Heavy Motor Equipment Operator / Public Works Laborer

Statement of 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.

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.

Hours: Full-Time
Salary: $1,197.85 weekly, plus benefits 
Union: SMEU B
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pre-employment Requirements: Successfully pass a pre-employment physical with a drug screen and driving history review
Date Posted: September 11, 2026 

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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. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or [email protected].

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Delta Dental
• 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 ESI
• 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)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.