Special Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Utilities (R6 SHMEO) - Water, Utilities (R6 SHMEO) - Sewer

Job Title

Works under the general supervision of a Working Foreman. Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently, with specific instruction. Any questionable cases are referred to the supervisor for clarification or interpretation. Work is reviewed only to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed.

Responsibilities

• Operates various equipment and vehicles (grade all, back hoe, excavators, bobcats, front-end loaders, crane truck, asphalt paver, vactor etc.) used to excavate, load, haul, place, and store material; ensures the safety of people exposed while excavating, and ensures all safety precautions are followed while performing work.
• Keeps account of all activities as required.
• Drives trucks and plows snow, operates sander and other vehicles and equipment as assigned.
• Performs a CDL circle check, lubricates, adds oil, inflates tires and otherwise services equipment to ensure proper operation, reports any malfunctions to supervisor, and may assist in making minor repairs and maintenance.
• Participates in snow and ice removal operations and other emergencies as declared by the City
• Performs similar or related duties as required by supervisor.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; three to five (3-5) years of prior experience in truck driving and equipment operation; or an equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license
• Must have a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with hydraulic/hoisting endorsements that is applicable to all department equipment.
• Class A CDL preferred
• Must have knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and power train systems
• Must have knowledge of construction and/or landscaping methods and materials associated with the respective department
• Must have knowledge of truck driving and small equipment operating practices and procedures
• Must have knowledge of occupational safety precautions
• Must be able to perform duties safely and efficiently
• Must be able to operate heavy trucks in a safe manner in accordance with department safety guidelines
• Must be able to detect mechanical problems, maintain vehicles and equipment, and help perform minor repairs as needed
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical work over a period of time as detailed in the Job Description, which includes lifting, carrying, and placing heavy objects often under adverse weather conditions

Company Description

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

Newton has what is known as a "strong Mayor" form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody's Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

As an employer, the City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton's diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees