Parkkeeper Trainee

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is seeking Parkkeeper Trainee candidates eager to learn and grow. Trainees will complete training in building and grounds maintenance, safety, and customer service within our park system.

Upon successful completion of training and required licenses, trainees are promoted to Parkkeeper, with ongoing opportunities in operations, maintenance, and program support across diverse park facilities. This is a career pathway in municipal park services.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid Class D driver's license within six months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee.
• Certified Pool Operator license within one year of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee.
• Pesticide Applicator license within one year of hire, depending on work location.
• Playground Safety Inspector certification within one year, based on needs of department.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete all training in maintenance of MPRB buildings, grounds, and amenities to meet Asset Management standards.
• Learn, inspect, clean, and maintain park buildings and facilities to established standards.
• Maintain park grounds including turf, trails, gardens, landscapes, athletic facilities, and parking areas to standards and plans.
• Assist with maintenance of natural areas such as lakes, creeks, wetlands, beaches, and related facilities.
• Assist with inspections of equipment and buildings to ensure proper maintenance and safety.
• Support program and events with maintenance and safety support.
• Learn snow removal and ice control on trails, entrances, and surfaces to provide safe access.
• Assist with waste management and proper disposal of trash and recyclables.

Education

High School diploma or GED

Class D driver's license

Pesticide Applicator license

Certified Pool Operator's license

Playground Safety Inspector certification

Job description

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking candidates who are dedicated and eager to learn in our Parkkeeper Trainee program. Parkkeeper Trainees will successfully complete training and duties in the manual labor, care and maintenance of MPRB buildings, grounds and amenities to provide a safe, comfortable environment for the public. Upon successful completion of all required training and obtaining a Class D driver's license (within six months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee), Pesticide Applicator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee), Certified Pool Operator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) and Playground Safety Inspector certification (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) the Parkkeeper Trainee will transition into the position of Parkkeeper.

JOIN OUR CREW, WE NEED YOU:

Join the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and make a difference in your community! We are seeking employees who love nature, people, and fun. Apply today and enjoy learning new skills, meeting new friends, and serving the community, all while working in our beautiful park system. Whether you're interested in recreation, environmental education, maintenance, or customer service, we have a job for you! Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of the premier park systems in the United States. Our picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming make the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play. and work!

• Attend and complete all training in the manual labor, care and maintenance of MPRB buildings, grounds, and amenities to meet standards as set by the Asset Management Department.
• Learn, practice and assist with inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of Park Board buildings and facilities such as recreation centers, picnic shelters, restrooms, rental and maintenance facilities, band shells, etc. to established standards, protocols and/or management plans.
• Learn and assist with maintenance of park grounds including turf, trails, gardens, landscapes, athletic facilities, golf courses, sidewalks and parking lots to established standards, protocols, and/or management plans.
• Learn and assist with maintenance of all natural areas such as lakes, creeks, rivers wetlands and beaches, including swimming ropes, buoys, and docks to established standards, protocols, and/or management plans.
• Learn and assist with inspections of equipment, machinery, systems, and building accessories and appliances to ensure proper maintenance and repair that meet established standards and protocols.
• Learn and assist with delivery of program and events by providing maintenance support to recreation division and community outreach department staff that meets the needs and demands of the programs and events.
• Learn and assist with snow removal and ice control on trails, pathways, entrances, sidewalks, steps, roof and other hard surfaces to provide appropriate levels of access and safety per established standards, protocols and/or management plans.
• Learn and assist with waste management operation by picking up and performing proper disposal of trash, recyclables and compostable debris that meet established standards and protocols and supports the organization's environmental practices.
• Learn and assist with inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of waterparks, wading pools and natural swimming pool, including pool deck and surrounding areas to established standards, protocols and/or management plans.
• Upon successful completion of all required training, following twelve months and 2080 hours of training, and obtaining a Class D driver's license (within six months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee), Pesticide Applicator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee), Certified Pool Operator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) and Playground Safety Inspector certification (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) a Parkkeeper Trainee will be promoted to Parkkeeper. Successful completion means demonstrating satisfactory competency as set forth in each Asset Management standard.
• Failure to successfully complete training and demonstrate competency in each Asset Management standard and/or obtain a Class D driver's license (within first six months of work as Parkkeeper Trainee), Pesticide Applicator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee), Certified Pool Operator's license (within twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) and Playground Safety Inspector certification (twelve months of hire as Parkkeeper Trainee) will result in termination.
• Upon successful completion of all required training and obtaining required certifications and licenses, the Parkkeeper Trainee will transition into the position of Parkkeeper and must continue to meet all requirements as outlined in the Parkkeeper job description.

Need to Have

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Achieve and maintain a valid driver's license without ignition interlock restriction (within six months of hire)
• Certified Pool Operator license (within one year of hire)
• Pesticide Applicators license (within one year of hire, depending on work location)
• Playground Safety Inspector certification (within one year of hire, based on needs of department and discretion of Director of Asset Management)

Physical Requirements

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbents are subject to local travel to and from work locations. Operating or utilizing equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time.

The incumbent may be required to traverse on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces and to ascend and descend ladders to access work areas.

Work outside year-round in all types of weather conditions. Exposure to fuels, noise from equipment, and pesticides.

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role Upon Completion of the Training Program

• Basic care and maintenance of turf, trees, and shrubs.
• Basic maintenance and care of ice skating rinks, pools, athletic fields and other facilities.
• Basic care and general maintenance of recreation centers and office buildings.
• Properly use, care for and follow safety requirements of tools and equipment.
• Work safely following safety standards, following proper body mechanics and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Workload based on seasonal needs and hours of operation that may include days, nights, holidays, and weekends.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Union Status

City Laborers Local #363

Job Information Session

A 30 minute Job Information Session will be held on November 17, 2026 at 11:30am CT via conference call. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the position and to gain a better understanding of the civil service application process. Interested parties are encouraged to attend via phone conference at 612.474.1955, phone conference ID 957 148 28#.

Selection Process

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (30%).
• We conduct a structured panel interview (oral exam) (70%).
• We calculate your civil service score based on the above components and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score for each component and as an overall score is 70.00 or above). Eligible list will expire in three (3) months.
• We refer the top finalists to the hiring manager for an interview.
• References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered.
• We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought. View the MPRB Background Check Policy.
• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicants will also need to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination paid for by the MPRB.

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board- a great place to play, work, and make a difference in the lives of others.

The MPRB is a tobacco-free workplace and park system.

The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MPR123