General Maintenance Worker Lead

Working Title: General Maintenance Worker Lead

Job Class: General Maintenance Worker Lead

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 95770
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/04/2026
• Closing Date: 08/25/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Operations / Campus Planning and Management
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 2:00 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. or 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. May to November (10-hour shifts); 2:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. November to May (8-hour shifts)
• Days of Work: 40 hours per week. Days and hours vary based on special events and will include rotating weekends. Schedule determined upon hire.
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $24.02 - $28.01 / hourly; $50,153 - $58,484 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Building Services
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

The General Maintenance Worker – Lead performs frontline leadership and hands-on work to support the cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness of the Zoo campus, buildings, grounds, and public spaces. The role provides daily direction to staff and supports building services, grounds upkeep, and general maintenance activities based on operational needs.

This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access works sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employe must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.

• Leadwork and Staff Direction
• Building Services (Custodial Operations)
• Grounds & Maintenance Support

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

• Valid Driver’s license to operate fleet vehicles throughout the Zoo campus.
• Experience with commercial custodial practices, cleaning chemicals, and sanitation standards.
• Experience performing groundskeeping tasks and seasonal outdoor maintenance.
• Ability to use hand tools and small equipment safely.
• Effective verbal communication skills and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with a diverse group of staff and guests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a lead or supervisory role in custodial, facilities, or grounds operations.
• Experience working in a large public venue.
• Experience using work order or facility management software.
• Experience using radios, and basic computer applications for communication and documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical work including walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to perform overhead work and sustained upper body tasks.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, equipment noise, and environmental conditions consistent with custodial and grounds operations.

Additional Requirements

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 Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

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 View phone number on us.fitly.work or email ***email_hidden***. For additional information about the application process, go to

Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran’s Preference

In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran's Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to View email address on us.fitly.work, or mail to Kay Grunseth, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.

If you have questions, please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at View phone number on us.fitly.work or email ***email_hidden***.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at View email address on us.fitly.work or View phone number on us.fitly.work.

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 Kay Grunseth at View email address on us.fitly.work.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife . Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

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 View phone number on us.fitly.work or email ***email_hidden*** and let us know the support you need.