Heavy Motor Equipment Operator/Public Works Laborer

Somerville is a city that upholds progressive principles for both employees and residents. The City of Somerville embraces and encourages an innovative, empowering, and collaborative workplace culture in a fast-paced, challenging environment. The City also offers a generous benefits package that embodies a strong work-life balance. Not only is Somerville a “Model City,” as termed by The Boston Globe, it is also a model employer.

Statement of Duties

The City of Somerville seeks a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator/Public Works Laborer for the Buildings & Grounds Parks Division of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The job duties are as follows: 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.

This is a safety sensitive position.

Recommended Minimum 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.

Send your resume and cover letter by Monday, March 15, 2021 to:

City Hall Personnel Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville MA 02143
Fax: 617-666-4426
TTY: 1-866-808-4851
Email: employment_opportunities@somervillema.gov

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.