Working Title: Ornamental Specialist
Job Class: Groundskeeper
Agency: Administration Dept
- Job ID: 95191
- 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: 07/01/2026
- Closing Date: 07/20/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-AFSCME
- Division/Unit: FMD Grounds Trees & Ornamentals
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Days 7am-3:30 pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday and every 6th weekend
- Travel Required: On Capitol complex only
- Salary Range: $20.87 - $27.33 / hourly; $43, 576 - $57,065 / 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.
Join the team that maintains the historic Minnesota State Capitol Complex and surrounding state properties. This role supports the care, safety, and appearance of public spaces used by state employees and thousands of visitors each year.
Job duties include:
- Landscape & Garden Care: Plant, prune, mulch, water, and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs, and ornamental beds.
- Tree & Shrub Maintenance: Assist with pruning, planting, removals, and long-term tree care.
- Snow & Ice Removal: Operate plows, loaders, and sidewalk equipment to clear roads, ramps, sidewalks, and entrances.
- General Grounds Work: Maintain flags, refuse stations, sidewalks, parking areas, signage, and hardscapes.
- Turf Care: Assist with mowing, trimming, edging, aerating, dethatching, and repairing turf areas.
- Irrigation Support: Help with system start-ups, repairs, adjustments, and seasonal blow-outs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of techniques and practices in plant care such as gardening, groundskeeping, nursery work, natural resource management, etc. This could include current or previous applicable postsecondary coursework.
- Driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- Ability to learn on the job, and adapt to changes to schedule, work environment.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions year-round.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in tree and shrub care, planting, trimming, pruning, and felling
- Experience working in a public setting such as parks and recreation facilities
- Customer service skills
- MN Non-commercial pesticide applicator license
- Commercial Class ‘B’ driver’s license
Physical Requirements
Successful candidate must pass pre-employment physical. 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 careers@state.mn.us. 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 teresa.mills@state.mn.us 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 teresa.mills@state.mn.us.
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
