Stonemason (Landscaping Construction) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525811

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

The Stonemason (Landscaping Construction) is responsible for the installation, repair, and preventive maintenance of brick, stone, cement block, concrete and other masonry related to materials on walls, stairs, catch basins, gate/water valves, form work, and related work as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Lays stone, brick, and cement blocks using a variety of hand and power tools such as brick napping hammer, brick or skill saw, pick, chisel and hammer to build, alter, repair and/or maintain brick and/or concrete surfaces and structures such as sidewalks, stairs, concrete pads.


• Works with Goshen Stone, granite, brick and concrete pavers to build or repair dry laid stonewalls, sidewalks, stairs or catch basins.


• Prepare surfaces for concrete work.


• Repairs masonry on stairs, catch basins, water/gate valves, and walls with concrete.


• Pours concrete in molds or forms to make slabs or blocks.


• Mixes mortar and concrete by hand or by the use of portable mixer.


• Read and interpret blueprints/drawings to determine the specifications and materials required for a project.


• Use straight edges, rules, and staked lines in laying out a foundation or wall pattern.


• Mix specified proportions of cement, sand, and water to obtain grout used in fusing stone pieces together.


• Lay and align stones according to set construction plans and specifications.


• Apply and spread mortar on slabs/surfaces using a trowel.


• Cut, shape, and smooth rock materials using abrasive saw and power grinders.


• Operate cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment in moving monument sections from truck bed onto foundation.


• Position construction forms or mold along the guidelines of walls.


• Line mold interior with treated paper and fill with composition-stone mixture.


• Construct and install prefabricated stone carvings/masonry units for buildings.


• Use pick and shovel to dig trenches or holes for monument foundation.


• Set and verify the vertical and horizontal alignment of structures with the aid of levels and plumb bob.


• Use tucker point to smooth mortar in order to achieve an attractive finish.


• Replace defective or missing masonry units on walls or floors.


• Carry out repairs on cracked or chipped stone carvings.


• Clean the surface of marble/stone structures using sponge, brush, water or chemical solution.


• Operates state vehicle to travel to work site.


• Participates in snow removal operations.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.


• Knowledge of applicable University rules and regulations.

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

Minimum of two (2) years working experience as Stonemason or Mason required.

Class D Driver's License required upon hire.

Able to envisage and implement aesthetic patterns in the design and construction of stone structures.

Able to lift and work with heavy tools and building materials.

Ability to perform the rigorous work task of lifting and aligning blocks for extended periods.

Wide knowledge in construction work.

Ability to focus on details.

Ability to read blueprints.

Knowledge of mixing cements and other substances used for refractory mixtures.

Ability to use construction tools and equipment.

Knowledge of basic algebra to calculate measurement, angles, etc.

Ability to carry heavy loads.

Knowledge of standard practices, methods and techniques used in masonry.

Knowledge of the types and uses of materials used in masonry such as brick, stone, sand, etc.

Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment used in masonry such as portable mixers, etc.

Knowledge of the types and uses of masonry hand tools used in masonry/stone work such as spades, chisels, trowels, etc.

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

• Vocational course in Masonry preferred.


• Possession of a Class B Driver's License preferred.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Able to lift and work with heavy tools and building materials.


• Ability to perform the rigorous work task of lifting and aligning blocks for extended periods.


• Ability to carry heavy loads.

Additional Details

Class 2B Hoisting License required within six (6) months of hire.

Class 1C Hoisting License required within six (6) months of hire. (Any staff that operates forklifts must have a Forklift Endorsement, and the employee has six (6) months from the date of hire to obtain it.)

This position is an essential personnel maintenance function. Incumbent is required to update the service desk and supervisors with current phone number(s).

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 7am-3pm.


• There may be the obligation to work overtime and may include returning to work between normally scheduled shifts when directed.

Salary Information

Grade 13

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, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and parti
cipation 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Dec 19 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Mar 19 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Apply Now