General Maintenance Worker - Full-Time Seasonal

Working Title: General Maintenance Worker - Full-Time Seasonal

Job Class: General Maintenance Worker

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 92827
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/14/2026
• Closing Date: 07/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Operations / Campus Planning & Management
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $20.87 - $25.88 / hourly; $43,577 - $54,037 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Building Services
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Re-Posting: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

This role follows a core schedule, including weekends and adjustments based on special events at the zoo. Advance notice will always be provided to ensure a balanced and predictable routine overall.

The typical anticipated season dates are from April 22 to November 3 each year; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. Work hours vary, and may include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Shifts will vary depending on business need and will be discussed as part of the interview process.

Primary schedule of 2:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. Days will vary and include two (2) weekend days every other week. Schedule is adjustable to cover peak times for both School Group Season and after hour events. Advanced notice will be provided, earliest start 12:00 P.M., latest end 2:00 A.M. Shift differential applies as outlined in the AFSCME contract.

The General Maintenance Worker (GMW) performs skilled custodial, grounds support, and operational maintenance functions to maintain a clean, safe, and guest-ready environment, indoor and outdoor. This position exercises independent judgment in carrying out assigned duties while working under the general direction of the Lead and Supervisor.

GMW is responsible for maintaining assigned areas according to established standards and operational priorities, adjusting work methods as needed to support guest experience, staff operations, and animal care environments. The incumbent must be able to operate fleet vehicles throughout the Zoo campus.

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.

• Perform cleaning and maintenance of all facilities, including restrooms, windows, walls, ceilings, rooms, furniture, and other public and non-public areas, according to established protocols and using appropriate cleaning agents and equipment to ensure a clean, safe and inviting environment for guests and staff.
• Perform event setup and post event reset to return to original operations configuration.
• Perform general grounds maintenance and work to enhance the appearance of the landscape and ensure a clean, safe and inviting environment for guests and staff.
• Operate, maintain, and make minor repairs on tools and equipment, e.g., vacuums, floor scrubbers, lawnmowers, snowblowers, golf carts, trucks, and other mechanical equipment so that cleaning and maintenance responsibilities are able to be performed in a timely and efficient manner.

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.

Knowledge Of

• Different types of flooring/floor covering sufficient to determine proper methods of maintenance and appropriate cleaning methods, materials, agents and equipment.
• Chemical cleaning agents such as ammonia, bleaches, scouring agents and soaps sufficient to appropriately select the agent(s), handle and apply, and dispose of safely.
• Methods, tools, and equipment used in maintenance sufficient to use effectively and operate safely and to make minor repairs.

Ability To

• Follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Perform assigned tasks with limited work direction.
• Keep simple records.

Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing commercial cleaning and maintenance for a large building or entertainment complex
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and make minor repairs to auto scrubbers, vacuums, wet/dry vacuums, extractors, kai-vacuums, T-7 riding scrubber, Tomcat riding scrubber, Clarke scrubber
• Ability to use business and work order computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office and Archibus, to enter and save data, respond to requests, and complete record keeping tasks
• Ability to provide prompt and accurate information to staff and guests with courtesy, respect and an interest in positive problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Commercial Driver’s License A or B

Physical Requirements

• Physical health and endurance sufficient to perform work functions.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist and have good lateral movement in order to dust, wipe, polish, sweep, clean and pick up trash from floors and under furniture
• Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs in order to remove trash
• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms and hands to perform duties
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning glass with arms overhead for a period of time or pulling garbage out of a 50 gallon container
• Ability to move up to 75 pounds
• May be exposed to loud noises of landscaping and grounds keeping equipment
• May occasionally be exposed to chemicals which may have a scent that is objectionable and/or noxious in nature

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 651-259-3637 or email ***email_hidden***. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

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 [email protected], 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 651-259-3637 or email ***email_hidden***.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at [email protected] or 651-539-6624.

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 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_hidden*** and let us know the support you need.