POSITION TITLE: Skilled Laborer II
AGENCY: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
SALARY: Grade 13
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Skilled Laborer II performs various manual labor tasks in support of the work of skilled tradesmen and craftsmen (e.g., dig and back-fill excavations and level earth to grade, shore excavations, set and repair curbing, install and repair signs, maintain grounds by pruning trees and shrubs, seeding lawns), performs snow removal and ice control duties, and performs related work as required. The incumbent performs various manual tasks requiring some specialized skill and the use of hand tools in general construction and maintenance activities. The incumbent is responsible for performing a wide range of manual and semi-skilled labor, equipment operation, and maintenance tasks in support of University grounds, facilities, roadways, and infrastructure. This position operates motorized equipment and vehicles to perform excavation, grading, landscaping, and general construction or repair activities and performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment, supports trades staff in construction and repair projects, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards. Work involves both independent assignments and team-based projects to maintain safe, accessible, and well-kept campus grounds and facilities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Incumbents of positions at this level receive direct supervision from Grounds Working Foreman or employees of higher grade who provide instruction, assign work and review performance through verbal reports and inspection for effectiveness.
DIRECT REPORTING STAFF: May exercise functional supervision (i.e., over certain but not all work activities on a temporary basis) over 1-6 maintenance personnel.
THEIR STAFF: N/A
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Grounds Operations
- Performs routine manual labor in connection with maintenance and beautification of buildings and grounds, such as cutting grass, weeds, brush, cleaning culverts, catch basins, drains, and ditches, loading or unloading trucks, spreading sand and gravel, repairing asphalt and concrete surfaces, repairing curbstones, digging ditches and post holes, setting or removing posts, repairing fences and stone walls, erecting and maintaining signs, seeding and fertilizing lawn areas
- Trims, waters and fertilizes trees, shrubs and ornamental plantings
- Assists in planting flowers and other ornamental plantings
- Sweeps sidewalks and other paved surfaces, rakes lawns, collects and disposes of rubbish found on a State campus
- Erects and dismantles snow fences, shovels snow, sands roads and sidewalks and keeps all paved surfaces free of snow and ice
- Moves furniture and other office equipment from one location to another
- Performs manual labor as assigned in assisting skilled tradesmen such as motor equipment repair foreman, carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers and steamfitters, and masons engaged in maintenance repair and construction work
- Operates the following mechanical equipment, all of which is required in the maintenance of a State University campus: farm and construction tractors with front end loader, flail mower, gang mower and snow plow as interchangeable accessories; riding lawn mowers, self-propelled lawn mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, electric trimmers, light automotive trucks with or without snowplows or road sanders attached, compressors and cement mixers
- Performs routine manual labor in connection with the maintenance and use of athletic fields such as assisting in the layout and marking of baseball, football, soccer, field hockey, softball fields, setting of goal posts and nets, setting up bleachers; mowing, trimming, seeding, fertilizing and watering of lawn areas
- Assists the motor equipment repair foreman in making repairs to their assigned mechanical or motorized equipment when there is a mechanical breakdown
- Cleans and greases their assigned mechanical or motorized equipment on a weekly basis
- Assists with storm preparation and emergency response, including snow and ice removal operations
- Performs basic landscape duties, such as grading, seeding, mulching, erosion control, when heavy equipment is not required, in connection with maintenance and beautification of University grounds and facilities
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Operates heavy power-operated equipment (e.g., backhoes, skid steers, snowplows) to perform excavation, grading, drainage, and repair activities across University grounds and facilities
- Operates vehicles including, but not limited to, dump trucks, snowplows, sanders, sweepers or tractors with mowing, tractor-mounted, or grading attachments to perform seasonal and year-round grounds and roadway maintenance
- Performs inspections and routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment such as lubricating, fueling, cleaning and checking tire pressure, battery charge, fluid levels, brake functions, etc.
- Maintains records and prepares reports related to vehicle use, mileage, incidents, fuel consumption, work performed, inspections, repairs, etc.
