Planning Analyst

Salary : $80,353.13 - $120,529.70 Annually
Location : Hazelwood Professional Center, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00180
Department: Public Health
Division: EnvHlth/SolWasteAdm
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
Union: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: exempt


Position Summary
This vacancy is with the Environmental Health team in the Public Health department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
The Public Health Department - Environmental Health Division is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Environmental Health Planning Analyst to join our team. This role focuses on planning, program evaluation, & legislative efforts across the division in areas of solid waste management, recycling programs, and environmental health program initiatives. Responsibilities include leading annual SCORE reporting, facilitating open data projects, and supporting division data requests. The ideal candidate has strong communication and analytical skills, with experience collecting, interpreting, and presenting data to diverse leadership and stakeholders. Preferred qualifications include experience in waste reduction and recycling programming, project planning & coordination, program management, stakeholder engagement, and the legislative process. A background in environmental health, waste management, or data analysis is highly valued, along with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
To develop comprehensive long and short-range plans, projects and programs in the area assigned; analyze trends, research data, and changes in laws; develop recommendations to integrate and coordinate County efforts across departments; conduct studies, needs assessments, and special projects; prepare plans, charts, reports, and other documents and analyze and submit proposals for funding and grants; and to 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 at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.


Flexible Workplace :
This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Examples of Work Performed

1. Conduct studies, needs assessments and special projects, to determine the need for and type of changes required in services in response to changes in the environment and make recommendations for departmental implementation.
2. Analyze trends, research data, changes in laws, rules and regulations to determine impact on the county or department and make recommendations for response including legislative proposals; evaluate data on services provided or purchased by the county or department for compliance with goals and objectives and recommend corrective action where necessary.
3. Analyze proposals submitted to the department for funding and make recommendations based on needs, appropriateness of service, and availability of funding and develop recommendations to integrate and coordinate county efforts across departments; optimize the level and distribution of funding; target fundraising strategies to raise private and public non-county resources.
4. Coordinate the work of county and applicable community groups to develop, implement and evaluate long and short-range plans, policies, and strategies; represent the county or department at community and government meetings to explain department policies, programs and services.
5. Prepare and submit charts, presentations, information and other documents for leadership, state agencies and county staff.
6. Plan, coordinate, implement and facilitate external professional workshops, seminars and public events.

(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.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Sciences or related field.
Experience: Five years of experience in planning, evaluation, data analytics, statistical analysis and related planning functions appropriate to the department assigned.
Substitution: 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 Planning Analyst 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 filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Planning Analyst. 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.

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 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.


To print a paper application for this posting click 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:
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

• 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 County's 2026 benefits, visit:
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 completed education.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

03


*If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion and type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
04


*Which best describes your years of experience in planning, evaluation, data analytics, statistical analysis and related planning functions appropriate to Environmental Health?

• Less than 3 years of experience
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 5 years
• At least 5 years of experience but less than 7 years
• At least 7 years of experience but less than 9 years
• 9 years of experience or more

05


*Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."
06


Describe your experience with developing and reviewing planning documents, program implementation, program evaluation, and/or policy development.
07


Which best describes your experience working with diverse populations and communities (cultural, ethnic, religious, limited income or poverty) or your experience working with clients/communities with limited English-speaking skills or low-income backgrounds?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 6 years
• At least 6 years of experience but less than 10 years
• 10 years of experience or more

08


Describe in detail the experience indicated in the previous question. Also include the name of your employer and length of employment.
09


Choose the statement(s) that best describes your professional experience. Check all that apply.

• Facilitation of large and small group processes.
• Writing or producing public sector communications on behalf of yourself or others.
• Developing policies, services, analyzing service needs, overseeing development of contracts or service agreements.
• Developing/maintaining partnerships/collaborations among two or more county departments, agencies, or organizations.
• I have no experience with the above.

10


Describe in detail the experience indicated in the previous question. Also include the name of your employer and length of employment.
11


Describe your experience working with Solid waste or Recycling programs with a local government agency. Also include the name of your employer and length of employment.
12


Describe both your legislative experience and/or regional planning experience. Also include the name of your employer and length of employment.
13


Have you worked as an intern, fellow, temp, or full time position for Ramsey County Environmental Health in the past?

• Yes
• No

Required Question