Skilled Laborer (Groundskeeper) - Framingham State University

Framingham State University; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Framingham State University seeks a Skilled Laborer to perform a variety of manual labor tasks in support of skilled trades. Duties include digging, setting curbing, installing signs, and maintaining grounds, with snow removal and ice control during winter.

The role requires using small hand tools and power tools, operating basic machinery, and teamwork in an outdoor setting. This full-time, non-exempt position is in Framingham, MA, within the AFSCME bargaining unit and offers an annual base

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time or equivalent part-time experience performing manual labor in construction or maintenance.
• Ability to operate small hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to work in teams, lift heavy objects, stand for long periods, and work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual labor tasks to assist skilled tradesmen (carpenters, plumbers, painters, masons, etc.).
• Digs trenches, prepares surfaces, and installs/repairs curbing and signs as required.
• Maintains grounds, seeds lawns, trims plants, and performs snow removal and ice control duties.

Skills

Small hand tools

Power tools

Motorized equipment

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Location: Framingham, MA Category: Staff JobType: Full-time Non-Exempt Posted On: Wed Sep 9 2026Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Incumbents of positions in this series perform various manuallabor tasks in support of the work of skilled tradesmen andcraftsmen; dig and back-fill excavations and level earth to grade;shore excavations; set and repair curbing; install and repairsigns; maintain grounds by pruning trees and shrubs, seeding lawns,etc.; perform snow removal and ice control duties; and performrelated work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to perform various manualtasks requiring some specialized skill and the use of hand tools ingeneral construction and maintenance activities. Please see thefull Skilled Laborer classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Incumbents of positions at this level receive direct supervisionfrom employees of higher grade who provide instruction, assign workand review performance through verbal reports and inspection foreffectiveness.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Incumbents of positions at this level may exercise functionalsupervision (i.e., over certain but not all work activities, orover some or all work activities on a temporary basis)

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs various manual labor tasks requiring some specializedskills to assist in the work of skilled tradesmen and craftsmensuch as carpenters, plumbers, painters, masons, etc.
2. Performs various manual tasks in connection with theinstallation of drainage, sewer and/or water pipelines or conduitssuch as positioning, joining and sealing pipe sections and culvertsand erecting and removing shoring and bracing for trenches andexcavations.
3. Digs trenches and similar excavations, refills excavations,spreads and levels to grade dirt, gravel and other materials usingpick and shovel.
4. Sets and repairs curbing, patches broken or eroded pavement bybreaking surface and mixing and applying a variety of pavingmaterials such as mortar, concrete, cement, etc. using small handand hand-held power tools to maintain roadways and sidewalks in asafe condition.
5. Installs, repairs, and maintains signs such as regulatory,historic and information signs by performing such tasks as diggingholes and installing supports using a variety of small hand andhand-held power tools.
6. Plants, transplants, prunes, trims and fertilizes trees,flowers and shrubs; seeds lawns and gardens; sprays for insects andplant diseases; and performs related tasks such as cutting grass,raking leaves and watering trees, shrubs and flowers as requiredfor the upkeep and beautification of public grounds.
7. Services and makes routine repairs and adjustments toautomobiles, trucks and other motorized equipment includingchanging and repairing tires, replacing headlights and windshieldwiper blades , testing batteries using battery tester and checkingradiator water levels.
8. Installs attachments such as mowers, plow blades, leaf catcherbuckets and vacuum cleaner to tractors and/or trucks to equipvehicles for grass cutting, roadway cleaning, snow removal,etc.
9. Performs various manual tasks in connection with snow removaland ice control work including shoveling snow using shovel and/orsnow blower, spreading salt and sand and scraping/breaking ice inorder to provide safe roadways and sidewalks for motorists andpedestrians.
10. Loads and unloads trucks; unpacks and stores supplies andequipment in stockrooms, storerooms or warehouses; and takesperiodic inventories of supplies and equipment.
11. Performs related duties such as sharpening tools, installing,repairing and painting guardrails; assisting in erecting anddismantling wall partitions; moving furniture and equipment;sweeping, collecting and removing rubbish; and opening cloggedcatch basins, sewer lines, etc.
12. Based on assignment, may perform various manual labor tasks inconnection with fish and game conservation activities.
13. Based on assignment, may operate motor vehicle including lightvehicles and trucks and/or snow and ice control equipment, skatingrink resurfacers and outboard motor boats in connection withassigned unit activities.
14. Based on assignment, may operate camping registration offices,issue admission tickets, receive receipts and maintain simplerecords.
15. Based on assignment, may patrol facility during open hours toprevent theft and vandalism, enforce safety rules and regulationsand ensure the general cleanliness of the facility andgrounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Skilled Laborers may work outdoors in all types of weather; liftand carry heavy objects; work under exposure to heavy traffic, highnoise levels, etc.; may work varied shifts, nights, weekends andholidays; and may work with or be exposed to hazardous materials orchemicals.

This position is designated as essential and is required toperform snow and ice cleanup.

Job Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have at least six months of full-time, orequivalent part-time, experience in performing manual labor inconnection with general construction or maintenance work.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers,screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
2. Skill in using hand-held power tools such a drills, chain saws,etc.
3. Skill in using a variety of motorized equipment such as snowblowers, lawn mowers, forklift, dollies, etc.
4. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
5. Ability to work in a team setting.
6. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
7. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
8. Ability to climb and work from ladders and scaffolds.
9. Manual dexterity.
10. Physical stamina and endurance.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position inthe American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees(AFSCME) bargaining unit with a title of Skilled Laborer. Thebi-weekly pay rate is $1,740.88 (grade 10, step 1). This is anannual base salary of approximately $45,262.61.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexualoffender record checks on recommended finalists prior to finalemployment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunityemployer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women,veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed toequity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouragedto apply.