Groundskeeper Intermediate

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Administration is seeking a Turf and Irrigation Intermediate Groundskeeper to maintain and repair turf across the Capitol Complex and state facilities. You will operate irrigation systems campus-wide and guide a maintenance team, ensuring safe, welcoming public spaces.

Qualifications include year-round grounds maintenance experience or an associate degree in Horticulture, turf and irrigation knowledge, and a valid Class B license with pesticide certification within

Qualifications

• Experience performing grounds maintenance year-round or an associate degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Knowledge of turf maintenance techniques such as mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aeration and reseeding.
• Knowledge of irrigation maintenance, start up and winterization.
• Ability to complete snow removal operations with hand shovel, snow blower, etc.
• Valid Class B Commercial driver's license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.
• Active Non-commercial MN Pesticide Applicator’s license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Turf maintenance and repair across campus.
• Operate and repair irrigation systems campus-wide.
• Ornamental garden care and natural area management, including trees and shrubs.
• General groundskeeping tasks: trash, litter pickup, pothole repair, signage repairs.
• All components of commercial snow removal during winter months.
• Provide direction to team members and assist with training new staff.
• Availability for snow emergencies and adherence to safety expectations.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation maintenance

Snow removal operations

Driver's license

Pesticide applicator license

Education

Associate degree in Horticulture

Job description

• Job ID: 97496
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/07/2026
• Closing Date: 10/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Grounds Unit B
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: On Capitol complex
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $28.94 / hourly; $43,576 - $60,426 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Capitol complex
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

This position serves as the Turf and Irrigation Intermediate Groundskeeper for the Minnesota State Capitol Complex and associated state facilities, including the Governor’s Residence, BCA, Retirement Services Building, Elmer Andersen Building, Minnesota History Center, and portions of the I-94 corridor. The role supports the overall maintenance and care of grounds, roads, and parking areas to ensure safe, sustainable, and welcoming public spaces. Primary responsibilities include turf maintenance and repair as well as operating and repairing irrigation systems campus wide. Other duties may include ornamental garden care, assisting in natural area management, tree and shrub care, general groundskeeping tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, litter pickup, pothole repair, signage repairs, and all components of commercial snow removal during the winter months. The turf and irrigation Intermediate Groundskeeper provides direction to team members in the field, helps prioritize daily tasks based on weather and site conditions, and assists with training new staff. This position requires availability for snow emergencies and adherence to all departmental safety and workplace expectations while serving state employees and the visiting public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience performing grounds maintenance year-round, or an associate degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Knowledge of turf maintenance techniques such as mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aeration and re seeding.
• Knowledge of Irrigation maintenance, start up and winterization.
• Ability to complete snow removal operations with hand shovel, snow blower, etc.
• Ability to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Valid Class B Commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.
• Active Non-commercial MN Pesticide Applicator’s license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in professional turf management and repair.
• Experience maintaining high-visibility public spaces or government facilities where safety, accessibility, and public interaction are essential.
• Customer service skills
• Additional certification or training in arboriculture, turf management, irrigation system design, or landscape maintenance beyond the required licensure.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Work Performance Testing (WPT). Job involves exerting up to 36-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 22-30 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 11-15 pounds of force constantly to move or lift objects.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through the American Databank and employment reference checks and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Teresa Mills at [e-mail] or 651-201-2428.

About Administration Dept

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

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 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

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.