Laborer

Smith College; College Place (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA seeks a regular grounds services worker to maintain and improve campus grounds, roads, walkways, and parking lots. The role involves operating vehicles and equipment, performing winter snow removal, and upholding OSHA safety standards.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, 1 year of grounds maintenance experience preferred, a valid driver's license, and the ability to pass a background check.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year grounds maintenance experience preferred.
• Valid driver; license and ability to pass background checks required.

Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim hedges, load trucks, remove debris, snow removal and drive college vehicles.
• Safely operate college equipment for grounds maintenance.
• Safely operate snow plow and snow blower during winter months.
• Follow OSHA safety regulations and participate in safety programs.
• Complete assigned project work and report issues to supervisor.
• Maintain positive relations with the college community.
• Provide back-up staffing and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Good judgment

Oral & written instructions

Operate equipment

OSHA knowledge

Read SDS

Work independently

Team environment

Union contract understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Grounds maintenance experience (1 year)

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail].

Department

Facilities Management

Job Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION(S)

Under the direction of the manager of grounds services or designee, safely maintain, repair and improve campus grounds, roads, walkways and parking lots.

DUTIES

• Must be able to perform general laborers tasks including, but not limited to, mowing lawns, trimming hedges, loading trucks, removing debris, snow removal as well as drive vehicles.
• Must be able to safely operate college equipment and vehicles in the maintenance of campus grounds.
• Must be capable of safely operating snow plow equipment and hand operated snow blower equipment during the winter months as assigned.
• Observe OSHA safety regulations and practices at all times and participate in required safety programs.
• Complete assigned project work.
• Safely drive college equipment and vehicles as assigned.
• Responsible for cleaning equipment/vehicles, inspecting for damage and performing visual check prior to using. Reporting any issues to the supervisor immediately
• Maintain positive public relations with all members of the college community.
• Provide back-up staffing as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver's license. Must complete and comply with all college driving credentialing requirements and obtain DOT certificate, if requested. Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to fifty pounds regularly and up to ninety pounds occasionally. Must be able to bend, walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders and safely operate loaded hand trucks and dollies.
• Driver shall not have a history of moving vehicle violations or vehicle traffic accidents.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email, finance, payroll and calendar systems as well as the work order system.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Education/Experience:

• High school/vocational diploma, GED equivalent or combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1 year (preferred) grounds maintenance experience.

Skills:

• Ability to use good judgment to take appropriate, independent action to carry out the primary functions of the job.
• Must possess the ability to carry out oral and written (electronic) instructions.
• Must be able to safely operate departmental vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to, riding mowers, lawn mowers, hand mowers, snow blowers, snow removal equipment, chainsaws, clippers, and hedge trimmers, demolishing walls, hand digging, hand tools and raking leaves with hand rakes and blowers.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry various types of furnishings, equipment and materials.
• Must be able to kneel, crouch and bend repetitively for extended periods.
• Must possess strong commitment to maintain high standards of maintenance.
• Must have knowledge of OSHA regulations for the safety of the college employees, its users and properties.
• Must demonstrate ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must have a clear understanding of the union contract and all college policies.

Compensation

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $23.55. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.

Position Type

Regular

Review of applications will begin

October 21, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.