- Loads, transports, and unloads material such as furniture, equipment and supplies, mixing and applying materials such as sand, salt, gravel, etc., and ensure proper handling and placement per safety guidelines
- Uses hand-held power tools (i.e., winches, chain saws, jackhammers and grinders) and assists with site preparation, demolition, and construction-related support
- Safety, Inspection, and Compliance
- Ensures compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and University standards in all operations, uses appropriate PPE and participates in job safety briefings
- Identifies equipment issues, coordinates repairs, and makes recommendations for equipment replacements and upgrades
- Inspects work performed by contractors to ensure compliance with project specifications, University standards, and state regulations
- Participates in training and professional development sessions to maintain certifications and stay current on best practices in equipment operation and safety
Supervision and Staff Coordination
- Provides functional guidance and occasional oversight to Grounds staff during specific assignments or projects
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:
- Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
- Skill in using hand-held power tools such as drills, chain saws, etc.
- Skill in using a variety of motorized equipment such as snowblowers, lawnmowers, forklifts, dollies, etc.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to work in a team setting
- Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to climb and work from ladders and scaffolds
- Manual dexterity
- Physical stamina and endurance
- Ability to lead a group of workers
- Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles and heavy power-operated equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction activities
- Knowledge of the types, uses, and characteristics of heavy power-operated equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction activities
- Knowledge of the types and characteristics of motor vehicles
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in the operation of motor vehicles and heavy power-operated equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction activities
- Knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures relative to heavy power-operated equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction activities
- Knowledge of the types and uses of snow removal and ice control equipment
- Knowledge of the types and uses of handheld power tools
- Skill in the operation of motor vehicles and heavy power-operated equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction and maintenance activities
- Ability to operate light automotive trucks, farm and construction tractors, electric and gas driven trimmers, snowblowers, self-propelled and riding lawn mowers and similar maintenance and construction equipment
- Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities
- Ability to read, write and comprehend the English language
- Ability to maintain accurate records
- Ability to exercise sound judgment
- Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency situations
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others
- Ability to deal tactfully with others
- Mechanical aptitude
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON THE JOB:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, schematics, job layouts, etc.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities
- Knowledge of the terminology, codes, standard abbreviations and standard procedures followed in operating mobile radio communication equipment
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) 1 year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in performing manual labor in connection with general construction or maintenance work and B) 2,000 hours of heavy equipment operation (e.g. backhoe, skid steers, snowplow).
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 2A Excavating License issued by the Department of Public Safety or a Class 2B Excavating License and the ability to obtain a Class 2A Excavating License within 12 months
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and eligibility to operate a motor vehicle
REMARKS: This position requires the ability to perform manual labor for extended periods under varying climatic conditions. Position requires employee to be “on-call” at the discretion of Facilities Management to respond to situations that arise during holidays, weekends or evenings after assigned shift hours. The incumbent works under exposure to adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards such as noise, fumes and gases, and lift and carry heavy objects.
Physical Activity - Frequency
Sitting - Occasional
Walking - Frequent
Climbing Stairs - Occasional
Crouching/Bending/Stooping - Constant
Reaching - Constant
Grasping - Constant
Pushing/Pulling - Frequent
Near Vision - Frequent
Far Vision - Frequent
Talking - Occasional
Hearing - Frequent
Smell - Occasional
Lifting/Carrying (30 lbs) - Frequent
Travel - Rare
Frequency Key (hours per day): Never = 0; Rare = up to 1 hour; Occasional = 1 to 3 hours; Frequent = 3 to 6 hours; Constant = 6 to 7 ½ hours.
DEPARTMENT: Grounds
NO. OF POSITIONS: 1
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING: Yes
STATE FUNDED: No
SALARY: $51,708.80-$70,265.78
HOURS: M-F 6 am - 2 pm
GRADE: 13
UNION: AFT Maintainers
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
- And More!
Benefits for AFT Maintainers Union- AFT Maintainers
Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
The deadline for early consideration of internal AFT Maintainer applicants is November 18, 2026.
The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.