Buildings & Grounds Worker

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minnesota; On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a part-time Buildings & Grounds Worker for Afton State Park near Hastings, MN. The role supports park operations, maintenance of facilities, and grounds care during day shifts with hours that vary seasonally.

The position requires performing security, cleaning,Minor repairs, grounds keeping, and equipment maintenance to preserve natural resources and provide a safe visitor experience.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and prioritize safety.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision with a customer-service focus.
• Welcoming a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trail Units.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, communicate and solve routine maintenance situations.
• Skill in safe operation of equipment such as mowers, weed whips, hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, UTVs and vehicles.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures clearly to internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide protection and security to park visitors and protect park resources by enforcing park rules, regulations and policies.
• Perform routine day-to-day cleaning and sanitation of all public and park buildings.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on park buildings and facilities.
• Perform various grounds-keeping duties, including mowing, pruning, litter pickup, trail maintenance and grooming.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and vehicles and store tools properly when not in use.
• Carry out resource management tasks to protect visitors and natural resources, including permits and fee collection.

Skills

Task prioritization

Safety compliance

Customer service

Equipment operation

Problem solving

Teamwork

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

Working Title: Buildings & Grounds Worker

Job Class: Buildings & Grounds Worker

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97696
• Location: Afton State Park
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 11/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails Region 3
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $25.22 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Afton State Park
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Re-Posting: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

This position was previously announced on 10/15/2026 through 10/21/2026. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Permanent, Part Time (90% - 36 hours per week) Building and Grounds Worker position at Afton State Park near Hastings, MN. The hours of work are typically 8:00am to 4:30pm day shift but may vary and include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Days of work will vary by the season to meet the needs of the park.

This position exists to perform tasks and, in some cases, direct the activities of other employees, to carry out the maintenance of the grounds, facilities and equipment so that Afton's natural resources are preserved and park facilities are adequately maintained for the enjoyment of park visitors.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide protection and security to park visitors and protect park resources by enforcing park rules, regulations and policies, as directed by Division policy and supervisors.
• Perform routine day-to-day cleaning and sanitation of all public and park buildings so that facilities are clean, neat, safe and presentable to visiting public and park staff.
• Perform routine maintenance and accomplish minor repairs on park buildings and facilities such as interior and exterior painting, repair/replacement of plumbing and other fixtures, minor carpentry work, general repairs, etc.
• Perform various grounds-keeping duties, i.e., mow grass, prune trees/shrubs, pick up litter, occasional grading and landscaping plus trail maintenance and grooming.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and vehicles, includes repair/clean/maintain hand tools and store tools and equipment properly when not in use, etc.
• Perform resource management tasks to protect visitors and natural resources such as controlling invasive species, prairie and woodland restoration projects, prescribed burns, seed planting, sell various annual and daily vehicle permits, camping permits, collect reservation fees, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively, and work independently with limited supervision while prioritizing customer service and safety.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Skill sufficient to welcome a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trail Units.
• Ability to effectively recognize, analyze, communicate and problem-solve a variety of routine maintenance situations.
• Skill in safe operation of equipment such as mowers, weed whips, hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, UTVs and vehicles.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures in a clear, concise, professional and unbiased manner to both internal and external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in a work or educational setting in any of the following:
• Performing routine maintenance and repair of small engines, vehicles, and other equipment and tools.
• Cleaning, maintaining, and/or repairing buildings.
• Grounds and/or facility maintenance.
• Security operations.
• Training and/or experience in equipment operation and maintenance, construction methods, and landscape management materials.
• Current Advanced Chainsaw (B Feller) Certification.
• Pesticide application license.
• Wildland fire fighter type 2 certification.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
• Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
• It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may affect overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.