Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper IntermediateJob Class: Groundskeeper IntermediateAgency: Administration DeptJob ID: 96519Location: St. PaulTelework Eligible: NoFull/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted: 08/26/2026Closing Date: 09/09/2026Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-AFSCMEDivision/Unit: Grounds Unit AWork Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Required to respond to snow emergencies outside normal business hours). Every 6th weekend.Days of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: Yes on Capitol complexSalary Range: $20.87 - $28.94 / hourly; $43,576 - $60,426 / annuallyClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCMEWork Area: Capitol complexFLSA Status: NonexemptDesignated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: YesThe 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.This position serves as the Ornamentals Lead Groundskeeper for the Minnesota State Capitol Complex and associated state facilities, including the Governor's Residence, BCA, Retirement Services Building, Elmer Andersen Building, Minnesota History Center, and portions of the I-94 corridor. The role supports the overall maintenance and care of grounds, roads, and parking areas to ensure safe, sustainable, and welcoming public spaces. Primary responsibilities include ornamental garden care, assisting in natural area management, tree and shrub care, general groundskeeping tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, litter pickup, pothole repair, signage repairs, and all components of commercial snow removal during the winter months. Other duties may include turf care and irrigation system operation. The Ornamental Lead provides direction to team members in the field, helps prioritize daily tasks based on weather and site conditions, and assists with training new staff. This position requires a degree of availability for snow emergencies and adherence to all departmental safety and workplace expectations while serving state employees and the visiting public.Minimum QualificationsExperience performing grounds maintenance year-round, or an associate degree in Horticulture or related field.Knowledge of basic plant ID, techniques, and practices in plant care such as gardening, groundskeeping, nursery work, natural resource management, etc.Ability to complete snow removal operations with hand shovel, snow blower, etc.Ability to follow both written and oral instructions sufficient to both perform the work and lead teams in the field.Ability to work in inclement weather conditions.Valid Class B Commercial driver's license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.Active Non-commercial MN Pesticide Applicator's license or the ability to obtain one during the first nine months of employment.Preferred QualificationsExperience in tree and shrub care including chainsaw operationExperience involves Minnesota native plants and treesSpecialized horticultural knowledge, including sustainable landscape practices, integrated pest management, plant ID, soil science, and complex plant health diagnostics beyond basic maintenance.Experience maintaining high-visibility public spaces or government facilities where safety, accessibility, and public interaction are essential.Customer service skillsAdditional certification or training in arboriculture, turf management, irrigation system design, or landscape maintenance beyond the required licensure.Physical RequirementsPhysical Demands: Work Performance Testing (WPT). Job involves exerting up to 36-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 22-30 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 11-15 pounds of force constantly to move or lift objects.Additional RequirementsSuccessful applicants must pass a criminal background check through the American Databank and employment reference checks and possess a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Please indicate what assistance is needed.