Laborer 2 (Parks & Forestry)

Town of Needham; Needham Heights (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Needham is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Laborer 2 in the Parks & Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works. This entry-level role offers on-the-job training and potential career growth, including advancement to a higher grade after probation, obtaining a Class B CDL, and a satisfactory six-month performance review.

Employees enjoy benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid training, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• General knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
• Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift/carry heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboring duties such as digging, raking, mowing, and tree planting.
• Cut and remove branches and brush; operate tools and light equipment.
• Support seasonal responsibilities including stands, field and rink maintenance.
• Maintain safe work areas and comply with safety rules and regulations.
• Assist in backup DPW projects as needed.

Skills

Effective communication

Outdoor work in all weather

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma equivalence

Job description

The Town of Needham is seeking interested candidates to fill the full-time position of Laborer 2 within the Parks & Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works.

This entry-level position offers opportunities for on-the-job training and potential career growth, including the opportunity to advance to a higher grade following successful completion of probation, attainment of a CDL, and a satisfactory performance review after a six-month period. Employees also enjoy great benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid training, and professional development opportunities. For a full list of benefits, 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 Wednesday, November 18, 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].