Skilled Laborer, Grounds

Bridgewater Bagel & Coffee; Bridgewater (MA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgewater State University is seeking a Skilled Laborer (Grounds) to support grounds keeping and maintain a safe, attractive campus environment for students, faculty and staff. The role emphasizes teamwork, physical stamina, and reliable attendance on a 7:30 am–4:00 pm schedule, Tuesday through Saturday.

The position is essential and AFSCME unit classified, with eligibility for state benefits and a background check. Prior grounds experience and a valid MA Class 3 license are preferred.

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time or equivalent part-time manual labor experience.
• Current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 or higher Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Ability to work in a team setting.
• Proficiency with small hand tools (pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches).
• Proficiency with hand-held power tools (drills, chain saws).
• Experience with motorized equipment (snow blowers, lawn mowers, forklift).
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; good stamina.

Responsibilities

• Perform various manual labor tasks in support of grounds keeping.
• Install and repair signs.
• Rubbish removal and general grounds maintenance: planting, pruning, seeding, weeding, beds care.

Skills

Teamwork

Stamina

Follow instructions

Lift heavy objects

Education

MA Class 3 License

Tools

Hand tools (pliers, hammers, screwdrivers)

Power tools (drills, saws)

Lawn equipment (mowers, snow blowers)

Job description

Position Information

Title

Skilled Laborer, Grounds

Department Summary

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeast Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater’s accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

The mission of the Department of Facilities Management is to create, maintain, and manage a physical environment that enhances teaching, learning, and living; and serves to support our campus constituents and our region through responsible stewardship of resources.

Position Summary

This position will provide the opportunity to contribute to student success by supporting the work of grounds keeping ultimately contributing a campus that promotes learning and living for a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. BSU embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will foster an inclusive environment that supports students, faculty and staff from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

The primary responsibilities of the Skilled Laborer (Grounds) is to perform various manual labor tasks in support of the work of grounds keeping.

TOUR OF DUTY:

• 7:30 am – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday – Saturday (Sunday and Monday as days off)
• (Subject to Change)
• Location: BSU Campus Wide
• This is an essential position.

This is an AFSCME unit position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.

*Initial assignment only. Subject to change according to institutional needs.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate employment eligibility in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

• Perform various manual labor tasks in support of the work of grounds keeping:
• Install and repair signs
• Perform various external maintenance tasks including rubbish removal; maintain grounds by planting, transplanting, raking leaves, pruning trees and shrubs, seeding lawns, weeding, maintaining flower beds, etc.
• Perform snow removal and ice control duties
• Perform related work as required

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least six months of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in performing manual labor in connection with construction or maintenance work.
• Current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 or higher Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Ability to work in team setting.
• Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
• Skill in using hand-held power tools such a drills, chain saws, etc.
• Skill in using a variety of motorized equipment such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, forklift, dollies, etc.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Physical stamina and endurance.

State Job Specifications are available in the Human Resources Office or on the Human Resources website -https://jobs.bridgew.edu/

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous landscaping and snow removal experience
• Ability to deal tactfully with students, faculty and staff
• Previous Grounds Work

please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Recommended candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical as a condition of employment.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Type

Position Type AFSCME Classified

Salary Range

Salary Range $1,740.88 bi-weekly (Grade 10 - Step 1)

Posting Number

Posting Number S01349P

Open Date

Open Date 09/01/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/15/2026

Open Until Filled No

Open Until Filled No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you currently a member of a collective bargaining unit that governs employment at Massachusetts State Universities?
  • AFSCME
  • APA
  • MSCA
  • Other

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bridgewater State University is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.