Senior Building and Grounds Worker - UMN Arboretum

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins Friday, October 9 and ends on Friday, October 16, 2026.

As a member of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Facility Management Department, the Building and Grounds Worker (B+G) facilitates a centralized service to the Arboretum Community. The Facilities Department strives to provide a safe, reliable, and welcoming Arboretum campus for staff and visitors. The department is responsible for the physical assets and infrastructure of the Arboretum and operates with the utmost professionalism and efficiency while ensuring a positive experience for all.

The Department includes Building and Maintenance Services, Custodial Services, Fleet Services, and Campus Safety maintaining approximately 200,000 square feet of structures ranging from institutional style buildings and greenhouses to barns and garden structures.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Work Schedule

• Work schedule is Wednesday - Sunday, 3:00 - 11:30 pm, with occasional flexibility or additional hours or workdays during peak times or when coverage is needed

The Arboretum's extensive facilities, located in four geographically separated areas, include:

1. Oswald Visitor Center, historic Snyder Building, and Learning Center
2. Horticultural Research Center and AppleHouse
3. Farm at the Arb complex
4. Horticulture Operations and greenhouses

The primary responsibility of a senior B+G team member is to perform and guide the custodial team to ensure daily, weekly, and long-term cleaning tasks are completed and in compliance with University standards and regulatory compliance. The B+G team is responsible for responding quickly to a wide variety of service needs related to infrastructure issues, spills, furnishing requests, and related tasks. As a lead, this position collaborates closely with the Reservations and Public Events units, who are responsible for contracting all rentals of Arboretum space. Contracted events may include: weddings, receptions, celebrations of life, classes, conferences, and a variety of other types of celebrations. This position will require attention to detail, sensitivity to guest satisfaction, and ability to collaborate and follow direction quickly & effectively. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment with colleagues and guests.

The Arboretum welcomes visitors 7 days a week and has seasonal shifts in visitation. To meet business needs, the work schedule is Wednesday - Sunday 3-11:30pm with occasional flexibility or additional hours or workdays during peak times or when coverage is needed.

70% Daily, Weekly, and Long-Term Cleaning Tasks

• Lead and coordinate staff in completing assigned custodial work cleaning and maintaining auditoriums, meeting rooms, public spaces, offices, classrooms, research areas, restrooms, and other facilities. Perform routine cleaning tasks, including waste removal, sweeping, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and restroom cleaning.
• Perform carpet extraction and other specialized floor and carpet care. Operate custodial equipment and machinery safely and effectively.
• Perform other related custodial duties and special cleaning projects as assigned.

20% Event Set Up and Response

• Lead staff in the set-up of room rentals: Set up and take down tables, chairs, and other equipment for classes, meetings, rental groups and social functions.
• Adjust event setups in response to weather, client requests, or changing operational needs; Senior B+G is critical to ensuring these adaptations are accomplished while managing other assigned tasks.

10% Safety, Compliance, Operational Support and Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Support staff with training and safety procedures and protocols to maintain a healthy work environment
• Unlock or lock main public buildings and other seasonal jobs such as snow removal, application of salt or sand.
• Assist in maintaining electronic inventory of a variety of Custodial assets and supplies utilized to inform supervisor on repair, replace, and restocking budget.
• Work in collaboration with a variety of departments to support large organization events by attending planning meeting and coordinating operational needs

Required

• A minimum of 3 years of applicable custodial work with proven experience training and leading staff.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and climb 8-foot ladders.
• Must have valid MN Driver's License.
• Experience using standard custodial equipment, dispensing chemicals safely and an understanding of safe custodial practices.
• Ability to shovel snow and perform (or learn to perform) project work such as carpet extraction, floor scrubbing, finish application, window washing, deep cleaning, etc.
• Demonstrated experience using Google suite, Microsoft Office, and digital task management software

Preferred

• High school graduate
• Experience in the events or hospitality/service industry
• Prior event set up experience
• Proven ability to work successfully alone or with two to four colleagues

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs to shoulder height and climb 8-foot ladders.
• Some tables weigh 35 pounds each, others weigh as much as 60-65 pounds each, garbage bags usually weigh around 50 pounds each. The B & G worker must be able to perform these job functions without the aid of another person as the B & G worker may be working by his or herself after the building is closed for the day.

Pay Range: $23.75 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (Teamsters Local 320)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include a resume for a complete application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.