Grounds Person

Job summary:  To inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence, courage and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning by performing work associated with the care and maintenance of the district buildings and grounds.

Responsibilities and tasks include: 

• Maintaining fields and landscapes including, but not limited to, watering, mowing, string trimming, pruning shrubs, trees, weeding, removing paper and debris from school yard and along fence lines;
• Preparing and caring for athletic play surfaces including natural and synthetic fields;
• Laying out/striping athletic play fields for activities. 
• Cleaning up for future mowing fence lines and rough areas; apply soil sterilant under wire;
• Plowing of snow and de-icing on pavement and other driving/walking surfaces;
• Replacing thermostatic and flow traps in heating system if required; replace steam traps and door closures;
• Installing and repairing concrete and blacktop;
• Installing and repairing chain link fencing; irrigation systems and athletic equipment;
• Performing routine maintenance and repair of equipment;
• Performing other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid MN Driver’s License
• Must obtain a MN Specialist boiler license within one year of hire date. 
• Must obtain EPA certified pesticide applicator license within one year of hire date.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: 

• Computer skills, including proper use of email communication
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Knowledge of all safety precautions applicable to trade.
• Successful operation of powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, single/double axle vehicles, plow trucks, snow blowers, chain saws and other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Caring for and repairing grounds and equipment.
• Training, providing input for evaluating, and directing personnel.
• Responding effectively to student, staff and community needs.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrating effective written and oral communication skills.
• Maintaining accurate/current records.
• Helping, taking instructions and exchanging information.
• Climbing scaffolding and using aerial lifts.
• Welding, both gas and arc.
• Care and maintenance of synthetic and natural turf athletic fields.
• Conducting minor repairs on motors and equipment (minor service - grease, change oil).
• Operating tractors, trucks and related equipment such as loaders, discs, grass seeders, snow plows, fertilizer spreaders, etc.
• Installing and caring for irrigation systems.
• Helping, serving, taking instructions and working with minimum supervision.
• Providing excellent customer service and using problem solving techniques.

 Preferred qualifications include: 

• Work experience in a commercial groundskeeping operation desirable.

Bargaining unit: Custodians

Salary: Class 4; View salary grid on the respective bargaining unit listed above, accessible via our Employee Contracts page

Work schedule: 

FTE: 8 hours/day, Year-Round

Desired start date: August 1, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Osseo Area School District ISD 279 is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer.

Osseo Area School District ISD 279 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Osseo Area School District is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity. For more information, view the District’s Equal Opportunity and Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy. 

Veteran’s Preference: If you are an eligible veteran, please submit a legible copy of your DD214 with your application. 

Accommodation: If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email Human Resources at HR@district279.org or call 763-391-7007.

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer:

Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required.  Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.