**Working Title: Ornamentals Lead** **Job Class: Groundskeeper Intermediate** **Agency: Administration Dept** + **Job ID** : 88626 + **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** : 09/11/2025 + **Closing Date** : Open until filled + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Administration Dept / Administration-AFSCME + **Division/Unit** : FMD Grounds: Trees & Ornamentals + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Required to respond to snow emergencies outside normal business hours). + **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday, every 6th weekend + **Travel Required** : Between buildings + **Salary Range:** $20.51 - $28.44 / hourly; $42,825 - $59,383 / annually + **Classified Status** : Classified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 203 - Service/AFSCME + **Work Area** : State Capitol complex grounds + **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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. The Ornamental Lead serves within the Trees & Ornamentals work unit, supporting horticultural care across the Capitol grounds, memorials, and adjacent agency buildings. This role focuses on intermediate-level horticultural maintenance and provides leadership in routine upkeep of ornamental garden beds. **Primary Responsibilities:** + Perform planting, transplanting, mulching, watering, deadheading, trimming perennials, weed removal, and herbicide application. + Lead basic garden bed maintenance and assist with seasonal landscaping tasks. + Support winter operations including hand shoveling, snow blowing, and operating utility and truck plows to clear sidewalks and parking areas. + Carry out general grounds’ duties such as litter collection, trash removal, pothole filling, and minor signage repairs. + Provide backup support to the Turf & Irrigation unit, assisting with mowing, edging, trimming, sodding, and seeding. **Incumbent must be available for snow removal during snow emergencies or as directed by unit leadership.** **Minimum Qualifications** + One year of experience performing grounds maintenance year-round to include snow removal 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 both lead teams while working and work independently. + Ability to learn on the job, and adapt to changes to schedule, work environment. + Ability to work in inclement weather conditions. + Valid Class B Commercial driver’s license or the ability to obtain one during the first six months of employment. + Active Non-commercial MN Pesticide Applicator’s license or the ability to obtain one during the first six months of employment. **Preferred Qualifications** + Experience in tree and shrub care, planting, trimming, pruning, and chainsaw operation + Experience in turf care mowing and trimming + Experience working in a public setting such as parks and recreation facilities + Experience plowing snow + Customer service skills + Current MN Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator license + Current Commercial Class ‘B’ driver’s license **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, EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE CHECKS, A PRE-HIRE DRUG SCREEN. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.