Job no: 529179
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Grounds and Events
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Operates heavy or specialized equipment used in roadway, walkway or landscape construction and maintenance. Performs manual tasks requiring various specialized skills.

Essential Functions

Operates heavy or specialized equipment and vehicles used in roadway, walkway, and landscape construction and maintenance, such as excavator; backhoe with extension boom and multiple attachments coupler; road grader; Five to ten ton vibratory road roller; 4Yz-yard front end loader with multiple-use front end; 24-ton bulldozer; self-propelled asphalt paver; heavy dump truck; hydraulic power side dresser; curb paver; five ton fork lift; 60 foot bucket truck; and related equipment.
Makes emergency repairs of a minor nature to heavy or specialized highway construction and landscape maintenance equipment.
Operates specialized power tools and equipment, such as vibratory plate compactors; air compressors; pneumatic breakers; walk-behind pavement saw; hand-held power masonry saw; chain saws; walk-behind power broom; cement mixer; gas-operated pumps; power washers; generators; hammer drills; cutting torches; arc welders; sandblasters; and related equipment.
Operates heavy dump trucks and equipment for hauling, stockpiling, and distributing various bulk materials, such as salt, sand, loam, gravel, bituminous concrete, and coal.
Operates motorized trucks and trailers for the pick-up and delivery of various supplies and equipment.
Operates road plows, road sanders, front-end loaders, and related equipment with snow removal operations.
Performs manual tasks requiring special skills or knowledge in connection with roadway, walkway, and landscape construction and maintenance, such as reading blueprints; staking out projects; determining elevations and grades; seeding lawns; installing granite curbing; rigging chains and straps for hoisting; positioning signs, cones, fences, and barricades for safety; using hand signals; and related tasks as required.
Performs unskilled manual tasks using hand tools such as rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and hand brooms.
Coordinates work and maintains records on special projects with campus, faculty, staff, contractors, and other customers.
Trains fellow employees in safe and effective use of heavy or specialized equipment and trucks.
Provides excavation and heavy construction equipment support to utilities crews repairing major utilities system failures and other emergencies.
Ensures safe work site conditions.
Assists in Construction Services Hardscape Masonry work.
Maintains cleanliness of work areas.
Utilize safe working habits, identifies hazards, and takes corrective actions.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.
Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.
Knowledge of University rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Valid Massachusetts Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brakes required.
Valid Class 2B Hoisting License required.
Must be able to pass NIDA 5 Drug Screen, per Federal CFR 49.
Experience using heavy construction equipment such as heavy six and ten-wheeled dump trucks.
Working knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the utilization, care, and safe operation of a wide variety of heavy and specialized highway construction and landscape maintenance equipment and trucks.
Knowledge of the state laws pertaining to the operation of heavy equipment.
Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods in varying climatic conditions.
Working knowledge of the operation and application of a wide variety of power and hand tools used for highway construction and landscape maintenance.
Considerable experience in the methods and techniques utilized for effective highway construction and landscape maintenance.
Ability to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships with staff and customers.
Ability to use basic hand tools.
Ability to locate trouble-shoot off-loading issues without “tripping” the equipment with supervision, if necessary.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks, and physically fit to perform outdoor work.
Ability to work extra/irregular hours.
Ability to work outside for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Valid Massachusetts Class A Commercial Driver’s License preferred.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift and perform repetitive movements.
Ability to work outside for long periods of time.
Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks, and physically fit to perform outdoor work.

Additional Details

Reports directly to the Head of Grounds Services Section - Construction Services.
This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm.
Ability to work extra/irregular hours.

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 13, Step 6.
Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Dec 19 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 19 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

University of Massachusetts Amherst

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