Maintenance Technician - Grounds - Class 4

• Position Type:
  Maintenance/Custodial/Grounds Worker
  
• Date Posted:
  9/21/2026
  
• Location:
  Orono Public Schools
  
• Date Available:
  ASAP
  
• Closing Date:
  Open Until Filled

Description: Maintenance Technician - Grounds

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician maintains district grounds and facilities in a safe, professional manner. Key responsibilities include turf and landscape care, athletic field setup, irrigation, snow removal, equipment maintenance, and occasional indoor maintenance or custodial work. Reports directly to the Coordinator of Buildings and Grounds.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Occasional advance-scheduled nights/weekends). Must be willing and able to be on the call list for security, emergency, and weather callbacks.

Pay: Class IV ($27.47 - $30.52/hr). Full benefits per Custodial Master Contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Team & Worksite Leadership: Oversee, mentor, and organize day-to-day work for on-site grounds crews and seasonal staff. Foster a collaborative, safe, and positive team environment.
• Grounds & Facility Care: Maintain natural/artificial turf, trees, irrigation, parking lots, sidewalks, and athletic facilities. Oversee seasonal snow/ice mitigation, field setups, and quarterly playground inspections.
• Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, service, lubricate, clean, and repair grounds equipment and vehicles (mowers, plows, sanders, skid steers, mini-busses, sprayers, weed whips, blowers).
• Operations & Safety: Manage preventive maintenance schedules, work orders, and supply inventory (tools, parts, materials). Monitor vendor/contractor performance. Ensure strict compliance with OSHA, EPA, Fire Marshal, and MDE regulations.
• Project & Resource Management: Collaboratively partner with the Coordinator of Buildings and Grounds to execute short- and long-term grounds projects, aligning resource allocation, scheduling, and project delivery with overall district plans and standards.
• Conflict Resolution & Communication: Address work-site disagreements, scheduling conflicts, or performance issues constructively and promptly and escalate when needed. Serve as a clear, professional point of contact between field staff, supervisors, and school administrators.
• Teamwork & Flexibility: Direct on-site grounds personnel, escalate major repairs, and adapt to changing daily priorities. Assist with occasional indoor building maintenance and custodial needs as assigned

Qualifications & Licenses

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• 2-3 years of relevant ground maintenance experience.
• Supervisory, crew lead, or project management experience preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Valid MN Class "D" Driver's License and basic computer literacy for work orders and building automation systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on skill operating power equipment and trade tools safely.
• Required Certifications (or ability to obtain within designated timeframe):
  • 120 Days: Mini-Bus Training
  • 180 Days: Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
  • 1 Year: Certified Tree Inspector, Special Engineers Boiler License, Certified Playground Inspector

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Standing/walking ~80% of the shift; frequent bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, sweeping, mopping, and climbing.
• Pushing/pulling; lifting up to 40 lbs independently, 10 - 15 lbs overhead, and 50 - 100 lbs with mechanical assistance.
• Ability to work in varied conditions: indoors/outdoors, high heat, cold weather, tight spaces, heights, noisy, or dusty environments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Wage: $27.47 - $30.52

INSURANCE

• Single Health: 90% of most plans covered by District
• Employee 1 Health: 85% of most plans covered by District
• Family Health: 77% of most plans covered by District
• Dental: Partial Coverage by District
• Life insurance equal to annual wages: 100% Covered by District
• LTD insurance: 100% Covered by District
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

VACATION AND HOLIDAYS

• Vacation: 5 Days after 6 months.
• Holidays: 11 Paid Holiday/Year

OTHER BENEFITS

• License Stipends
• Service Pay: 1%
• Uniforms Provided
• Free First Stop Health Virtual Health Care for all employees and their dependents.

RETIREMENT/PENSION

• Positions covered by Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
• Annual TSA Match: $250

Questions? Reach out directly to our team:

• Chad Eischens, Coordinator of Buildings & Grounds | 952-449-8345 | chad.eischens@orono.k12.mn.us
• Dr. Scott E. Alger, Executive Director of Human Resources | 952-449-8370 | scott.alger@orono.k12.mn.us