Maintenance Assistant

JOB TITLE: Maintenance Assistant

LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors MN 55616  Lake County

TYPICAL

STARTING PAY: $19.92 - $21.76 hourly

STATUS & HOURS: Part-time (20 hours weekly), regular (approximately 1040 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS:  Eligible to participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: October 30, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: November 6, 2026

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.  

DESCRIPTION:  The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to perform maintenance activities at Split Rock Lighthouse, ensuring that the historic site buildings, including visitor center, are maintained at a high level of quality and safety for the staff and visiting public.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) Maintain in a safe and attractive manner, the grounds and buildings of the historic site which will include, but is not limited to: landscaping, trash and debris removal, and janitorial work; 2) Maintain in a safe working condition the equipment throughout the site, including resale fixtures and janitorial equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated experience in facilities maintenance and repair. 

• Considerable knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment, and the ability to perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks. 

• Demonstrated ability to operate a wide variety of hand and power tools, including scaffolding and rigging equipment. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, by phone, and in person with team members, contractors, and vendors. 

• Basic experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks. 

• Demonstrated ability to repair and maintain building structures, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. 

• Demonstrated ability to operate a wide variety of hand and power tools and grounds and building maintenance equipment. 

• Working knowledge of grounds keeping and horticulture practices. 

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to be self-motivated. 

• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team. 

• Willingness to work occasionally 10 hour days 

• Ability to use Microsoft Office and Google software and email. 

• Ability to maintain electronic and written records and to complete assigned reports. 

• Physical strength, stamina and coordination to perform a wide variety of job tasks.

• Ability and willingness to climb ladders and enter enclosed spaces. 

• Ability to lift 75 pounds rarely, 50 pounds occasionally, and 30 pounds regularly. 

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, to walk long distances regularly, and to perform exterior duties in all Minnesota climate extremes.

• Valid driver’s license. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Awareness of the need to maintain buildings and grounds in such a way as to maintain historical integrity of site, while at the same time prolonging the life of the facility. 

• Demonstrated ability to repair and maintain historic building structures, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. 

• Experience in historic and modern methods and practices of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks. 

• Ability and motivation to study historical reference materials related to preservation of historic buildings and sites. 

• Experience working at a museum, historic site, or comparable setting.