Laborer 2, Parks and Forestry Division

Town of Needham; Needham Heights (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid training

Professional development & certs

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Job summary

The Town of Needham is hiring a Laborer 2 in the Parks & Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works. This entry-level role offers on-the-job training, employer-paid training opportunities, and expansive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Work is scheduled Mon-Thu 6:30am-3:30pm and Fri 6:30am-12:30pm, totaling 40 hours weekly. Applicants must have a high school diploma equivalency, MA Driver's License, and a CDL permit with six-month upgrade window.

Qualifications

• General knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Valid MA Driver's License.
• CDL permit required at hire with ability to obtain Class B CDL license within six months of hire.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions and lift, carry, and position heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboring duties alone or in a crew (digging, raking, weeding, lifting, carrying, mowing, trimming, shoveling, cleaning, sweeping, repair work, tree planting).
• Cut and remove severed limbs, dead branches, leaves, and brush.
• Assist in seasonal tasks like assembling/dismantling spectator stands and field/ice rink maintenance.
• Operate vehicles, power equipment, and hand tools; operate a small dump truck.
• Maintain work area and equipment in safe, operable condition per safety rules.
• Participate in Snow & Ice Program; provide backup support for DPW projects.

Skills

Communication

Outdoor work

Lifting heavy objects

Education

High school diploma equivalency

Job description

Description

The Town of Needham is seeking a qualified individual to fill the full-time position of Laborer 2 within the Parks & Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works. This entry-level position is ideal for those looking to grow their career through on-the-job training opportunities while being provided great benefits such as employer-paid training opportunities, professional development and certification opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options, and more. For a full list of benefit offerings, please view the "Benefits" tab at the top of the posting.

More About the Division

The Parks and Forestry Division provides for the care and maintenance of public shade trees, including tree pruning, removal of public trees that are deemed to be hazardous or diseased, and roadside brush control. The division conducts the annual tree planting, maintains parks and athletic fields, provides support for athletic and recreational programs, and maintains the grounds at Ridge Hill Reservation.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 6:30am - 3:30pm; Friday, 6:30am - 12:30pm (40 hours/week)

Please note that the Town has an additional Laborer 2 vacancy in the Water, Sewer and Drains division. Candidates are welcome to apply for both vacancies.

CON #27013

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboring duties, alone or as part of a crew, such as digging, raking, weeding, lifting, carrying, mowing and grass trimming, shoveling, cleaning, sweeping, repair work, and tree planting.
• Cut and remove severed tree limbs, dead branches, leaves, and brush.
• Assist in seasonal responsibilities including assembling and dismantling spectator stands and related equipment, field, and ice-skating rink maintenance.
• Operate and utilize various types of vehicles, power equipment, and hand tools; operate a small dump truck.
• Maintain work area and equipment in safe and operable condition, adhering to all applicable safety and health rules and regulations; maintain general cleanliness and appearance of workspace or facility.
• Mandatory participation in the Snow & Ice Program; may include road treatment, plowing, snow hauling, etc.; provides backup support and assistance for other DPW projects as needed.

Requirements

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• General knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Valid MA Driver's License.
• Must have a Class B CDL permit upon hire with the ability to obtain a Class B CDL license within six months of hire.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions for frequent and extended periods, requiring the ability to lift, carry, and position heavy objects.

Preferred but not Required Qualifications:

• Class 2A, 2B, 1C, or 4G Hoisting Engineer's License
• Class A or B CDL license

Pre-Hire Process:

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including a CDL permit, the Town of Needham conducts pre-employment physicals and drug/alcohol testing and post-employment random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with U.S. DOT Regulations.

Supplemental Information

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at [e-mail].

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [e-mail].