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Buildings & Grounds Worker-Northwest Region

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Buildings & Grounds Worker - Northwest Region
Job Class: Buildings & Grounds Worker
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91153
  • Location: Minnesota Northwest 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 1
  • 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 Northwest Region
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

 

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

This is a continuous posting that will be used to fill multiple part-time and full-time seasonal vacancies throughout the Northwest Region of Minnesota. To find which State Park and Trail locations you may be interested in, search our parkfinder map. The Northwest Region generally includes locations north of Benson/ Brainerd, and west of Walker, MN.  Interested applicants should select ALL locations they would like to be considered for.  Applicants will be contacted when an opening in one of their selected locations becomes available. 

The DNR is currently seeking to fill multiple Buildings and Grounds Worker positions to perform seasonal maintenance and in some cases security needs. The typical anticipated season dates are from April through October; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. Work hours vary, and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shifts will vary depending on location and will be discussed as part of the interview process.  

Buildings and Grounds Worker duties vary by location: park maintenance, park maintenance and night security, or trail maintenance. Overview of duties based on location listed below. 

Park Maintenance: Based in a Park setting, these Buildings and Grounds Worker position duties can include cleaning, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, and improving natural resources. Typical work schedules include weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Park Maintenance and Night Security: Based in a Park setting, these Buildings and Grounds Worker position duties can include cleaning, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, and improving natural resources. Duties also include low-key Park security to protect visitors, property and resources from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous and damaging situations. Typical work schedules include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Trail Maintenance: Based a Parks & Trails Area location, these Buildings and Grounds Worker position duties include maintenance of state trails, public water accesses, fishing piers and water trails within a multiple county boundary. Travel is common and includes cleaning, litter pickup, basic maintenance of infrastructure and equipment, mowing, and natural resource improvement. Typical work schedules will include weekdays, with weekends and holidays off. 

Itasca State Park has a limited number of housing opportunities available. Inquire directly to the park for more information at 218-699-7202. 

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Building, facilities, trail and public water access maintenance and repairs: clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities; dispose of waste materials; paint, repair, or replace various fixtures, and seasonally activate and deactivate water systems. 
  • Grounds maintenance: mow and trim grass; carry out weed control program; plant and trim trees and shrubs; remove trees and stumps; dispose of waste materials; road repairs; develop, maintain, and groom trails; repair, conduct tests, and prepare reports on water and sewer systems; paint and repair picnic tables, signs, posts, fences; remove snow from roads and walkways; assist with 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 and small power tools, and other equipment and tools; complete reports and forms on use and repairs.

Applicants to this posting will be considered after the seven (7) day internal bidding process has completed.  DNR employees who would like their application considered via the bidding process must submit their application to the separate bid-only vacancy postings accessible through Self-Service. DNR employees who are not eligible bidders should apply to this vacancy.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ability to manage work 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 effectively 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, professional and unbiased manner to both internal and external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience or training in a work or educational setting in any of the following:
  • Performing 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.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an 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 on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Criminal History Check
  • Education Verification
  • Employment Reference / Records Check
  • License / Certification Verification

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Christa Maxwell at christa.maxwell@state.mn.us or 218-770-2817.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Paige Stanius at paige.stanius@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.