Working Title: Laborer Trades & Equipment
Job Class: Laborer-Trades & Equipment
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 95166
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Location: Watertown
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Telework Eligible: No
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/02/2026
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Closing Date: 07/22/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $26.40 - $30.45 / hourly; $55,123 - $63,579 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
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Work Area: DNR Watertown Office
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
The DNR is currently seeking to fill one (1) Seasonal full-time Laborer, Trades & Equipment position located in Watertown, MN. Days of work are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The anticipated season dates are from approximately March 1st through December 3rd.
This position exists to assist management in directing and managing the operations of Parks and Trails facilities and to perform the daily activities involved with facility development and maintenance. This position will provide lead maintenance work to Building and Grounds Worker employees under the direction of the Assistant Area Supervisor while being a lead worker for facility and trail maintenance.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Application of technical knowledge in the development and maintenance of sites and facilities, so that safe, high-quality facilities are provided for public use.
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Performance of routine inspections and repairs on equipment to maintain safe operating condition.
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Operate or direct the use of heavy equipment to construct and service facilities, so that safe and high-quality facilities are provided for public use.
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Represent Parks and Trails and DNR by providing information to the public.
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Complete safety and other job-related training and ensure accountability for safe performance of tasks according to established safety procedures.
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Assure responsibility for safety and accountability for safety performance so that tasks are performed according to established safety procedures and reduce injuries and equipment damage.
- Complete other duties as assigned so that department objectives are met.
Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise, qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
AND:
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Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in trades work and construction.
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Ability to safely operate and maintain medium & heavy motorized equipment, e.g. dump trucks, snowplows, snow groomers, tractors with trailers, watercraft, grader, backhoe, front-end loader, auger, plus power and hand tools, including chain saws, air compressors, carpentry tools, and other equipment/tools as assigned.
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Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
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Ability to perform semi-skilled trades work sufficient to assist or perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical assignments, including installation and maintenance of equipment, plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
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Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.
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Strength and agility sufficient to load, operate and repair equipment and materials.
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Endurance sufficient to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, sun and wind.
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Ability to work with limited supervision.
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Ability to communicate orally to staff/visitors, etc.
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Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely and effectively with others.
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Current possession of Class A license.
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Two years of experience in equipment operation and maintenance of equipment such as trucks, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, boats, ATV's, snowmobiles, and other related equipment.
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Two years of experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance of equipment such as skid steers, tractors, backhoe loaders, excavators, dozers, and other related equipment.
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Technical school certificates, licensure, or degrees in one or more of the following: heavy equipment operation, carpentry, construction, electrical repair, plumbing, masonry, small engine repair/automotive, or HVAC.
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Knowledge and/or experience in natural resource management fields such as parks and recreation, forestry, wildlife management, hydrology.
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Experience providing lead work direction/assigning tasks/ensuring completion.
This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Jess Althoff at [email protected] or 651-259-5875.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Ashley Luecken at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
