Heavy Equipment Operator, Cemetery, Parks, & Trees Division - Town of Ashland

Department: Department of Public Works
Grade: H04 upon receipt of CDL-B*
Reports To: Working Foreman
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Union: Union, Laborers, Local 1156

The Town of Ashland seeks qualified, experienced, and energetic candidates for the position of Heavy Equipment Operator in the Cemetery, Parks, & Trees Division within the Department of Public Works.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Heavy Equipment Operator primarily performs work related to construction and maintenance of municipal cemetery, parks, green spaces, and playing fields under the supervision of the Working Foreman. The job responsibilities may include the following or other duties as assigned:

• Drive or operate vehicles and equipment such as front-end loaders, backhoes, catch basin cleaners, trucks with portable trailers, graders, rollers, sweepers, wing-plows, etc., that are engaged in construction, maintenance, snow operations, and other related projects and activities.

• Performs grass cutting, weed whacking, infield grooming, and other various landscaping tasks.

• Perform tree pruning/ removal.

• Service and follow preventive maintenance on equipment or vehicles being operated, such as checking oil, water and battery levels, tire pressure, etc.

• Check vehicles and equipment for proper operation and maintenance and report problems to Working Foreman or in his absence the Mechanic for corrective action.

• Does laboring work when not engaged in the operation of equipment or performance of any other activities listed above.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Working Foreman.

• Must be available for call-out at any time for emergency repairs and snow and ice. This position is required to be available for all snow operations and any other emergencies during or outside regular work hours.

ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The Heavy Equipment Operator position requires a High School degree or equivalent plus a minimum knowledge of basic construction practices. Additionally, candidates must be able to:

• Follow directions on projects

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, coworkers, and the general public.

• Communicate effectively, confirming understanding if direction is given.

• Understand and properly operate tools and equipment.

• Understand and follow all safety procedures related to job responsibilities.

Required Licensing/Certifications*:

• Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B Permit

• Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer with a 2A, 1C endorsement

*New Employees hired after July 1, 2024 will have an initial six (6) month probationary period in which upon satisfactory completion they will join the union. During the initial six (6) month probationary period the employee will be required to obtain their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) permit, failure to do so could result in termination of employment. New employees will have an additional six (6) month probationary period after their initial six (6) month probationary period to acquire their CDL-B, failure to obtain their CDL-B will be just cause for termination of employment. The Town reserves the right to extend the probationary period up to four (4) additional months, the Town will notify the employee and Union Representative, in writing, giving a reason for such extension. New hires will remain at HO3 until they receive their CDL-B, upon receipt of their CDL-B the internal candidate will move to H04.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is a full-time, 40 hour/week, non-exempt position represented by the DPW Union. Salary is based on the chart in the collective bargaining agreement for grade H04, which ranges from $24.6601/hr. to $32.8589/hr.

**candidates hired to HEO will remain at HO3($22.9708/hour - $30.7711/hour) until they receive their CDL-B, upon receipt of their CDL-B the internal candidate will move to H04**