Lead Facilities Grounds Worker

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County seeks a Lead Facilities Grounds Worker to supervise and streamline daily operations in buildings and grounds. You will guide staff, manage work orders, and perform routine maintenance across facilities as part of a busy public campus.

The role requires residency in Wisconsin, a high school diploma or GED, a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, and a CDL with air brake endorsement. Expect heavy outdoor work, safety compliance, and dependable teamwork.

Qualifications

• Residency within Wisconsin required.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required and must be maintained.
• CDL with air brake endorsement required and must be maintained.
• Three years of grounds/maintenance experience required.
• Basic knowledge of standard computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage workflow in supervisor’s absence; train new staff and coordinate procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks and assist with repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Support moves, events, and general facilities tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• Operate snow removal, mowing, salting, and grounds maintenance equipment.

Skills

Lift up to 50 lbs

Operate heavy machinery

Safety and teamwork

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement

Tools

Lawn mowers

Power tools

Chipper

Front loader

Job description

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please email [e-mail].

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: September 15th, 2026 or upon the receipt of the first 50 application submissions.

Lead Facilities Grounds Worker

Full-time, Hourly

Hourly Range: $21.30 – $31.92

Job Summary:

Under general supervisor, act as a lead person in providing specialized operations tasks in Facilities buildings or in operations area of maintaining buildings and grounds; manage and coordinate workflow as needed and respond to more complex inquiries or situations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Act as a lead when supervisor is not present by overseeing and managing workflow. Train new staff, assist with new procedure implementation and/or development, coordinate workflow as needed and respond to more complex inquiries or situations.
• Perform corrective maintenance requested by tenants or facilities staff. Maintenance tasks are usually general in nature and may include light bulb replacements, opening/closing the facilities, monitoring facilities, or performing work outside normal building hours.
• Carry out work schedules and maintenance tasks and programs, assist in repairs and preventative/routine maintenance needs throughout the building and grounds. Assist in mapping assets and creating preventative maintenance tasks in City Works
• Assist skilled trades in the performance of their duties by performing a variety of tasks for care and maintenance of buildings and grounds. May work under direction of or one-on-one with trades to assist in service and maintenance coverage.
• Provide general building support for moves, quality assurance, and coordination of facilities related tenant requests and support. Support events and other facilities tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform snow and salting operations, regular and emergency, walkways/sidewalks, parking lots and roadways, includes operating plows; Mowing and trimming grass with large riding equipment, maintaining storm ponds, tree removal and trimming, heaving equipment/loader operations.
• Manage work order system by ensuring that customers’ requests are completed in a timely manner and closing out work order when work is completed.
• Monitor BAS- building automated system for electrical, plumbing and HVAC operations.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education, License/Certification and Experience:

• Current residency within the State of Wisconsin required
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout employment
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• At least Three (3) years or more of work experience in a grounds and maintenance setting required
• Basic Knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Required that applicants successfully undergo a criminal history background check to maintain security clearance for Milwaukee County facilities.

Preferred:

• Boiler Operator license preferred
• High lift certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; and ability to push and pull up to 150 lbs. on a regular basis
• Must be able to operate all equipment and perform all work assignments in conformance with safety requirements, including utilizing personal protective equipment whenever necessary.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including lawn mowers, weed eaters, chippers, edger, chainsaws, hand tools, shovels, hoes, rakes, pruning equipment, etc.
• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Much of the work involves heavy lifting and carrying of materials, bending, stooping, standing, and walking while doing the grounds activities.
• Ability to operate vehicles, mowers/rider, front loader, lifts and compactors.
• Ability to operate Powertools,ladder, scaffolding,PC's,Chainsaws,Chipper
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow through on written instructions.
• Ability to listen, understand, and follow through on verbal instructions.
• Ability to develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to work as a team with others
• Ability to work independently and without close supervision.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in performing assigned tasks.

DAS Equity Statement: DAS is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. DAS leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

NOTE: This original application is open to permanent residents of the state of Wisconsin at the time of application. In accordance with Section 11, Rule 3 of the Civil Service Rules a non-competitive examination will be held for this position. The non-competitive examination will consist of criteria deemed appropriate by the Director of Human Resources.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre‑employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.