Maintenance Equipment Operator I

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About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.


Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.


Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member


You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.


Our Values


Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.

• Embrace Diversity - We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
• Maintain Excellence and Integrity - We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
• Collaborate with Each Other - We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
• Provide Accessible Education - We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
• Build a Strong Community - We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
• Engage the Outside Community - We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Maintenance Equipment Operator I

State Job Title: Maintenance Equipment Operator I

Department: Facilities and Operations

Job Code: H13X33

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Funding: 7115-6001

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Timeframe: 52 Weeks

Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Supervision Received: Receives direct and indirect supervision from the Director of Facilities and Operations, Building Maintenance Supervisor I, Grounds, the Head of Grounds, and from other grounds workers or other employees of higher grade while assigned to grounds projects.

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $1,932.56 Bi-Weekly


Working Conditions:


Maintenance Equipment Operators: works under exposure to adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards such as noise, fumes and gases; in the performance of duties one may be required to endure physical stamina and endurance alongside manual dexterity and the ability to lift and/or move heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) for prolonged periods of time; work from ladders and scaffolds; may be required to climb trees and operate motor vehicles; work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights, and may be subject to a standby (on call) work status.


General Statement of Duties:


The Maintenance Equipment Operator I operates heavy equipment used in excavating, grading, and other activities; performs grounds keeping and snow removal duties using various types of hand tools and motorized equipment; inspects equipment and performs some maintenance procedures; assists trades personnel.



Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

• Operates front-end loader to load trucks and to construct and maintain University grounds, including athletic fields and roads, and to assist with snow removal, tree work, and other projects.
• Uses pay-loader to move University-owned equipment, property, furniture, trash.
• Operates chainsaw to clear trees and brush on University property.
• Uses power equipment to perform grounds keeping duties: spreads fertilizer; mows lawns; trims edging; grooms baseball, softball, and tennis courts; uses pesticides for weed control; reseeds lawns; lays turf; blows grass clippings.
• Repairs roads; installs sidewalks; sands roads and walks; plows snow.
• Picks up trash; empties trash barrels; hauls debris.
• Transplants trees and shrubs; prunes trees; clears brush; rakes leaves; plants flowers.
• Inspects equipment, tools, trucks, and tractors; performs preventive maintenance and makes minor repairs.
• Maintains and repairs lawn irrigation systems.
• Assists other trades personnel, such as electricians, carpenters, and painters.
• Uses heavy equipment owned by University while working in cooperation with outside contractors hired for special projects.
• Assist with setup of outside events including, but not limited to relocation of tables, chairs, tents, fire pits or any other required equipment as needed.
• See also the Massachusetts Department of Personnel Administration Job Specifications for Maintenance Equipment Operator Series at this link:

Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of motor vehicles.
• Skill in the operation of motor vehicles and heavy power-oriented equipment used in excavating, grading and related construction and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of the types, uses, and characteristics of heavy equipment used in excavating, grading, and related construction activities.
• 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 hand held power tools.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of snow removal and ice control equipment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to make decisions and act quickly in emergency situations.
• Skill in using hand held power tools, such as trimmers, power tools, chain saws, and other tools of the trade.
• 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 follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Manual dexterity.
• Physical stamina and endurance.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

• Knowledge and understanding of departmental, University and state rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines and the ability to apply them to unit activities.
• Ability to use tools and equipment available at the institution required to perform the duties of the position.
• Familiarity with assigned area.
• Knowledge of the specific laws, rules, and regulations regarding safety in the workplace and the handling of hazardous materials.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• At least two years of full-time experience in greens keeping, landscaping, grounds keeping, park maintenance, or tree maintenance work.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

• Valid and current driver's license (Class D).
• Current and valid 2B hoisting license or above issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.

Additional Information:

Salary:


Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage .


Employee Benefits:


Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage .

Disability Accommodations


Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.


Background Check


Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Application Instructions:

An online application is required . A resume and cover letter may be attached but this is not required.


Deadline: Review of applications will begin May 25, 2026. The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalist have been selected.


Please Note:
Each newly posted position includes a 90-day interval between the posting date and the anticipated start date. This allows time for the full recruitment process, including application review, interviews, and final hiring approvals.


If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk . The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.
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