Buildings & Grounds Worker

• Working Title:
  
  Buildings & Grounds Worker - Southern Region
• Job Class:
  Buildings & Grounds Worker
• Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job
• Location:
  
  Minnesota Southwest Area
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Regular/Temporary:
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Varies
• Days of Work:
  Varies
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $24.79 / hourly
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/ AFSCME- 218 Insufficient Work Time
• Work Area:
  Various locations in Southern Minnesota
• FLSA:
  Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

Buildings & Grounds Worker positions throughout the Southern region of Minnesota support seasonal maintenance and security for parks, trails, and state water recreation sites. Positions are open for part‑time or full‑time seasonal employment, typically from April through October, with schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Locations include Minnesota Southwest Area sites south of New London and west of Hutchinson and Owatonna. Work hours vary by location and are discussed during the interview process.

• Park Maintenance – cleaning, basic infrastructure and equipment maintenance, mowing, natural resource improvements.
• Park Maintenance & Night Security – similar maintenance duties with added responsibilities for protecting park visitors, property, and resources from unsafe conditions and illegal acts.
• Trail Maintenance – maintenance of state trails, public water accesses, fishing piers, and water trails; may include travel and cleaning, litter pickup, infrastructure maintenance, mowing, and natural resource improvement.
• Building and equipment maintenance – clean buildings, fixtures, bathroom facilities; dispose of waste, paint, repair or replace fixtures; seasonally activate and deactivate water systems.
• Grounds maintenance – mowing, trimming grass, weed control, tree and shrub planting and trimming, removal of trees and stumps, road repairs, trail development and grooming, water and sewer system testing and reporting, snow removal from roads and walkways, support for resource‑management projects such as prescribed burns, noxious weed control, reforestation, and seed collection.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance – routine maintenance and minor repairs on small engines, vehicles, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment and tools; complete reports and forms on use and repairs.

• Ability to manage tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision while prioritizing customer service and safety.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Skill sufficient to welcome a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trail Units.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, communicate, and problem‑solve a variety of routine maintenance situations.
• Skill in safe operation of equipment such as mowers, weed whips, hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, UTVs, and vehicles.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures in a clear, concise and professional manner to both internal and external customers.

• Experience or training in routine maintenance and repair of small engines, vehicles, and other equipment and tools.
• Cleaning, maintaining, and/or repairing buildings.
• Grounds and/or facility maintenance.
• Security operations.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

• Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR fleet policy only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles.
• Background check will include Conflict of Interest Review, Criminal History Check, Education Verification, Employment Reference / Records Check, License / Certification Verification.

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with…