Heavy Equipment Operator I

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Norwich (MA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in Chelsea, MA seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Wastewater Operations. You will operate a variety of heavy equipment and assist mechanics, contributing to safe excavations and maintenance.

Requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Class A CDL, and at least five years of experience with heavy machinery in urban utility work; licenses to be obtained within six months of hire. Mon–Fri schedule.

Qualifications

• Requires valid Class A CDL and substantial experience operating heavy equipment.
• Experience with excavation, valve work, and pipeline installation is preferred.
• Knowledge of safety standards and ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment (backhoe, loader, cranes, excavators, pumps, generators).
• Performs excavations for valve replacement and pipeline installation.
• Assists mechanics with maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Trains peers and enforces safety practices.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

CDL Class A

Heavy equipment operation

Five years experience

Urban utility work

Education

High school diploma or GED

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:

Operates heavy equipment and vehicles.

Posting Period: 9/30/2026 - 10/14/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $1,359.65 - 1,939.41 weekly; $70,701.62 - $100,849.38 annually

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment such as, but not limited to, backhoe, front-end loader, cranes, tractor cab and trailers, excavators, pumps, generators, and pneumatic tools.
• Operates equipment for excavations for valve replacement, pipeline installation, leak repair, and other miscellaneous excavations.
• Installs trench boxes, mechanical shoring systems, and other support systems for the safety of excavations.
• Assists mechanics in the maintenance and repair of heavy vehicles and equipment as needed.
• Promotes and participates in cross-functional work practices.
• Trains peers and subordinates as requested.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED; and
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the maintenance and safe operation of a wide variety of heavy and/or specialized maintenance and construction equipment and vehicles as acquired through at least five (5) years of experience.
• Experience in urban utility excavation, construction, and installation
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment for extended periods in a variety of climatic conditions.

Department of Public Safety Hoisting Engineer's Licenses as follows:

• 1B Hoisting License (Telescoping Boom with Cables Crane and 2A Hoisting License (Front End Loaders, Backhoes & Excavators) required at time of hire.
• 3A Hoisting License (Overhead Cranes and Air or Electric Powered Cranes), 4E Hoisting License (Catch Basin Cleaners), and 4G Hoisting License (Specialty Lawn Mowers) to be obtained within six months of date of hire.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in operating heavy equipment including but not limited to:

• 50-ton Linkbelt crane
• Volvo tracked excavator
• Tractor cab and lowboy trailer
• 10-wheel dumps with tagalong trailer
• Various types of backhoes (JCB, Caterpillar, John Deer)
• Front End Loader
• Truck Mounted crane

• Complete productivity improvement competency-based training program related to ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES as outlined above and successfully demonstrates required competencies.

• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motor vehicles, specialized maintenance and construction equipment, hand tools, hoist, mobile radio, 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 accommodations 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 is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk, hear, sit, climb or balance.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, 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 near moving mechanical parts, is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electric shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud in field settings and loud at other work locations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the departmental Manager or Supervisor.

Exercises close supervision of skilled laborers and laborers as assigned.

Other Position Information

PCR: 5434010

Division: Operations

Department: Wastewater Operations

Union/Grade: NAGE (Unit 3)/Grade 17

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.