Co-op Program Machine Shop Assistant

MWRA; Winthrop (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

MWRA is seeking a student or trainee to assist in a precision machine shop on Deer Island (Winthrop, MA). The role involves setting up and operating machines to fabricate and repair parts from various materials, following blueprints and models, and performing basic maintenance under supervision.

The position offers a Monday–Friday schedule, with hours from 7:00am to 3:00pm, and requires eligibility to work in Massachusetts, a valid MA driver’s license, and minimum 18 years of age.

Qualifications

• Ability to read blueprint sketches, work orders, and specifications to set up and operate machine shop equipment.
• Safety training in handling staging, rigging, and material handling as required by MWRA.
• Wamiliarity with basic reading, writing, math, science, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate various machine tools to fabricate/repair parts per blueprints and specs.
• Plan and lay out work from blueprints and models.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on machine shop tools and equipment.
• Obtain necessary parts through established MWRA procedures.
• Perform light maintenance on CNC and other machine shop equipment.
• Inspect and troubleshoot systems and equipment.
• Modify or align existing equipment to specifications.
• Operate portable pumping or ventilation equipment to prepare work areas.
• Install safety rails and maintain work area safety.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Massachusetts Driver's License

Age 18+

Education

Vocational Trades High School program

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary

Assists in the performance skilled precision machine shop duties in the planning, machine set-up, and works with Machinists and Toolmakers operating a variety of machine tools fabricating complex parts and / or repair equipment, tools or devices.

Posting Period: 9/4/2026 to 10/2/2026

Location: Deer Island (Winthrop), MA

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:00pm *Workdays or weeks will alternate with school days or weeks as agreed between the students, MWRA and Vocational School.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Unit Supervisor - Machining, sets-up and operates various machines and tools in the machine shop, for the fabrication, shape and repair or finish machinery parts from raw materials such as brass, iron, plastics, steel and stainless steel, and other alloys.
• Planning and laying out work from blueprints, sketches, work orders, model of part or other specifications.
• Performs preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance or machine shop tools and equipment under the guidance of the Unit Supervisor,
• Obtains necessary parts through established procedures.
• Performs light maintenance on CNC and / or other Machine Shop equipment.
• Inspects and troubleshoots various systems and equipment
• Modifies and/or aligns existing equipment to specifications.
• Operates portable pumping and/or ventilation equipment to prepare a work area for access.
• Installs safety rails.
• Removes snow from immediate work area.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Completed at least one- and one-half years of full-time study in the career technical cooperative program area and reached midway through junior year in a Vocational Trades High School or other qualifying career technical education program as set forth in MGL Chapter 74.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the Winthrop Deer Island Facility.
• Must be at least 18 years of age due to equipment being used.

Knowledge And Abilities

• Some knowledge of and ability to read blueprint sketches, work orders, models, or other specifications to assist in the set up and operation of a wide variety of machine shop equipment to fabricate complex parts to specified precise dimensions. Basic reading, writing, mathematical, scientific and oral communication skills.
• A working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety practices common to trade, to include the satisfactory completion of MWRA safety training in safe techniques for the use of staging, rigging, and material handling equipment.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motor vehicles, power and hand tools, mobile radio, and telephone.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee occasionally is required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside-weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is very loud in field settings, and moderately loud at other work locations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Unit Supervisor - Machining.

Other Position Information

PCR: I2988002

Division: Operations

Department: Maintenance, Deer Island

Union/Grade: Non-Union/Temporary

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

Salary: $18.00 per hour

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