Equipment Operator - Lands & Natural Resources

JOB TITLE:  Equipment Operator - Lands & Natural Resources

LOCATION: Duxbury DPW- Lands and Natural Resources

POSITION GRADE/LEVEL: Grade 4

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt, full-time, benefit eligible

RATE RANGE:  $24.98 - $32.40 per hour, in 8 steps

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, plus additional hours as participation in Town-wide weather or emergency operations required.

SUPERVISION: Supervising Foreman/Aerial lift Operator

NUMBER OF OPENINGS: 1

Qualifications: High School diploma or G.E.D. with two (2) years of full time work experience and considerable, demonstrable knowledge and skill relative to practices, methods, and procedures regarding safety devices and equipment.

Special Requirements:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License 
• 2B and 4G Hydraulics
• Class B CDL 

Benefits:

• 75% town/25% employee paid: health insurance; Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO & HMO plans
• Defined benefit pension
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation, personal, and sick time
• Clothing and Cleaning Allowance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending account

1.  Nature of Work:  Assists supervisor in any and all phases of the work, performs skilled wok as determined and assigned by supervisor for the Town's Lands and Natural Resources function.  Makes frequent contact with co-workers and residents requiring calm, clear and courteous communication.

2.  Supervision Received:  Works under the general supervision of the Lands and Natural Resources supervisors.  Operates equipment based on supervisor's general instructions who reviews performance for skill and efficiency and assist in cases of difficulty. 

3.  Supervisory Responsibility:  Supervises temporary or seasonal employees as assigned.

4.  Confidentiality:  Employee has regular access to confidential information of the department.  Confidentiality must be maintained with regard to this information and in accordance with Department Policy and the Public Records Act.

5.  Accountability:  Consequences or errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs, personal injury, jeopardize programs, and danger to public health/safety.

6.  Judgment:  Guidelines may be given verbally, or through administrative or organizational policies or directives.  Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in performing tasks to avoid breakdowns, handle emergency situations and ensure public and environmental safety.

7.  Complexity:  The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to the Lands and Natural Resources function.

8.  Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Employee interacts frequently with Town employees and the public.  Excellent customer service skills are required involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

9.  Essential Functions:  The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position:

1. Uses extensive knowledge and skill in the operation of trucks, equipment, and automobiles used in the various divisional work assignments.

2. Suggests modification to equipment for more sage and efficient operation.

3. Removes and prunes trees, chips debris and performs tasks related to the care and maintenance of Town owned lands. 

4. Performs routine tasks in connection with care, upkeep, repair, marking and beautification of conservation land, highway and roads, such as but not limited to using and operating landscaping equipment and power tools, cutting grass, weeds and brush.

5. May be required to  clean culverts, catch basins, drains and ditches; load and unload trucks and cars; spread sand or gravel.

6. Accepts deliveries of supplies and equipment.

7. Assists in training new employees in performing assigned duties.

8. Assists with grounds maintenance work at all facilities including mowing, string trimming, chain sawing, leaf and brush removal. 

9. Participates in operation and ordinary maintenance of equipment, instructs employees in the correct and proper usage and keeps daily records of maintenance completed.

10. Performs similar tasks as assigned, including functions of those in a lower classification.

11. Cross trains with other Department employees.

12. Is available for overtime and call backs in the event of emergencies.

13. Participates in town-wide snow and ice removal operations.

10.  Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of full time work experience and considerable, demonstrable knowledge and skill relative to practices, methods, and procedures regarding safety devices and equipment, such as chain saws, chippers and other related equipment.  Must have extensive tree and natural resources knowledge, physical ability, agility, tree climbing, rope use, chain saw, in the tree and proper harness skills as well as prior and demonstrable ability to supervise and motivate other employees, deal effectively with fellow employees, supervisors and the general public or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements:  Must possess valid Massachusetts Driver's License, 2B and 4G Hydraulics and CDL Class B licenses. 

11.  Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

1. Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to tree and grounds care/operations.

2. Considerable and demonstrable skill, including those required of subordinate employees, in the use of tools and the operation of equipment required in the performance of tree and grounds care/work.

3. Ability to deal appropriately and harmoniously with public officials, the general public, supervisors and co-workers.

12.  Work Environment:  The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, or grease.  Work is performed indoors and outdoors during inclement weather conditions.

13.  Occupational Risks:  Duties regularly present potential risks of injuries from improper exposure that could result in loss of time from work.  Examples of injuries include muscular strains and falls from heights.  Special safety precautions, training, or protective clothing such as chaps, gloves, glasses, hats, helmets or boots will be required/provided.

14.  Physical and Mental Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Demands:  Work requires regular physical strength and effort daily, such as, lifting/dragging heavy objects up to 50 lbs. (or more in cases of emergency and/or with assistance), carrying objects and stacking them.  In addition, pulling, pushing, standing, or walking for the full workday may be involved.

15.  Motor Skills:  Duties involve close hand and eye coordination and physical dexterity.  Manipulation and motor control may require extreme accuracy.

16.  Visual Demands:  Visual demands include reading documents for general understanding, routinely reviewing non-written materials such as machinery and the need for color vision.

Posting begins September 25, 2025 and will remain open until filled.