Buildings and Grounds Technician

DODGE NATURE CENTER; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is seeking a Buildings and Grounds Technician to maintain its 460+ acre nature preserve and campus spanning West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove.

The role focuses on caring for buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment at the Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove with some duties at the main site. You will perform general upkeep, mowing, winter plowing, and light carpentry or plumbing tasks, while supervising volunteers and supporting farm and

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance methods, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and lawn equipment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Some evenings and weekends will be required.
• Physical ability to perform tasks involving manual labor and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform general building maintenance and related tasks.
• Assist in mowing, weed whipping, and grounds maintenance to keep lawns and trails groomed.
• In winter months, perform snow plowing, snow blowing, shoveling, and sanding.
• Carry out carpentry-related projects along with general plumbing and electrical tasks.
• Supervise volunteers and assist in training groups.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Safe work practices

Tool operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Lawn equipment

Job description

Additional Details Compensation: $18–$20/hour
Reports to: Buildings and Grounds Director

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education across its 460+ acre nature preserve in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and outdoor education experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, outreach, public programs, events, and a nature-based preschool (Dodge Nature Preschool ).

The Buildings and Grounds Technician will carry out daily assignments related to the care and maintenance of buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment primarily at Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove. Work will also take place at the Main Property in West St. Paul.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance – 75%

• Perform general building maintenance which can include cleaning, changing light bulbs, painting, light plumbing, and other related maintenance activities.
• Assist in mowing, weed whipping, and grounds maintenance to keep all lawns and trails groomed and to make the site presentable.
• In winter months, carry out snow plowing, snow blowing, shoveling, and sanding of driveways, parking lots and walkways.
• Perform a variety of carpentry-related projects along with general plumbing and electrical.

Farm Support – 10%

• In partnership with the farm team, support and perform tasks involving farm maintenance and animal care.

Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance – 10%

• Perform assigned tasks related to the cleaning and care of all vehicles and equipment.

Supervision – 5%

• Supervise volunteers, such as Dakota County Service workers, and/or youth job skill training groups.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background
  High school diploma
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance methods, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and lawn equipment.
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
• Comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities, shifting priorities, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Some evenings and weekends will be required.
• Physical Requirements
  Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including bending, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside in inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating tractors, chainsaws, woodchippers, a Bobcat, zero-turn lawnmowers, snow blower, snowplow, and other related equipment.
• A team player with willingness to help other departments as needed.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and other assigned labor sources.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.