Buildings & Grounds Worker - Northwest Region

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; United States; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Low-cost medical and dental plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A state environmental agency is hiring Buildings and Grounds Workers in Minnesota for seasonal maintenance roles. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining facilities, performing grounds upkeep, and ensuring safety at various state parks and trails. Applicants should have teamwork skills and the ability to safely operate maintenance equipment. Experience with routine maintenance tasks is preferred. This position offers flexible schedules and is open to individuals 18 years or older with a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Manage work tasks effectively while prioritizing customer service and safety.
• Collaborate efficiently with team members to complete tasks.
• Skill in safe equipment operation essential for maintenance work.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and security duties across multiple locations.
• Handle grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, and planting.
• Execute routine equipment inspections and maintenance.

Skills

Ability to manage work tasks

Teamwork skills

Skill in safe operation of equipment

Education

Unrestricted Class D Driver's license

Tools

Mowers

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Overview

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 (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

This is a continuous posting used to fill multiple part-time and full-time seasonal vacancies throughout the Northwest Region of Minnesota. To find which State Park and Trail locations you may be interested in, search our parkfinder map. The Northwest Region generally includes locations north of Benson/ Brainerd, and west of Walker, MN. Interested applicants should select ALL locations they would like to be considered for. Applicants will be contacted when an opening in one of their selected locations becomes available.

Position Details

The DNR is currently seeking to fill multiple Buildings and Grounds Worker positions to perform seasonal maintenance and, in some cases, security needs. The typical anticipated season dates are from April through October; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. Work hours vary and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shifts will vary depending on location and will be discussed as part of the interview process.

Location information and other specifics vary by site. Buildings and Grounds Worker duties vary by location: park maintenance, park maintenance and night security, or trail maintenance. Overview of duties based on location listed below.

Park Maintenance: Based in a Park setting, duties include cleaning, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, and improving natural resources. Typical work schedules include weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Park Maintenance and Night Security: In a Park setting, duties include cleaning, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, improving natural resources, and low-key Park security to protect visitors, property and resources from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous and damaging situations. Typical work schedules include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Trail Maintenance: In a Parks & Trails Area location, duties include maintenance of state trails, public water accesses, fishing piers and water trails within a multiple county boundary. Travel is common and includes cleaning, litter pickup, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, and natural resource improvement. Typical work schedules will include weekdays, with weekends and holidays off.

Itasca State Park housing opportunities: inquire directly to the park at 218-699-7202.

Responsibilities

• Building, facilities, trail and public water access maintenance and repairs: clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities; dispose of waste materials; paint, repair, or replace various fixtures, and seasonally activate and deactivate water systems.
• Grounds maintenance: mow and trim grass; carry out weed control program; plant and trim trees and shrubs; remove trees and stumps; dispose of waste materials; road repairs; develop, maintain, and groom trails; repair, conduct tests, and prepare reports on water and sewer systems; paint and repair picnic tables, signs, posts, fences; remove snow from roads and walkways; assist with 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 and small power tools, and other equipment and tools; complete reports and forms on use and repairs.

Qualifications

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; First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; 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 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.
• All candidates submit to a background check prior to employment, which may include: Conflict of Interest Review; Criminal History Check; Education Verification; Employment Reference / Records Check; License / Certification Verification.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, visit http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact: If you have questions about this position, contact Christa Maxwell at [e-mail] or 218-770-2817.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Paige Stanius at [e-mail].

Working together to improve the state we love.

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.

• 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 impact 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

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, 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

Many 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.