In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 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 Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.
Job Description:
Campus Title: Maintenance Equipment Operator I State Job Title: Maintenance Equipment Operator I Department: Grounds Job Code: H13X33 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Funding: 7115-0100 Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Job Type: Full-Time Timeframe: 52 Weeks Shift: Wednesday- Sunday 7:00 a.m -3:30 p.m. Regular Days Off: Monday and Tuesday Supervision Received: Receives direct and indirect supervision from the Building Maintenance Supervisor I - Grounds, and the Head of Grounds. Supervision Exercised: None Salary: 1,563.48 Bi-Weekly
Working Conditions:
Maintenance Equipment Operators work under exposure to adverse weather conditions and environmental hazards such as noise, fumes and gases; lift and carry heavy objects; may work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, 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.
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 Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator's license; Current and valid hoisting license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.
Additional Information:
Salary: For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.
Disability Accommodations: Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.
Background Check: Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.
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 December 26, 2020. The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalist have been selected.
NOTE: 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. Westfield State University provides equal access to employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies.
In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The University is dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.
