Ornamentals Lead- Groundskeeper Intermediate

Working Title: Groundskeeper Intermediate Job Class: Groundskeeper Intermediate Agency: Administration Dept Job ID: 96519 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: No Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 09/09/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-AFSCME Division/Unit: Grounds Unit A Work 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 - Friday Travel Required: Yes on Capitol complex Salary Range: $20.87 - $28.94 / hourly; $43,576 - $60,426 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME Work Area: Capitol complex 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 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 Qualifications Experience 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 Qualifications Experience in tree and shrub care including chainsaw operation Experience involves Minnesota native plants and trees Specialized 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 skills Additional certification or training in arboriculture, turf management, irrigation system design, or landscape maintenance beyond the required licensure. Physical Requirements Physical 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 Requirements Successful 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. 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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Teresa Mills at [email protected] or 651-201-2428. 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 Teresa Mills at [email protected]. About Administration Dept The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

Lead the maintenance of ornamental gardens, grounds, and parking areas across the Minnesota State Capitol Complex and associated facilities. Responsibilities include plant care, snow removal, and providing field direction and training to team members.

Requires experience in year-round grounds maintenance or an associate degree in Horticulture, along with a valid Class B CDL and Pesticide Applicator's license. Candidates must be able to perform physical labor in inclement weather and pass a criminal background check.

• Paid Vacation • Sick Leave • Paid Holidays • Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Prescription Drug Plans • Fertility Care • Diabetes Care • Orthodontic Care • Paid Parental Leave • Pension Plan • Employer Paid Life Insurance • Short-term Disability Insurance • Long-term Disability Insurance • Tax-free Expense Accounts • Employee Assistance Program

• Service à la clientèleSouhaitée

Relevées dans la description du poste. Confirmez les exigences importantes ci-dessus.

• Ornamental Garden Care
• Natural Area Management
• Tree And Shrub Care
• Commercial Snow Removal
• Turf Care
• Irrigation System Operation
• Plant Identification
• Team Leadership
• Pesticide Application
• Chainsaw Operation
• Sustainable Landscape Practices
• Integrated Pest Management
• Soil Science
• Customer Service
• Grounds Maintenance
• Equipment Operation

• Government & Public Sector
• Trades
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Agriculture
• Management & Leadership

Formation minimale

Diplôme collégial

Expérience minimale

2+ ans

Postuler avant le

25 sept. 2026

Langue de l’offre

anglais

Heures de travail

40 heures par semaine

Niveau d’expérience

Mid-Senior level