Working Title: Laborer Trades & Equipment
Job Class: Laborer Trades & Equipment
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 90476
Location: Akeley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-time
Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/27/2025
Closing Date : 12/17/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $25.95 - $29.93 / hourly; $54,183 - $62,493 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
Work Area : Badoura Nursery
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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking one (1) Laborer - Trades, and Equipment in rural Akeley, MN. This position performs semi-skilled laborer work to implement Division of Forestry's nursery operations at the State Tree Nursery by performing daily activities in the production, maintenance and harvest of tree seed and seedlings and maintenance of nursery facilities. Season dates are approximately March 1 to November 15 annually. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions and hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
To operate and service motorized vehicles and specialized nursery equipment necessary to perform seedbed preparation, seed planting and seedling transplanting activities.
To operate and service motorized vehicles and specialized nursery equipment to perform nursery field maintenance and assignments including but not limited to pesticide applications, fertilizer applications, irrigation, root pruning, mechanical and hand weeding.
To operate and maintain motorized vehicles and specialized nursery equipment necessary to perform seedling harvesting, packaging, and shipping activities.
To operate and service motorized vehicles and specialized nursery equipment necessary to perform seed collection, storage, and poplar cutting harvest activities necessary to meet yearly seedling production needs.
To perform grounds and building maintenance, including wildfire suppression, so that the nursery appearance is presentable, and safety of the nursery and surrounding forest lands will be enhanced.
To assist field lifting crews and indoor grading crews (up to 100 people) during spring and fall lifting seasons so that quantities and quality of seedlings are lifted, counted and packaged accurately and on schedule.
Lead transplanting, hand seeding, seed collection, hand weeding, and irrigation layout crews
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work directions.
Ability to safely operate and maintain medium & heavy motorized equipment, such as: snow plows, tractors with trailers, grader, front-end loader, auger, plus power and hand tools, including chain saws, air compressors, carpentry tools, and other equipment/tools as assigned.
Ability to conduct manual labor to complete outdoor seedling harvest operation tasks that includes ability to lift weights of up to 50 pounds, ability to work under a variety of weather conditions, ability to work on hands and knees when hand weeding and planting, and requires walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain.
Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work sufficient to assist or perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical assignments, including installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.
Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely and effectively with others.
Ability to obtain a current MN Department of Agriculture Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within six (6) months from date of hire.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions sufficient to carry out assignments in a safe and efficient manner.
Record keeping and basic math skills sufficient to record inventory data for inventory records
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a group.
Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public.
Ability to communicate using hand-held radio.
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of experience OR two-year technical degree, with experience or coursework in equipment operation and maintenance, site design and construction, and landscape/vegetation management.
Experience in equipment maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
Experience in the safe operation of tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws and other related equipment, or trails or water recreation site maintenance.
Knowledge of field management techniques, including engineering skills, needed to maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
Knowledge of general construction methods.
Knowledge of equipment, machinery and materials needed to develop, operate and maintain trail and water recreation facilities.
Knowledge of forest tree nursery operations and procedures concerning the growth and delivery of forest tree seedlings.
Basic First Aid/CPR certification or above.
Tree identification skills.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record. per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources 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
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
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.
