Heavy Motor Equipment Operator/ Public Works Laborer

City of Somerville•Somerville, MA

10d

About The Position

Duties Operates heavy motor equipment in a proper and safe manner in order to perform all assigned work. Loads and unloads trucks; picks up and hauls material; plows and sands sidewalks, recreational areas, parking lots and highways; greases, oils and cleans equipment and performs minor maintenance; performs unskilled labor duties of which the following are typical examples: digging holes, trenches, and other excavations; shoveling materials and leveling areas; maintenance and care of recreational areas, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds; lining playing fields; flooding grounds for skating; planting and trimming shrubs/small trees using hand or powered equipment; replacing and mowing grass; repairing fences, swings, slides and other playground equipment; painting and maintenance work; moving furniture and equipment; delivering supplies; cleaning buildings and grounds as directed; assisting other personnel in Parks Division tasks; loading and unloading materials; emptying barrels and cleaning litter and debris from streets, runways, parking lots and recreational areas; removing snow/ice using manual or small powered equipment; spreading sand on icy areas; using small hand tools, i.e. shovels, picks, axes, saws, heavy wrenches and small power tools. Performs all other duties that may be assigned. Qualifications: Ability to receive and interpret written and oral instructions and to give written and oral reports to supervisors. Must have ability to use tools of trade in workmanlike manner. Must be in good health, be dependable, and able to do hard physical work. Must possess valid Massachusetts Class B driver’s license with a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Must have a safe driving record. Work Environment Work requires agility and physical strength, ability to function in close quarters, and is subject to outside environmental conditions, including wet, hot and cold weather. Worker is subject to noise, vibrations, hazards and atmospheric conditions including fumes, dust and air contaminants. Physical and Mental Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions Physical Skills Position requires standing/walking most of the day, lifting/carrying up to 75 lbs, pushing/pulling, climbing, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, crouching and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position requires near and far vision and acute hearing, the ability to maintain heavy physical exertion for long periods of time, operate hand and power tools, navigate rough terrain, move in or about construction sites. Motor Skills While performing the duties, employees are regularly required to use oral communication skills and handle tools and equipment. The position requires balancing, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling and repetitive motion to complete tasks. Visual Skills Visual acuity is required to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment. Hours: Full-time Salary: $1,197.85 weekly plus benefits Union: SMEU B FLSA: Non-Exempt Date Posted: December 11th, 2025 Pre-Employment Requirements: This a safety-sensitive role and will require successfully passing a pre-employment physical/drug screen and driving history review.

Requirements

Ability to receive and interpret written and oral instructions and to give written and oral reports to supervisors.
Must have ability to use tools of trade in workmanlike manner.
Must be in good health, be dependable, and able to do hard physical work.
Must possess valid Massachusetts Class B driver’s license with a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Must have a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

Operates heavy motor equipment in a proper and safe manner in order to perform all assigned work.
Loads and unloads trucks
picks up and hauls material
plows and sands sidewalks, recreational areas, parking lots and highways
greases, oils and cleans equipment and performs minor maintenance
performs unskilled labor duties of which the following are typical examples: digging holes, trenches, and other excavations; shoveling materials and leveling areas; maintenance and care of recreational areas, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds; lining playing fields; flooding grounds for skating; planting and trimming shrubs/small trees using hand or powered equipment; replacing and mowing grass; repairing fences, swings, slides and other playground equipment; painting and maintenance work; moving furniture and equipment; delivering supplies; cleaning buildings and grounds as directed; assisting other personnel in Parks Division tasks; loading and unloading materials; emptying barrels and cleaning litter and debris from streets, runways, parking lots and recreational areas; removing snow/ice using manual or small powered equipment; spreading sand on icy areas; using small hand tools, i.e. shovels, picks, axes, saws, heavy wrenches and small power tools.
Performs all other duties that may be assigned.

Benefits

4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract.
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)