Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Building and Grounds Worker - Hourly

Overview: This position is responsible for assisting the B&G team with providing event set up and take down of tables, chairs and equipment for group room rentals and for cleaning the Arboretum equipment, buildings and facilities. This position will respond quickly to a wide variety of guest service needs, infrastructure and event related issues including A/V problems, spills, requests for furniture, unloading vehicles and related tasks. Hours will vary from 15-20 per week. Shift requirements include: afternoon, evening, night and weekend hours, with possible weekdays. Team Members will work as scheduled to ensure proper set-ups and maintenance of equipment for a variety of events including: conferences, wedding receptions, celebrations of life, etc. This position will require attention to detail, sensitivity to guest experience, and ability to 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

65% Event set-up for meetings and events both in Arboretum buildings and on the grounds, maintenance & cleaning of equipment and cleaning of rooms.

• Collaborates with Custodial Supervisor or Senior B & G to move projects forward and ensure thorough communication of event details, resources and highly detailed event setup.
• Sets events with high attention to detail and time sensitivity.
• Anticipates common needs and takes appropriate initiative to promote a comfortable guest experience
• Adheres to timelines, manages own time accordingly and can juggle competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to use multiple communication methods to receive assignments including event set up BEO book, text, two-way radio, email and whiteboards
• Cleans and maintains all set up materials including tents, tables and chairs
• Clean buildings as needed including sweeping floors, emptying trash and recycling, and cleaning up spills and litter.
• Shovel snow, spread sand or salt and sweep walks and terraces to keep surfaces safe and clean

20% Supports Cleaning activities

• Vacuums
• Backpack
• Upright
• Ride-on
• Cleans windows
• Light restroom cleaning & stocking
• Trash/Recycling/Compost removal
• Use a variety of cleaning equipment including sweepers, extractors & scrubbers

15% Event support functions.

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEO's) at the beginning of each shift to ensure rooms are set as contracted. Confirm and set up A/V equipment needs to contract for the event. Move tables, bring extra chairs, set-up and troubleshoot AV equipment, etc.
• Respond to requests from the Events Coordinator, Reservations Staff, and other Arboretum staff.
• Responsible for event day preparation, packing, set-up, execution, and clean-up
  • Open rooms for use adjusting lights, sound volumes, conduct temperature checks as needed for each room before guests arrive. Alert Reservations Staff of any discrepancies from the actual set up vs the Event Orders. Alert Maintenance Staff of any discrepancies in temperature.
  • Maintain high standards of safety and cleanliness in all areas of the Meeting Rooms & Event Spaces.
• Be in communication with the lead catering staff regarding any special needs including removal of tables from dance floors. Adjustments as needed and relay pertinent information to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain rooms in a readiness position for possible site tours. Ensure that meeting rooms are re-set for next event contract if it is within one to two days of previous event.
• Works assigned events, providing on-site event set up and set up support, including evenings and weekends.
  

This is a Teamsters - represented union position which will include shift differential, wage increases and other provisions per the union contract. Hourly Rate: $21.63/hr (Step 1).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have 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, project and time management and problem-solving
• Demonstrated experience using Gmail and some use of Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint - as a communication device)
• Ability to handle multiple tasks using initiative to overcome obstacles and complete tasks accurately and on deadline
• Demonstrates resilience and grace under pressure
• Capable of quick and logical problem solving
• Ability to accept and harness constructive feedback

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 others
• 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/

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 cover letter and 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-UOHR (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).