Buildings & Grounds Worker - Southern Region

Buildings & Grounds Worker – Southern Region

State:
Minnesota

Department:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Division of Parks & Trails

Location:

Various locations in Southern Minnesota (Lake City, Minneapolis, etc.)

Employment Type:

Seasonal (part‑time/full‑time) – April through October, varying shifts.

The DNR Division of Parks and Trails seeks Buildings & Grounds Workers to perform seasonal maintenance and security at state parks and trail sites throughout the Southern region. Duties vary by site and may include park maintenance, night security, and trail maintenance.

• Park Maintenance: Cleaning, basic infrastructure and equipment upkeep, mowing, natural resource improvement. Work includes weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Park Maintenance and Night Security: Same park maintenance tasks plus security of parks and trails, protecting visitors and assets from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangers.
• Trail Maintenance: Maintenance of state trails, public water accesses, fishing piers, and water trails across multiple counties. Activities include cleaning, litter pickup, infrastructure upkeep, mowing, natural resource improvement, road repair, trail grooming, and water system testing.
  
  Typical schedule:
  
  weekdays; weekends and holidays off.
• Building, facilities, trail and public water site maintenance and repairs: cleaning, fixture repair, painting, water system activation/deactivation, waste disposal.
• Grounds maintenance: mowing, trimming, weed control, plant and tree removal, road repairs, trail grooming, water and sewer system testing, painting picnic tables, signs, fences, snow removal.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance: routine maintenance and minor repairs on small engines, vehicles, hand and power tools, plus reports and forms.

• Ability to manage tasks independently with limited supervision; prioritize customer service and safety.
• Teamwork skills to help colleagues work efficiently and safely.
• Skills to welcome a diverse user base to state parks.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, communicate, and solve routine maintenance situations.
• Proficiency in safe operation of equipment such as mowers, weed whips, hand and power tools, chainsaws, UTVs, and vehicles.
• Clear communication of policies and procedures to internal and external customers.

• Experience or training in small engine, vehicle, or equipment repair.
• Experience in building maintenance or repair.
• Experience in grounds or facility maintenance.
• Experience in security operations.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

• Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clean record; must be 18+.
• Physical ability to meet job’s physical and environmental demands.

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans. Includes fertility (IVF), diabetes, dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or adopted children.
• Pension plan after at least three years of work.
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources for physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being.
• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (eligible for some positions).
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential support for life challenges, mental health, relationships, finances, and more.

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. They encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans.

All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic.

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a…