Heavy Equipment Operator - Highway

Westford; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Westford is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the DPW - Highway division. The role requires operating heavy equipment, performing road and drainage maintenance, snow removal, and related duties to support municipal infrastructure.

Applicants must possess a CDL Class B with Hoisting License (2B), hydraulic equipment experience, and a valid safety record. Must be available for on-call snow emergencies and report within one hour of notice.

Qualifications

• Requires hydraulic equipment operation experience.
• Experience with snow removal operations.
• HS education; two years operating large trucks/equipment; OSHA safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Excavation of sites.
• Repair of roads and sidewalks.
• Grading of town dirt roads.
• Installation and cleaning of drainage lines; catch basins.
• Maintains waterways and roadside cleanup.
• Snow removal and street cleaning.

Skills

Hydraulic license

Front-end loader

Snow removal

High school diploma

Education

High School Diploma

CDL Class B with Hoisting License (2B)

Job description

Job Opportunities

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Position Title: Heavy Equipment Operator - Highway Hours Per Week: 40 hrs./week Previous Rev. Date: October 2006
Current Rev. Date: February 2019

Reports To: DPW Director, Assistant DPW Director, Highway Operations Manager, Crew Supervisor(s) Department:DPW - Highway Location: DPW, Town of Westford

Band/Step/Wage: $28.91 - $33.71 per hour (Step 1-6) in accordance with the WPWA union pay table depending on qualifications and experience. Approximate Start Date:As soon as possible Position Posted: 09/25/ 2026
Please reference requisition #27-596-DPW Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the DPW Director, Assistant DPW Director, and Highway Operations Manager, and Crew Supervisor(s) perform duties relative to the repair and maintenance of the Town infrastructure, including streets and sidewalks; buildings and grounds; recreation facilities; and cemeteries, including snow removal. For those employees assigned to Parks, Grounds & Cemeteries their duties fall under the administrative direction of the Parks Operations Manager. Must be able to report to work within 1 (one) hour of notice for emergencies including snowstorms, icy roads and other conditions. This position is a Public Works First Responder and is required to respond to town, state, and federal activations as required.

• Excavation of sites.
• Repair of roads and sidewalks.
• Grading of town dirt roads.
• Installation and cleaning of drainage lines, installation and repair of catch basins.
• Maintains and cleans waterways, clearing them of debris.
• Roadside mowing and cleanup.
• Maintenance of Town grounds and buildings.
• Maintenance and grooming of athletic fields, plantings, and trails.
• Snow removal and street cleaning.
• Required to be on-call for snow and other emergencies.
• Operates vehicles, small engine equipment, hand tools and heavy equipment.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Prior experience with equipment requiring a Hydraulic License and the ability to operate a front-end loader is required. Successful experience in snow removal operations is also required. High School Education, two years experience in the operation of large trucks and equipment. Experience in tree and lawn care work r nursery operations, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be knowledgeable of all job-related OSHA and other safety procedures and regulations.

Education, Training, Special Licensure/Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid CDL Class B driver’s license with a Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Hoisting License (minimum 2B) and a good driving record is required. Must obtain, and maintain if applicable, any FEMA, NIMS, IC 100, IC 700, etc. as required or mandated by federal standards.

Contacts (boards & committees, vendors, general public, etc.): Comes in daily contact with the general public, other Town employees and the Highway administrative staff.

Supervisory Responsibility (Include Positions Supervised): N/A

Responsibility for Operating Budget: N/A

Primary Physical Requirements:*Use F for Frequently, O for Occasionally, R for Rarely, N for Never

Primary Physical Requirements Other Physical Considerations

LIFT up to 10 lbs.: F Twisting: F

LIFT 10 to 50 lbs.: F Bending: F

LIFT over 50 lbs.: F Squatting: F

CARRY up to 10 lbs.: F Kneeling: F

CARRY 10 to 50 lbs.: F Crouching: F

CARRY over 50 lbs.: F PUSH/PULL:

DURING AN 8 HOUR DAY, EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO: WORK SURFACE(S): Desktop/Computer Table, Stationary & Rolling Office Chair, Carpeted & Linoleum Floored Offices, Stairs and Elevators, Public Work station

Consecutive Hours Total Hours

Sit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Stand: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 3 4 5 6 7 8

Walk: 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 1 23 4 5 6 7 8

Summary of Occupational Exposures: Work is performed outdoors including regular exposure to adverse weather conditions, and periodic exposure to accidental injury sufficiently serious to result in occupational disability.

Note: The purpose of this job description is to provide an outline of the more significant work elements of the position and to organize and present the information in a standard manner. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole basis for Human Resource decisions and actions.