsey County's seven Yard Waste sites as part of the Solid Waste Operations team within the Environmental Health Division. This team manages the County's yard waste, municipal food scrap collection, and internal waste and recycling programs. This role combines customer service, on-site operations, program coordination, field inspections, public education & communication, regulatory compliance, and cross-facility communication.

To perform a full range of duties relating to environmental health, including ensuring compliance with applicable laws, community education, and the planning, implementation, and enforcement of environmental health programs; and to perform related duties as assigned.

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

Examples of Work Performed

• Regularly inspect and assist team members with solid waste management facilities or the sites of hazardous waste generators or facilities for compliance with Ramsey County ordinances, State rules and law, and Federal regulations and law; review management plans, take samples, analyze results, and document findings; gather evidence, such as photographs and samples, to document violations; if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action, and initiate enforcement action; perform reviews of facility plans and specifications prior to and during construction and/or remodeling; issue new permits/licenses or renew existing ones, if appropriate.
• Conduct inspections and assist team members of food establishments, lodging facilities, swimming pools, manufactured home parks, children's camps, and public and private water supplies to ensure compliance with public health and environmental laws and regulations. Document compliance and if unable to gain voluntary compliance, prepare case for legal action and initiate enforcement action. Investigate public health nuisance complaints. Conduct plan reviews for new and remodeled establishments deciding when establishments may go into business.
• Conduct home inspections for hazards such as lead, mercury, radon, asthma triggers and perform risk assessments related to childhood lead poisoning.
• Maintain and update Ramsey County Dump site inventory; provide technical data concerning dumpsites as requested by consultants and the public for environmental reviews.
• Monitor solid waste haulers' compliance with the County Environmental Charge (CEC); review data submittals; prepare reports on CEC; coordinate work with the Office of Budgeting and Accounting and Washington County, and initiate enforcement actions if needed.
• Provide technical assistance to public and private entities inspected and discuss with them any changes that are necessary to be in compliance with County ordinances and State and Federal law; plan, design and conduct training sessions and educational seminars for public and private entities on requirements, regulations, and methods of compliance.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Ramsey Countys environmental health programs and related policies by gathering information, conducting research and analysis, reviewing technical reports, conferring with other environmental health professionals, industry officials, and regulatory agencies, and by analyzing legal requirements.
• Assist in coordinating Ramsey Countys yard waste management and household hazardous waste management programs by scheduling yard waste monitors, monitoring vendor performance, managing program data and reports, overseeing the maintenance of sites; ensuring that yard waste and household hazardous waste sites are in compliance with solid waste and zoning laws and regulations.
• Conduct public education programs on environmental health issues for community groups and schools; respond to inquiries from the public relating to environmental health laws or issues.
• Investigate complaints, document conditions, and write written orders from the public concerning hazardous waste violations, solid waste violations, lead, mercury, radon, public health nuisances or clandestine drug labs, and take appropriate action.
• Investigate foodborne and waterborne illness complaints and outbreaks. Work with epidemiologists to investigate and halt the spread of disease in the community.
• Share information with other public health agencies and regulatory agencies and works together with them on joint projects, such as the coordination of community training 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.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. (Essential functions may vary based on the specific role)

Minimum Qualifications

For positions in non-regulatory environmental health programs:

Education: Bachelors degree in environmental health, physical, or biological sciences, or related social sciences, natural sciences, or formal sciences.

Experience: None

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: A valid drivers' license.

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 Training & Experience Rating will be based on the supplemental questionnaire that you need to complete as part of your application. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training & experience rating. Please be sure to be complete in your answers and do not mark "see resume" or "see work history". Failure to clearly and completely outline your training & experience could adversely affect your rank on the eligible list for this classification.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process and file a properly completed application shall be placed on the eligible list for employment as an Environmental Health Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy. Candidates 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, informing them that the list has been certified and their status.

Veterans Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veterans Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veterans preference should update their 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.

In addition, you may be subject to one or more of the following:

In addition you will be subject to a pre-employment health screening.

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 employees 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, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance 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(Download PDF reader). You will need to print off this posting and also answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them if you complete a paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact Nirvana.Wallace@RamseyCountyMN.gov

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 account

• Employee well-being

• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.

• Wellness programming

• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave

• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available

• Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum

• Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development

• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year

• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center

• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey Countys 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in environmental health, environmental sciences, physical, chemical or biological sciences, or a related environmental health, natural sciences or natural resources field. Degree must be earned prior to the closing date of this posting.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associates degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Please provide your academic credentials, including the institution name, and degree earned. If you hold no college degrees, please write "N/A."

04

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your background, education, training and work experience in environmental health, or a related field. Do not write "see resume," as it is not an acceptable answer, and do not cut and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

06

Please describe in detail your experience interacting with people from backgrounds or identities that differ from your own (for example, culture, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or lifestyle). Do not write "see resume," as it is not an acceptable answer, and do not cut and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

07

Please describe your background and experience providing technical assistance, public education or customer service to the public, businesses, or other organizations around environmental programs, including topics like yard waste, wood waste, invasive species or solid waste, recycling and reuse programs. Do not write "see resume," as it is not an acceptable answer, and do not cut and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

08

Please describe any experience you have managing operations, monitoring, inspecting or maintaining yard waste, recycling, composting or other solid waste facilities or sites. Include the types of activities or programs you were responsible for managing. Do not write "see resume," as it is not an acceptable answer, and do not cut and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

09

Please describe any experience you have coordinating complex projects with vendors, contractors, businesses, or the public to meet program requirements, project goals or ensuring regulatory compliance with local ordinances or state statutes. Do not write "see resume," as it is not an acceptable answer, and do not cut and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

10

Are you currently, or have you previously been, an intern, fellow, or temporary employee within Ramsey County's Environmental Health Division? If yes, please indicate the position and dates.

11

I understand that I will be asked to complete additional pre-employment health screenings, such as TB screening, complete medical clearance and fit testing for use of an N95 respirator and provide immunization history.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Ramsey County

Address 121 East Seventh Place

Mail Stop 5200

Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Phone (651) 266-2700

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ramsey/default.cfm