Buildings and Grounds Supervisor

Aitkin Public Schools ISD 1; Aitkin (MN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aitkin Public Schools is seeking a hands-on Buildings & Grounds Director to lead district facilities, maintenance, and custodial operations in Aitkin, Minnesota. The role ensures safe, clean, and functional learning environments for students and staff, while managing budgets and contractor relationships.

The successful candidate will oversee boiler and mechanical systems, grounds, safety initiatives, and long-range facility planning, reporting to the Superintendent. Start date is immediate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in building maintenance, facilities operations, or related fields.
• Ability to obtain 1C license within 6 months; 2C as required by law.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operation, maintenance, and improvement of district buildings.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for facilities.
• Coordinate inspections, testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee boiler and mechanical systems, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Lead custodial operations and grounds maintenance with strong safety focus.

Skills

Building maintenance

Facilities operations

Budget management

Staff supervision

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Minnesota boiler engineer license

Job description

Aitkin Public Schools
306 2nd St NW
Aitkin, MN 56431
218-927-2115

Aitkin Public Schools mission is to empower students to be life-long learners and productive citizens by developing high expectations and student achievement in a safe and friendly learning environment. Aitkin Schools covers a large portion of Aitkin County in northern Minnesota. The city of Aitkin offers a friendly, small town atmosphere with larger cities nearby. Our area offers a wide variety of outdoor family opportunities. We are 15 miles north of Mille Lacs Lake. Aitkin county is home to over 365 lakes, many within minutes of the city of Aitkin. We also have the Mississippi and Ripple Rivers that flow through our community which provide a variety of boating possibilities. Aitkin county is also known for some of the most scenic wildlife trails in Minnesota. We have a very good system of snowmobile and atv trails. We are within minutes of a number of outstanding golf courses as well. The city of Aitkin has a wonderful park located on the Ripple River that families throughout the area enjoy on a regular basis. Aitkin is home to the Riverwood Healthcare facility with over 60 physicians, specialists and surgeons. The city of Aitkin is also the home of the Aitkin County seat. Why just visit Aitkin when you can live and work here year around? “WE ARE ISD1!”

Openings as of 9/10/2026 Aitkin Public Schools

• Buildings and Grounds Supervisor JobID: 7862
• Position Type: Building and Grounds/ Buildings and Grounds Supervisor
• Date Posted: 9/1/2026
• Location: Aitkin District Office
• Date Available: ASAP
• Closing Date: Until filled
• District: Aitkin Public Schools

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS SUPERVISOR

Position: Buildings & Grounds Director
Location: Aitkin, Minnesota
Employment Status: Full-Time, Year-Round
Salary Range: $72,000–$75,000 annually
Reports To: Superintendent
Start Date: Immediately

POSITION SUMMARY

Aitkin Public Schools is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and collaborative Buildings & Grounds Director to lead the district's buildings, grounds, facilities, maintenance, and custodial operations.

The Buildings & Grounds Director is responsible for ensuring that district facilities are safe, clean, functional, well-maintained, secure, and supportive of student learning and staff success. This position provides leadership and direction for the district's maintenance and custodial operations, facility systems, preventative maintenance, grounds, building security, energy management, and facility-related projects.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who takes pride in maintaining school facilities, develops positive relationships with staff and contractors, responds effectively to facility needs, and demonstrates strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities & Building Operations

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of district buildings and facilities.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for district buildings, equipment, mechanical systems, and infrastructure.
• Monitor the condition of district facilities and recommend repairs, replacements, upgrades, and capital improvements.
• Coordinate building inspections, required testing, maintenance schedules, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate records related to building systems, inspections, maintenance, repairs, warranties, and equipment.
• Assist the Superintendent and School Board with long-range facilities planning and capital improvement planning.
• Coordinate facility projects, renovations, construction, and improvement projects as assigned.
• Obtain and evaluate bids, estimates, and proposals from vendors and contractors.
• Monitor contractors and vendors to ensure work is completed safely, timely, and according to specifications.

Boiler & Mechanical Systems

• Oversee the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of district boiler and mechanical systems.
• Maintain compliance with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry boiler requirements and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain all required boiler operation records and documentation.
• Ensure required inspections, testing, servicing, and maintenance are completed.
• Work with licensed boiler personnel and qualified contractors as necessary.
• Maintain the appropriate Minnesota boiler engineer license required for the district's boiler plant.

