OMC Laborer-In-Training

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Weston (MA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

MWRA, a mission-driven agency delivering high-quality drinking water to millions, is hiring a general Laborer in the Western Division. This role supports operations, maintenance and trades staff with routine and skilled manual tasks in a heavy industrial setting.

The position offers a clear career path: starting at Grade 11 with CDL Class B after 12 months, a Monday–Friday schedule, and opportunities to contribute to essential public works and water infrastructure under supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Must possess a current valid Class D Driver's License.
• Must obtain a valid Massachusetts Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 12 months.
• Subject to MWRA testing policy and random drug testing once CDL is obtained.
• Position designated as essential during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Performs tasks requiring some specialized skill in maintenance and operation of equipment not CDL-dependent.
• Assists skilled trades staff in construction, maintenance and repair work.
• Assists in valve operations, pipeline construction and maintenance, including digging and caulking.
• Assists in upkeep of MWRA equipment, structures and facilities.
• Transports material, loads/unloads, and works as part of a multi-crew as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Tool use

Vehicle operation

Manual labor

Reading and writing

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic hand tools

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

Performs routine and skilled manual tasks as assigned. Assists operations, maintenance and skilled trades staff as required. May be required for overtime in extended workday and emergency situations. May be required for regular, on-call rotations.

Posting Period

Posting Period: 9/22/2026 to 10/5/2026 Location: Norembega, MA Salary: $54,299.33 Annually; $1,044.22 Weekly *Grade 11 full range is $54,299.33 - $75,046.66 Annually *Moves to Grade 13 upon obtaining CDL Class \"B\" driver's license (rate retroactive to hire date) Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Performs tasks requiring some specialized skill in the maintenance and operation of equipment that does not require a CDL license such as pickup trucks, pump trucks, tractors, mowers, pumps, generators and pneumatic tools, cement mixers, air compressors, snow removal equipment, sewer maintenance equipment, etc.
• Performs manual tasks requiring some specialized skill or knowledge in assisting skilled tradesmen engaged in construction, maintenance and repair work, including minor adjustments and repair of equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with valve operations, pipeline construction and maintenance such as cleaning culverts and drains, digging ditches, spreading asphalt, caulking lead joints, and assisting in valve installations, repair of valves and pipeline under pressure 6\" to 72\" in diameter and the chlorination of water mains.
• Gases, oils and greases trucks, automobiles and miscellaneous grounds maintenance equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with building and grounds maintenance work such as grass cutting, shoveling snow, repair of fences, disposing of trash and maintaining general building cleanliness.
• Assists personnel of a higher grade in all aspects of plant maintenance and repairs, including but not limited to diesel engine overhaul, positive displacement pump overhaul and repair, centrifugal pump overhaul and repair, re-chaining of grit channels and sedimentation tanks and building concrete structures.
• Assists in the repair of electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Assists in upkeep and cleaning of MWRA equipment, structures and facilities such as screen chambers, tidegates and regular chambers.
• Assists in the handling and storage of stock, loads, unloads, moves and transports material, equipment, freight and supplies.
• Works as a member of a multi-crew, as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Basic reading, writing, mathematical, scientific, and oral communications skills as normally attained through a high school diploma or GED; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a current valid Class D Driver's License.
• Must obtain a valid Massachusetts Class \"B\" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 12 months.
• Will be subject to the MWRA Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Policy and the random drug-testing program once employee has acquired the CDL license.
• 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.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the use of common tools and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to operate various types of vehicles and equipment including light automotive trucks and equipment, , pickup trucks, tractors and power-driven grounds maintenance equipment as allowed under a Class \"D\" driver's license
• Ability to perform manual labor of semi-skilled nature, use/make minor repairs to small tools and simple mechanical equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the operation and maintenance of facilities.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, under varying climatic conditions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motor vehicle, power and hand tools, mobile radio, telephone, beeper.

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 occasionally required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds with mechanical assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, 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 in outside weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is very loud in field settings, and moderately loud at other work locations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of a foreman or supervisor. May shadow an OMC Laborer or other employee as directed.

Other Position Information

PCR: 3394081

Division: Operations

Department: Western General

Union/Grade: AFSCME (Unit 2)/Grade 11

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.