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Parks Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Parks Maintenance

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$59K - $71K/yr

The Parks Maintenance shall report to the Parks Maintenance Foreman. Please note: 2026 Hiring Range: $28.71 to $31.97 per hour depending on qualifications 2026 Pay Range: $28.71 to $34.17 per hour ...

The Minnesota Parks and Schoolyards program works with communities across the state to ensure everyone enjoys access to high-quality, close-to-home outdoor space. Employing a participatory design ...

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How much do parks jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for parks in Minnesota is $14.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a parks worker?

Parks workers are professionals responsible for the maintenance, care, and improvement of public parks and recreational areas. Their duties often include landscaping, planting trees and flowers, maintaining playgrounds, cleaning park facilities, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of park grounds. Some may also assist with organizing community events, repairing equipment, and providing information to visitors. Parks workers play a vital role in keeping public spaces welcoming and safe for everyone to enjoy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parks manager?

To thrive as a Parks Manager, you need knowledge of park operations, environmental management, and a background in recreation or natural resources, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), facility maintenance tools, and budgeting software is commonly required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal skills are vital for overseeing staff and engaging with the public. These skills ensure parks are safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for the community while meeting regulatory and conservation standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in park management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in park management often face challenges such as balancing conservation efforts with public access, managing limited budgets, and addressing environmental issues like invasive species or climate impact. These challenges can be addressed through proactive planning, community engagement, and by seeking partnerships with local organizations. Strong communication and adaptability are key, as park managers regularly collaborate with maintenance teams, educators, and local government to ensure the park remains safe, accessible, and sustainable.

What is the difference between Parks vs Recreation Workers?

AspectParksRecreation Workers
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in park managementHigh school diploma; certifications in recreation or activity-specific areas
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, natural settings, public spacesCommunity centers, recreational facilities, outdoor and indoor venues
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks departmentsMunicipalities, community organizations, private clubs

While both Parks and Recreation Workers serve in community and outdoor settings, Parks primarily focus on maintaining and managing natural outdoor spaces, whereas Recreation Workers organize and facilitate recreational activities and programs for the public. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Parks jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Parks jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Parks jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Parks job openings:

Infographic showing various Parks job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,011 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Parks Maintenance

Brainerd, MN • On-site

City of Brainerd
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$59K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform grounds keeping and maintenance activities in park areas.

  • Prepare and maintain athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor ice rinks for recreation activities.

  • Perform minor repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance on parks facilities, equipment, and machinery.


Job description

General Definition of Work Perform semi-skilled work maintaining and repairing parks, equipment, ball fields, playgrounds, and buildings and facilities. The Parks Maintenance shall report to the Parks Maintenance Foreman. Please note: 2026 Hiring Range: $28.71 to $31.97 per hour depending on qualifications

2026 Pay Range: $28.71 to $34.17 per hour. *2026 Performance based pay opportunity: Up to $38.26 per hour. *The City of Brainerd utilizes a performance-based pay system as noted above

Our system provides an opportunity for additional pay steps based on merit. Contact the HR Department if you would like to learn more about our system. Essential Functions Perform grounds keeping and maintenance activities in park areas.

Prepare and maintain athletic fields, playgrounds, and outdoor ice rinks for recreation activities. Plant, trim and remove shade trees in parks and on other city property. Clean park facilities including removing trash, sanitizing bathrooms, and perform minor plumbing maintenance.

Maintain playground equipment, tennis courts, pavilions and facilities. Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on division equipment. Inspect parks, facilities, playground equipment, and machinery to ensure items are hazard free and operate safely to comply with OSHA safety standards and report issues to the Parks Maintenance Foreman.

Perform general maintenance with minor construction and some electrical, plumbing, welding, painting, and repair duties on City buildings, facilities, fixtures, and equipment. Perform snow removal, hauls material and equipment as needed. Operate heavy and light equipment including a skid steer, pickup with plow, riding and hand mowers, weed whip, blowers, chainsaw and other maintenance equipment.

Receive and respond to inquiries from the public in a prompt and professional manner regarding questions, concerns, and problems that arise and refers individuals to appropriate staff as needed. May be assigned to and/or assist Street Division as needed and directed. Direct and oversee seasonal workers.

May periodically operate dump trucks to haul materials, plow snow, and sand streets. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Competencies Knowledge, Skills and Abilities General knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, tools and materials used in Parks facilities and grounds maintenance.

Working knowledge of the principles, repair, and maintenance of a variety of tools, equipment, small engines, and related safety procedures. General knowledge of playground structure safety. General knowledge of forestry, turf management, landscaping, and horticulture as applied to parks and grounds areas.

General knowledge of hazards and necessary safety precautions involved in construction work. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work independently to complete daily activities according to work schedule.

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public. Education, Experience and Special Requirements High school diploma or GED. Valid MN driver's license.

MN Class "B" Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire. Complete and maintain OSHA-required training. Desired Qualifications: Experience operating equipment in a park maintenance operation.

Training and/or experience in horticulture. Other Requirements and Supplemental Information This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions, frequently requires speaking or hearing, climbing or balancing and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and occasionally requires sitting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm's length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to vibration and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working in high, precarious places, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to the risk of electrical shock and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).