The successful candidate must possess the appropriate Minnesota boiler engineer license ability to obtain 1C license within a 6 month or reasonably agreed upon time, 2C required subject to applicable Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licensing requirements.

Grounds & Outdoor Facilities

• Oversee maintenance of athletic fields, playgrounds, sidewalks, parking lots, landscaping, snow and ice removal, and other district grounds.
• Establish seasonal maintenance plans for grounds and outdoor facilities.
• Ensure grounds are maintained in a safe, attractive, and functional condition.
• Coordinate snow removal and emergency weather-related facility needs.

Custodial Operations

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to custodial staff.
• Develop and monitor building cleaning and maintenance schedules.
• Establish expectations for cleanliness, safety, sanitation, and building readiness.
• Monitor custodial supplies, equipment, inventory, and purchasing.
• Assist with staffing, training, scheduling, evaluation, and performance management of facilities and custodial employees in accordance with district policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety throughout all district facilities.
• Ensure facilities and operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and district policies.
• Coordinate with administration, emergency services, inspectors, contractors, and other agencies regarding facility safety and emergency preparedness.
• Assist with emergency response involving buildings, utilities, mechanical systems, weather events, and other facility-related situations.
• Participate in district safety planning and emergency preparedness activities.
• Report safety concerns and recommend corrective action to the Superintendent.

Budget & Purchasing

• Assist in developing and managing the Buildings and Grounds budget.
• Monitor expenditures and maintain appropriate financial records.
• Recommend purchases of equipment, supplies, materials, and services.
• Seek cost-effective solutions while maintaining appropriate quality and safety standards.
• Maintain appropriate inventory and records of district equipment and assets.

Communication & Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, support staff, students, families, community members, contractors, and vendors.
• Respond promptly and professionally to facility concerns and requests.
• Communicate facility needs, concerns, projects, and recommendations to district administration.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, discretion, and a commitment to serving students and the school community.
• Maintain positive working relationships with district employees and community partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building maintenance, facilities operations, mechanical systems, grounds maintenance, custodial operations, or a related field.
• Ability to safely operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot building systems and equipment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions within established district policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with employees, contractors, vendors, administrators, and community members.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage budgets and purchasing responsibilities.
• Ability to respond to emergency and after-hours facility situations when necessary.
• Ability to obtain 1C license within a 6 month or reasonable agreed upon time, 2C required , as required by applicable Minnesota law and regulations.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license or ability to obtain one, if required for the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in school district, municipal, commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities management.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Experience with school buildings and grounds.
• Experience with boiler systems, HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, building automation systems, or other mechanical systems.
• Experience with preventative maintenance planning.
• Experience managing contractors and construction or renovation projects.
• Experience developing or managing facilities budgets.
• Experience with snow removal, athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor facilities.
• Experience working in a public-sector or educational environment.
• Appropriate Minnesota boiler engineer license at the time of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
• Strong mechanical and facilities knowledge.
• Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and administration.
• Commitment to maintaining safe, clean, welcoming, and functional learning environments.
• Commitment to fiscal responsibility and responsible stewardship of district resources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to perform essential job functions associated with facilities and grounds management, which may include walking throughout district facilities and grounds; climbing stairs and ladders; inspecting mechanical and building systems; standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting; and occasionally working in confined, elevated, outdoor, or adverse weather conditions.

The district will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable law.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a year-round position and may require work outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency situations, weather-related events, and other times when facility needs require administrative or operational response.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: $72,000–$75,000 annually, depending upon qualifications and experience.

The district provides a competitive benefits package, which may include health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and other benefits available under district policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements or employment terms.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

[School District Name] is anEqual Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact [Name/Title] at [phone/email].

Veterans' Preference:

This position is subject to applicable Minnesota Veterans' Preference laws for public employment. Minnesota's Veterans' Preference Act generally applies to public employment positions, including school districts.

Mary Morem, Superintendent

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Aitkin Public Schools reserves the right to modify, change, or add to the duties and responsibilities of this position as the needs of the district change.

Aitkin Public Schools ISD 1 |306 2nd St. NW |Aitkin, MN 56431 Phone:[phone]
District Fax: [phone]
Rippleside ElementaryFax: [phone]
High School Fax: [phone]
Counselor's Office Fax: [phone]