Grounds Maintenance Worker

School District 197; Mendota Heights (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

School District 197 in Minnesota is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to uphold the exterior grounds of district facilities. This full-time role covers mowing, landscaping, irrigation, snow/ice removal, and basic equipment maintenance to ensure safe and attractive school grounds for students and staff.

The position operates 6:30 am–3:00 pm, five days a week, with opportunities for overtime during peak seasons.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience operating similar grounds equipment (preferred).
• Valid Minnesota Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, fertilize, and water lawns and athletic fields.
• Plant, prune, weed, and care for shrubs, trees, and flower beds.
• Operate and maintain mowers, trimmers, blowers, and tractors.
• Perform seasonal tasks like leaf removal and snow/ice removal.
• Inspect grounds for hazards and report repairs.
• Prepare athletic fields and outdoor areas for events.
• Perform minor repairs on grounds equipment and irrigation.
• Follow safety procedures and wear PPE.

Skills

Independence

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Communication

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Position Type: Custodial/ Grounds Maintenance
• Date Posted: 7/28/2026
• Location: District Wide

We strongly believe that diversity of experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will consistently lead to a better school system and better results for all students. We are working hard to increase the diversity of our team wherever we can and we actively encourage all to consider becoming a part of it.

POSITION: Grounds Maintenance

DEPARTMENT: Buildings & Grounds

LOCATION: District Wide

HOURS: This position is 8 hours/day, 5 days per week from 6:30 am - 3:00 pm.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:Responsible to the Director of Operations, Facilities Manager, MaintenanceSupervisor, Grounds Foreman and Facilities Coordinator

RATE OF PAY: Schedule 4. Base pay is$27.81/hour per the Local #70 2025-2027 salary scheduleplus longevity and license pay when applicable

POSITION SUMMARY: The Grounds Maintenance Worker is responsible for the upkeep, care, and appearance of school grounds, athletic fields, and outdoor facilities. This position ensures a safe, clean, and attractive environment for students, staff, and visitors by performing a variety of landscaping, groundskeeping, and maintenance tasks. Duties include mowing, trimming, planting, irrigation, snow/ice removal, trash collection, and minor repairs to grounds equipment. The role requires adherence to safety standards, operation of groundskeeping tools and machinery, and occasional support for school events requiring outdoor setup.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain lawns, athletic fields, playgrounds, and landscaped areas by mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, and watering.
• Plant, prune, weed, and care for shrubs, trees, and flower beds.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, tractors, and utility vehicles.
• Perform seasonal tasks including leaf removal, snow and ice removal, salting, and sanding walkways and parking lots.
• Inspect school grounds regularly to ensure safety and report any hazards or needed repairs.
• Collect and dispose of trash, litter, and debris from school grounds and outdoor facilities.
• Assist in preparing athletic fields and outdoor areas for school and community events.
• Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on grounds equipment and irrigation systems.
• Follow all safety procedures and use proper protective equipment when performing duties.
• Support maintenance and custodial staff as needed.
• Other work as directed

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Minnesota Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement (preferred)
• MN Department of Labor Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred)
• Two years experience operating similar grounds equipment and vehicles (preferred)
• Experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, snowplowing or related field (preferred)
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance methods, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred (may be required for some equipment).

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, bending, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Effective communication skills with staff, students, and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate machinery and perform tasks in outdoor environments year-round.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily outdoors with regular exposure to weather, dust, pollen, noise, and chemical treatments (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.).
• Duties may involve operating heavy equipment and power tools, requiring adherence to strict safety standards.
• Work schedule may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime during peak seasons (e.g., snow removal, athletic field preparation).
• Position may involve occasional exposure to hazardous conditions such as slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, or moving machinery.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used as required, including gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and protective footwear.