Heavy Equipment Operator - Cemetery

Heavy Equipment Operator – Cemetery

Westwood Department of Public Works

Westwood seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to join the Cemetery Division within the Department of Public Works. The ideal candidate will proficiently and safely operate a diverse range of heavy equipment in the operation of Public Works vehicles and heavy equipment related to cemetery projects. The position works under the general direction of the Cemetery Foreman and/or Senior Working Foreman.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Maintains the grounds in two town cemeteries using a variety of light and heavyweight motor equipment, e.g., back hoe, front-end loader, mini-excavator, salt truck, asphalt roller, dump truck, and mowers.

• Skillfully utilizes a variety of hand and power tools, including jackhammers, chain saws, blowers, trimmers and weed whackers and other landscaping equipment.

• Prepares graves for funeral services and assists funeral home personnel with burial services at the cemetery. Makes frequent contact with various town departments, families, funeral directors and monument companies.

• Carefully and efficiently operates specialized heavy equipment maintaining a safe work environment.

• Assists with DPW projects as needed, such as: repair and maintain roadways; patch potholes; build and repair curbs and sidewalks; repair/construct catch basins and drainage systems; excavate and backfill trenches; repair road signs; street sweeping; tree removal, collect/dispose of leaves and refuse; and clear brush along roadways and in the public right-of-way.

• Cooperatively contributes to seasonal needs by operating vehicles to remove roadway snow, spreads salt and scrapes ice; assists in emergency highway repairs and other Public Works related emergency repairs. Provides on-call service during snow emergencies.

• May assist the Assistant Public Works Director with the sale of graves.

Qualifications and experience:

• High School graduate or equivalent; 3 years of experience in Public Works construction and maintenance activities, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of cemetery operations. Ability to utilize the materials and techniques required for Public Works construction, maintenance and repair projects. Functional understanding of heavy motor equipment operation and mechanics.
• Massachusetts Class B/Commercial Driver’s License required. Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer’s license required, 2A preferred, 2B and 4G required, or the ability to obtain required licenses within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor under varying weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable working in cemetery operations and possess a high level of professionalism with respect to the sensitive nature of funeral services.
• Must successfully pass a background check and drug screen.

What we offer:

• Full time, 40-hours per week benefit-eligible, union position.
• Annual salary range $71,011 - $81,577 in 8 steps with ample overtime opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefit package and generous time off allowances.

Apply By: Posting open until filled.