Groundskeeper Intermediate

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

Job summary

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities seeks a Groundskeeper Intermediate to maintain turf and irrigation systems across the Capitol complex and related state facilities. You will perform daily groundskeeping, assist in snow removal, and help ensure safe, welcoming public spaces.

The role requires knowledge of turf practices, irrigation startup/winterization, and the ability to operate in various weather conditions. A valid license and pesticide applicator credentials are preferred.

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.
• Ability to work in inclement weather conditions.
• Valid Class B Commercial driver’s license or ability to obtain within nine months.
• Active Non-commercial MN Pesticide Applicator’s license or ability to obtain within nine months.

Responsibilities

• Maintains turf and irrigation systems campus-wide.
• Operates and repairs irrigation equipment and related systems.
• Performs general groundskeeping tasks including trash removal and snow removal during winter months.
• Supervises and trains staff, prioritizes daily tasks based on weather and site conditions.
• Supports safety and compliance across state facilities and Capitol complex.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Snow removal

Lawn mowing

Weather resilience

Public safety awareness

Valid driver's license

Pesticide applicator license

Education

Associate degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Irrigation system maintenance

Job description

Working Title: Groundskeeper Intermediate

Job Class: Groundskeeper Intermediate

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID : 97496
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : No
• 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.