General Maintenance Worker

Job Details

Working Title: General Maintenance Worker
Job Class: General Maintenance Worker
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 92454
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/03/2026
• Closing Date: 03/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Operations / Building Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift for the first 2 weeks; then 3:30 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
• Days of Work: 40 hours per week. Days and hours may vary based on special events and will include rotating weekends. Schedule determined upon hire.
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $25.43 / hourly; $42,824 - $53,097 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Campus Planning & Management
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

The General Maintenance Worker 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.

The General Maintenance Worker is responsible for maintaining assigned areas according to established standards and operational priorities, adjusting work methods as needed, for the comfort and pleasure of guests, staff, and the well-being of our animal collection.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Building Services (Interior and Public Space Care)
• Event Setup and Operational Support
• Grounds and Exterior Support
• Equipment Operation and Care
• Emergency and Special Response

Qualifications

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:

• Cleaning methods, materials, chemicals, and equipment sufficient to safely and effectively maintain various flooring types and surfaces.
• Safe handling, application, storage, and disposal of chemical cleaning agents.
• Basic maintenance methods, tools, and equipment sufficient to perform minor repairs and routine upkeep.

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Prioritize and adjust work tasks based on operational needs.
• Maintain basic records and complete required documentation.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.

Required:

• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing commercial cleaning and maintenance in large facilities or public venues.
• Experience operating commercial custodial or maintenance equipment.
• Ability to perform minor preventive maintenance on custodial equipment.
• Experience using work order or facility management software.
• Demonstrated ability to provide professional and courteous service in public environments.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL A or B).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical work including walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to perform overhead work and sustained upper body tasks.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, equipment noise, and environmental conditions consistent with custodial and grounds operations.

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.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at kay.grunseth@state.mn.us or 651-539-6624.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kay Grunseth at kay.grunseth@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.