At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Buildings & Grounds Worker
Job Class: Buildings & Grounds Worker
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/21/2023
• Closing Date: 04/10/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Dept / Natural Resources-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 4 / PAT-R4 Ft Ridgely Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $16.84 - $22.15 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Fort Ridgely State Park
• Work Location: Fairfax, MN
• Employment Condition: Seasonal, part-time
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is seeking to fill a seasonal, part-time (80%) position, at Fort Ridgely State Park. Days and hours of work will vary, and will include evenings, weekends and holidays. Anticipated season dates are May 10th through September 30th, each year.

Responsibilities include:

• Grounds Maintenance: maintain and mow grass; maintain trees and shrubs; maintain and clean camping, picnicking, and playground facilities; perform any other maintenance and cleaning tasks as required.
• Buildings and Utilities: maintain interior and exteriors of all park buildings, and maintain park utilities. Roadways and Trails: maintain safe access roadways and trails; repair and mitigate damage, and maintain informational and educational signs along traffic corridors.
• Resources Management: assist with natural resource preservation and reconstruction, and control nuisance or pest animals as directed.
• Contact Station: sell vehicle permits, camping permits, firewood, and other items, and maintain records of sales and user activity.
• Night Security: perform customer service, emergency and enforcement activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate and maintain a chainsaw and brush saw.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, lawn mower, small hand tools, other equipment and tools sufficient to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow instructions on labels, in manuals and procedures; sufficient to use materials/chemicals correctly and safely.
• Ability and willingness to work alone at night, including in remote areas.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public and other employees in oral and written form.
• Ability to manage work tasks effectively, prioritizing safety, visitor service, and resource protection.
• Arithmetic skills sufficient to accurately collect money from the public for various fees.
• Ability to operate a phone, two-way radio, computer and other office equipment including the use of email and internet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Minnesota State Parks and Trails rules and policies.
• Current MNDNR basic chainsaw certification or equivalent.
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Resource management experience including mechanical and chemical methods to control noxious and invasive species.
• Experience repairing equipment such as chainsaws, vehicles, tractor, ATV, lawn mowers, and small hand tools.
• Security or enforcement experience and training.
• Experience with POS systems.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work - Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

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

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license verification

How to Apply

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

If you have questions about the position, contact Joanne Svendsen at joanne.svendsen@state.mn.us or 507-426-7840.

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 Erin Tappan at erin.tappan@state.mn.us

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.