Resource Laborer / Laborer General

Working Title: Resource Laborer
Job Class: Laborer General
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92726

• Location: _Itasca State Park

• Telework Eligible: No

• Full/Part Time: Part-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted: 03/11/2026

• Closing Date: 03/31/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies

• Days of Work: Varies

• Travel Required: No

• Salary Range: $20.96 - $24.21 / hourly

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME

• Work Area: Itasca State Park

• 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

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on-site 24 hours a day year-round.

The DNR is looking for one (1) Laborer General at Itasca State Park. The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, and work management for the building maintenance, facility cleaning and groundskeeping in the Itasca District; perform and coordinate fleet and other equipment repair, maintenance and record keeping; and help coordinate grounds, building maintenance and construction projects in a safe, efficient and timely manner. This position is a part-time, seasonal position with expected dates from mid-April to mid-October annually. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions and hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Implement resource management activities such that the quality of natural areas in parks, recreation areas and associated scientific areas are maintained or improved, with the long-term goal of maintaining and restoring pre-settlement communities with their associated plant and animal diversity.

• As directed, implement exotic/problem species management so that more desirable species are able to successfully become established and complete. 

• Conduct regular maintenance on fleet and specialized resource management power equipment as well as on hand tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment and in top operating condition at all times.

• Inventory and survey plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance can be evaluated.  

• Complete logistics tasks in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.

• Conduct all operations safely.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction work sufficient to carry out detailed work directions.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including digging, lifting, planting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, climbing and walking on uneven terrain for extended periods of time in extreme weather and environmental conditions.

• Ability to maintain and operate road maintenance equipment, motor grader, trucks, ATV’s, chainsaws, boom sprayers, and hand tools in a safe and efficient manner.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and work independently.

• Ability to measure/record and accurately enter data onto paper and computer programs and demonstrate attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate and interact positively with team members and the public.

• Ability to communicate using hand-held radio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current certification as a Basic Firefighter - FFT2 or above 

• Experience with prescribed/suppression fires.

• DNR chainsaw certification or equivalent (FALA, FALB, FISTA)

• Experience identifying and controlling terrestrial invasive species found in Minnesota

• Ability and experience using various herbicides to perform resource management tasks.

• Basic First Aid/CPR certification or above.

• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance and repair of heavy equipment.

• General farm or construction experience.

• Plant identification skills.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• 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 Greg Lanners at greg.lanners@state.mn.us or 218-699-7213.

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 Paige Stanius at paige.stanius@state.mn.us.

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.