Building and Grounds Worker

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. 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 B+G is to assist with set up and take down of event furnishings including large and small tables, chairs and other equipment. This position will respond quickly to a wide variety of guest and service needs, infrastructure related issues, spills, furnishing requests, and related tasks. This position works closely with the Reservations unit, which contracts all rentals of Arboretum space.

Contracted events include: Weddings, Receptions, Celebrations of Life, Conferences, and a variety of other types of celebrations. Sensitivity to the nature of these events is critical. 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.

This is a miscellaneous hourly position. Hours will vary from 15-20 per week. Shift requirements include: mornings, afternoons, evenings, on the weekends varying in total hours per shift , with possible weekday assignments.

20% Supports Arboretum wide Cleaning

• Operates a variety of custodial equipment such as-
  Vacuums: Backpack + Upright
  Ride-on Floor Cleaning Machines
  Sweepers
  Extractors
  Scrubbers
• Cleans windows
• Cleans and restocks restrooms
• Removes trash, recycling, and compostrash/Recycling/Compost removal
• Shovels snow, spreads sand or salt and sweeps walks and terraces to keep surfaces safe and clean

80% Event set-up and Support

• Collaborates with Custodial Supervisor or Senior B & G to review Banquet Event Orders (BEO's) at the beginning of each shift, executes detailed set up, and ensures thorough communication of event details, and resources.
• Uses multiple communication methods to receive assignments including event set up visual and written communication tools, text, two-way radio, email, and whiteboards
• Cleans and maintains all set up materials including tents, tables, and chairs
• Responds to requests from the Event Captain, Reservations Staff, and other Arboretum staff as appropriate or needed
• Opens and prepares rooms for use including but not limited to adjusting lights, sound volumes, and conduct temperature checks. Alert the Reservations and Maintenance teams of any discrepancies.
• Maintains a high standard of safety and cleanliness in all areas of the Meeting Rooms & Event Spaces.
• Actively communicates with Reservation staff to accommodate any special needs during the event.
• Ensures that meeting rooms are re-set for the next event contract if it is within one to two days of the previous event.
• Maintains rooms in a readiness position for possible site tours.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to meet the physical requirement of the assignment.
• Ability to interact in a public setting in a respectful and professional manner.
• Must have a valid MN Drivers License.
• Ability to work evenings. Please note some events extend until midnight.
• Ability to read and write competently in English, follow oral and written instructions.
• Excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience using Gmail and some use of Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint - as a communication device)
• Demonstrates resilience and grace under pressure
• Ability to accept and harness constructive feedback
• Anticipates common needs and takes appropriate initiative to promote a comfortable guest experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written

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.
  

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits. For more information please visit us at: https://arb.umn.edu/

Pay Range: $21.63 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).