Ornamentals Lead- Groundskeeper Intermediate

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Ornamental garden care
• Assisting in natural area management
• Tree and shrub care
• General groundskeeping tasks such as emptying trash receptacles, litter pickup, pothole repair, and signage repairs
• All components of commercial snow removal during winter months
• Turf care and irrigation system operation (as needed)
• Providing direction to team members in the field
• Helping prioritize daily tasks based on weather and site conditions
• Assisting with training new staff

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• Experience in tree and shrub care including chainsaw operation
• Experience involving 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

Pay

$20.87 - $28.94 / hourly; $43,576 - $60,426 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Required to respond to snow emergencies outside normal business hours. Every 6th weekend.

Benefits

• 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
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support including mental health, relationship challenges, 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.