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 : 04/07/2026
Closing Date : 04/28/2026
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: $20.51 - $25.43 / hourly; $42,824 - $53,097 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 203 - Service/AFSCME
Work Area : Building Services
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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
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.
