Salary: $28.12 - $35.22 Hourly
Location : Needham, MA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202100382
Department: Department of Public Works
Division: Highway Division - DPW
Opening Date: 11/25/2025
Closing Date: 12/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
The Town of Needham is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) within the Highway Division. Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent, the HMEO performs a variety of skilled laboring duties which include the operation and maintenance of motorized equipment, roadway handwork, snow and ice treatment and removal, and preparing routine records and reports.

The Highway Division operates and maintains the Town's public roadways, including the construction, improvement, repair, and maintenance of Town roads, sidewalks, curbs, walls, and related structures. The Highway Division also oversees snow plowing, snow removal, sanding, and salting operations.

This opportunity is ideal for those looking to advance their career in Public Works in a municipal setting. There are great benefit offerings such as paid training and professional development opportunities; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and more!

Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 6:30am - 3:30pm; Friday, 6:30am - 12:30pm (40 hours/week)
CON #26036

Duties and Responsibilities
These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

Operation of light and heavy motorized vehicles and hydraulic equipment such as heavy trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors, sweepers, pavers, rollers, and other equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and repair to equipment, perform inspections on departmental vehicles and equipment, maintain equipment logs and reports, and oversee and/or support various vehicle operations.
Performs routine skilled and semi-skilled work at intermediate levels in the construction, repair and resurfacing, and maintenance of public ways and related infrastructure, including sidewalks, curbs, medians, grade shoulders, and associated traffic signals, signage, and appurtenances.
Prepare roadways for larger resurfacing projects to be performed by Town contractors (patching, inlays, edging, etc.).
Set up traffic safety patterns and safe work zones.
Maintain work area and equipment in safe and operable condition, adhering to all applicable safety and health rules and regulations; maintain general cleanliness and appearance of workspace or facility.
Mandatory participation in the Snow & Ice Program; may include road treatment, plowing, snow hauling, etc.; provides backup support and assistance for other DPW projects as needed.
Mandatory participation in the On-Call Program (after completion of 6-month probation), including responding to roadway emergencies, removing obstructions, and addressing traffic control issues.

Requirements

Valid MA Driver's License
CDL Class A or B
Class 2A/2B Hoisting Engineer's License or the ability to obtain within six months of employment (condition of hire)
OSHA 10-hour Training required at time of hire or the ability to obtain within 1 year of employment

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

General knowledge equivalent to the completion of high school and specialized courses
One (1) to three (3) years of directly relevant experience
Class 1C Hoisting Engineer's License, beneficial but not required
Ability to work with a team or independently
Ability to communicate basic project information to members of the public
Advanced-level skills using heavy motor equipment preferred
Ability to lift up to and including 100 pounds (for example, use of a wheelbarrow that is full of materials) using body mechanics and assistance tools

Supplemental Information
Pre-Hire Process:

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including a CDL permit, the Town of Needham conducts pre-employment physicals and drug testing and post-employment random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with U.S. DOT Regulations.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply."

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on December 9, 2025.
The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.
As a Town of Needham employee, you are offered a rewarding career-opportunity serving the Needham community, a thriving and growing town of approximately 32,000 residents and a diverse commercial tax base. The municipality has a Representative Town Meeting form of government, with a five-member elected Select Board who appoints a Town Manager to serve as the Chief Executive Officer. Town departments include Public Works, Police, Fire, Library, Public Health, Park & Recreation, Aging Services, Youth and Family Services, Treasury, Tax collection, Tax assessing, Finance, IT, Human Resources and more!
The Town of Needham is a professionally run organization that is committed to creating an inclusive culture where employees can perform at the highest levels. Our employees are dedicated to their work and rely on each other as a team to ensure that Needham remains a place where engaged and committed people want to live, work and play.

The total offer will feature a comprehensive benefits package, which may include (depending on position):

Competitive Compensation
Flexible Work Options
Early Release Fridays at 12:30 pm (position dependent)
12.5 Paid Holidays
Generous Family and Medical Leave (employee group specific)
Retirement Plan: Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan (mandatory participation)
457b Deferred Compensation Plan, Pre-tax or Roth with Employer Contribution Match (voluntary participation)
Access to Rosemary Recreation Complex Pool during Summer months
Access to Recycling and Solid Waste facility
Free Library Card with Needham Free Public Library (part of the Minuteman Library Network)
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Health Savings Account with an Eligible Health Insurance Plan
Flexible Spending Account for Health Care and Dependent Care
Dental and Vision Coverage
Basic and Optional Life Insurance Coverage
Paid Personal and Vacation Leave
Employer Paid Non-Occupational Sick Leave
Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program which includes mental health, financial education, legal referrals, and much more
Employer-paid training opportunities, such as courses for municipal finance and leadership; conference or trade show attendance; paid memberships to professional organizations
Tuition Assistance and Paid Professional Development Opportunities
Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Free Parking

Town of Needham, MA

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Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO), Highway Division