Buildings & Grounds Worker -Southern Region

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minnesota City (MN); On-site; USD 28,254 - 34,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Pension plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks a Buildings & Grounds Worker to support seasonal maintenance across parks in the Southern region. This role includes park maintenance, security duties, and varied scheduling from April to October.

Applicants should have strong equipment operation skills, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work independently. Benefits include paid leave and health plans, making this a rewarding seasonal opportunity.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage tasks effectively and work independently.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleaguescomplete tasks efficiently.
• Ability to operate equipment such as mowers, hand tools, and vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Support seasonal maintenance and security for parks and trails.
• Perform park maintenance, cleaning, and equipment upkeep.
• Travel and maintain public water accesses and fishing piers.

Skills

Task Management

Teamwork

Equipment Operation

Customer Service

Education

Unrestricted Class D driver’s license

Tools

Chainsaws

UTVs

Mowers

Hand Tools

Power Tools

Job description

• Working Title: Buildings & Grounds Worker - Southern Region
• Job Class: Buildings & Grounds Worker
• Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job ID: 91150
• Location: Minnesota Southwest Area
• Telework Eligible: No
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $24.79 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/ AFSCME- 218 Insufficient Work Time
• Work Area: Various locations in Southern Minnesota
• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Job Overview

Buildings & Grounds Worker positions throughout the Southern region of Minnesota support seasonal maintenance and security for parks, trails, and state water recreation sites. Positions are open for part‑time or full‑time seasonal employment, typically from April through October, with schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Work Locations & Schedule

Locations include Minnesota Southwest Area sites south of New London and west of Hutchinson and Owatonna. Work hours vary by location and are discussed during the interview process.

Key Responsibilities

• Park Maintenance – cleaning, basic infrastructure and equipment maintenance, mowing, natural resource improvements.
• Park Maintenance & Night Security – similar maintenance duties with added responsibilities for protecting park visitors, property, and resources from unsafe conditions and illegal acts.
• Trail Maintenance – maintenance of state trails, public water accesses, fishing piers, and water trails; may include travel and cleaning, litter pickup, infrastructure maintenance, mowing, and natural resource improvement.
• Building and equipment maintenance – clean buildings, fixtures, bathroom facilities; dispose of waste, paint, repair or replace fixtures; seasonally activate and deactivate water systems.
• Grounds maintenance – mowing, trimming grass, weed control, tree and shrub planting and trimming, removal of trees and stumps, road repairs, trail development and grooming, water and sewer system testing and reporting, snow removal from roads and walkways, support for resource‑management projects such as prescribed burns, noxious weed control, reforestation, and seed collection.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance – routine maintenance and minor repairs on small engines, vehicles, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment and tools; complete reports and forms on use and repairs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to manage 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 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 and professional manner to both internal and external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in 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.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

• 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.
• Background check will include Conflict of Interest Review, Criminal History Check, Education Verification, Employment Reference / Records Check, License / Certification Verification.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

• 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 providing income after 3 years of service.
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being.

Professional Development & Wellness Resources

• Training, classes, and professional development programs (including federal public service loan forgiveness program for eligible positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal challenges that may affect health or job performance.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, child and elder care.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.