Laborer 2, Water, Sewer & Drains Division

Town of Needham; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Needham in Massachusetts is seeking a Laborer 2 in the Water, Sewer, and Drains Division of the Department of Public Works. This entry‑level role supports operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems, hydrants, meters, and related infrastructure, with opportunities for training and certification.

Typical duties include digging, lifting, loading materials, and assisting equipment operation while adhering to safety rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 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, with lifting and carrying heavy objects.

Responsibilities

• Assists in installing, repairing, and maintaining sewer pipes, water mains, hydrants, and related components.
• Performs routine laboring duties such as digging, lifting, carrying, and cleaning.
• Operates motor vehicles and equipment as needed and ensures equipment is maintained.
• Unloads, loads, and moves materials and assists in inventory management.
• Maintains a safe, clean work area and adheres to safety regulations.
• Participates in the Snow & Ice Program as required and supports other DPW projects.

Job description

The Town of Needham is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Laborer 2 within the Water, Sewer, and Drains Division of the Department of Public Works. This position supports the operation and maintenance of the Town’s Water, Sewer and Drain systems including water supply, storage, metering, treatment, and distribution.

This entry‑level position is ideal for those looking to grow their career 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.

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 Parks and Forestry division. Candidates are welcome to apply for both vacancies.

CON #27013

• Assists in installing, repairing, and maintaining sewer pipes, storm drainpipes, drain culverts, water mains, associated services and hydrants; reads, installs, removes and dismantles interior and exterior water meters, and cleans storm drains, sewers, catch basins, manholes, and associated pipes.
• Performs routine laboring duties, alone or as part of a crew, such as digging, raking, weeding, lifting, carrying, grass cutting, shoveling, removing brush or trash, cleaning, sweeping, light painting, repair work, or tasks of similar complexity.
• Operates motor vehicles and equipment necessary for completion of projects; performs labor incidental to the work of operating equipment or other laboring tasks when required; ensures that all equipment is ready for operation at all times and ensures normal servicing is performed properly.
• Unloads, loads, and moves materials, equipment, and supplies and may assist in storing and sorting inventory.
• Maintains 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 DPW’s Snow & Ice Program; may include road treatment, plowing, snow hauling, snow removal, etc.; provides backup support and assistance for other DPW projects as needed.

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 2B and 1C Hoisting Engineer’s License
• Water meter knowledge and experience

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 testing and post‑employment random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with U.S. DOT Regulations.

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].