Building and Grounds Worker - Cloquet, MN

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and holidays

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Minnesota at Cloquet Forestry Center is seeking a custodial worker for a 12-month appointment. The role involves indoor and outdoor maintenance, event setup, and support for research and outreach programs. Work hours are typical daytime Monday–Friday with flexibility for weekends as needed.

Candidates should be able to lift up to 50 pounds, meet physical requirements, and maintain professional interactions with the public. A background check is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to meet physical requirements and work in a public setting
• Read, write, and communicate in English
• Demonstrated safety awareness and use of PPE
• Ability to work independently and with diverse teams

Responsibilities

• Perform daily custodial tasks including restroom cleaning, trash handling, and sanitation
• Maintain outdoor spaces: lawn care, snow removal, debris cleanup
• Prepare and arrange spaces for University events and lodging as needed
• Report facility deficiencies and support maintenance activities as directed by supervisors

Skills

Public interaction

English reading/writing

Safety procedures

Independent work

Team coordination

Job description

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins Monday, September 28 and ends on Monday, October 5, 2026. This position is a 12-month, continuing position located in Cloquet, MN at the Cloquet Forestry Center (CFC), which is part of the University of Minnesota's (UMN) College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Research and Outreach Center network. The CFC is located on Nagaajiwanaang, the reserved lands of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, two hours north of the UMN St. Paul Campus and 30 minutes west of Duluth MN. It is a regional and national hub for research, undergraduate and graduate field instruction in natural resources, and extensive outreach and professional training programs for forest ecology and other academic and professional disciplines. This position supports the research, teaching, and outreach mission by being responsible for general indoor and outdoor custodial and maintenance tasks at CFC. Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Major Areas of Accountability

Event and Lodging space daily and weekly tasks - 50%

• Daily scrub and sanitize restrooms using approved cleaning agents and procedures
• Collect and empty trash and recycling to transport to proper pick-up site
• Keep trash containers clean
• Set up equipment, furniture, and lodging spaces required for University functions and user groups across the facilities
• Pick up water with wet/dry vacuum, sweep, dust, and wet mop hard floors
• Move furniture, office equipment, tables, benches, chairs, supplies, refuse, garbage, and various kinds of equipment

Outdoor spaces weekly and monthly tasks - 35%

• Shovel, sweep, snowblow, and snow plow snow and other debris from steps and sidewalks
• Mow and maintain lawns and non-lawn vegetation across around the facilities area
• Clean leaves, needles, and other debris from grounds
• Cut, rake, weed, set, trim, and prune lawns, vines, and trees across the facilities area
• Load and unload trucks
• As available, support forest management and research team with forest road summer and winter maintenance

Event and lodging space monthly and seasonal tasks - 15%

• Clean carpeting with commercial type vacuum cleaner and/or soil extracting and carpet shampooing machines
• Wash walls, scrub floors with a heavy-duty machine, strip hard floors, and apply finish
• Window, wall, and light fixture cleaning
• Observe deficiencies or areas of potential improvement in building hardware, door, window, and other infrastructure - make verbal and/or written reports on unusual conditions and/or potential solutions to supervisor

Additional duties may be assigned. The examples above do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities. Overtime and extra duties will align with labor contract requirements.

Work Schedule

Working hours are Monday through Friday, 8a-4:30p. This position may be required to adjust work schedule as needed for evening or weekend coverage depending on the groups using the facility and in case of absences. Overtime and consecutive Sunday work are not conditions of employment.

Supervision

This person will work closely and have daily task direction from the Sr. Buildings and Grounds worker, will work closely with the Facilities Coordinator and Sr. General Mechanic, and will be supervised by the CFC Director of Operations.

Qualifications

Minimum/Required

• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the assignment
• Ability to interact in a public setting in a respectful and professional manner
• Ability to read, write and communication in English
• Must be responsible and work in independently
• Position may require the ability to walk or stand for the majority of the day and include the ability to bend, climb, reach, kneel, carry, lift, push, pull and lift 50 pounds to shoulder heigh
• Demonstrate effective, courteous, and cooperative behavior to all customers, co-workers and other members of the diverse campus community
• Know and follow safety procedures and policies in everyday work. Use personal protective equipment.
• Ability to operate effectively with team members and users from diverse background
• Ability to read and write competently in English
• Background check is required.

Preferred

• One year of experience in buildings and grounds or related work.
• Must have valid Class D MN Drivers License
• Maintenance equipment operation experience
• Experience operating light and heavy machinery, such as chainsaws, brushsaws, UTVs, snowplows, or skid steers
• Experience with grounds maintenance, such as snow removal, lawn and tree care, or road maintenance
• Demonstrated interest in curiosity and learning
• Experience with customer service

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.17; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (Teamsters Local 320)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑reputable health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.