Summary: This position is located at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, MN, a 5500 acre field station operated by the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences (CBS). Faculty, students and staff from several CBS departments, as well as other UMN Colleges and non-UMN institutions, conduct research at Cedar Creek. Other aspects of Cedar Creek's mission include conservation, land management, education (both undergraduate and K-12) and community engagement.

The Buildings and Grounds Supervisor reports to Cedar Creek's Associate Director, and is primarily responsible for overseeing and contributing directly to the daily and seasonal work of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) team. This role also has duties including serving as the Site Safety Officer, the Designated Responsible Authority (vehicle supervisor), a Prescribed Burn Squad Boss, and liaison to campus counterparts and external vendors, contributing to land management, and supporting researchers onsite.

Annual Salary Range: $74,000 to $79,000

Responsibilities:

-40% Staff Supervision and Administrative Work
Assign and coordinate work for full-time and seasonal buildings and grounds workers. Work with direct reports to resolve issues and coordinate schedules and leave. Identify, coordinate, and document completion for all trainings for B&G staff, including work safety, site operations, computer use/expectations, first aid, and diversity. Work with Associate Director and CBS Facilities Management to coordinate and schedule maintenance, repairs, and grounds work. Plan regular operating budgets/spending for maintenance, as well as special projects. With Operations Associate, maintain financial records and ensure timely payment to vendors. Manage physical locks and key access. Serve as Designated Responsible Authority, overseeing Cedar Creek's fleet of University vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and trailers. Coordinate and work with University Fleet Maintenance, including keeping records of all licensed drivers, handling insurance cards and gas cards, overseeing mandatory training, and conducting vehicle maintenance. Coordinate vehicle maintenance and usage to ensure appropriate access to well maintained vehicles. Function as onsite contact and coordinator for contractors, inspectors, and University, city, county and state officials. Oversee inventory of supplies, equipment, and other resources. Provide high-level oversight, organization, and decision-making on all buildings and grounds projects. Maintain a flexible schedule working weekdays, nights, and weekends as needed (though work is generally expected to take place during regular business hours).

-30% Facilities and Grounds Maintenance
Manage, monitor and troubleshoot a variety of buildings (including labs, housing, offices, and shops) and extensive grounds. Along with B&G staff, perform groundskeeping duties including lawn care, snow removal, road maintenance, and fence and gate repair, custodial duties, minor repairs, program set-up/clean-up, and all other work that does not require outside contracts or licensed trades. Maintain or assign team members to maintain walking trails, bike fleet, hand and power tools, and small engines. Build and maintain working knowledge of local natural and scientific history. With Associate Director, oversee and staff wildlife management hunts and related programs, regular land management volunteer opportunities, and related conservation initiatives.

-15% Risk Management and Site Safety (duties shared with one other Site Safety Officer)
Update site safety manuals, programs, plans and procedures annually. Keep safety records and accident records, including maintenance records of safety shower, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and spill kits. Provide safety training for full time and seasonal employees. Oversee PPE and safety equipment inventory. Coordinate hazardous waste compliance, storage and removal. Inspect and maintain equipment, tools, power tools and other devices to ensure safe operation by employees. Oversee property security, including liaising with police, fire and EMTs; removal of illegal structures; general patrolling; daily gate and building locking/unlocking. Respond to safety situations in a professional, timely and efficient manner.

-15% Research and Prescribed Burning Support
Maintain training and competency to serve as Squad Boss during annual prescribed burn season. Regularly participate in prescribed burns on a schedule determined by the Associate Director in conversation with the Burn Boss. Function as coordinator for National Atmospheric Deposition Program site: weekly sample collection, maintenance, record keeping and an annual site inspection with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. As negotiated by the Director or Associate Director, provide direct support for researchers with tasks like mowing, tilling, irrigation, fence work, etc.

Required Qualifications:
-BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years
-Ability to lift 50 pounds
-Ability to walk on rough/uneven terrain carrying equipment
-Valid driver's license
-Evidence of effective communication, cooperation and collaboration with clients and colleagues
-Evidence of ability to work independently, multi-task, and problem solve


Preferred Qualifications:
-Additional coursework or degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
-Experience working at a field station, nature center, park, or similar facility
-Experience with small engine repair, chain sawing, carpentry, construction or similar
-Experience operating a tractor and/or pickup truck with various implements attached (snowplow, tiller, mower, water pump, etc.)
-Experience managing teams with diverse skillsets and backgrounds
-Experience with spreadsheets, word processing and file sharing systems (e.g. Google Drive)

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given 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) 624-8647.

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).