Maintenance Equipment Operator I (Construction Services) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524079

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Grounds Departments

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor, AFSCME A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

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

• M-F; 6AM - 2PM.


• 40 hours per week.


• Ability to work extra/irregular hours.

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 13; Special Recruitment rate step 6.

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.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jul 23 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jan 12 2025 Eastern Standard Time