LABORER - HIGHWAY

Highway Laborer

 TRANSFER STATION WINDOW ATTENDANT / LABORER
 
Department:  Department of Public Works                                  Grade: 8
Division:        Solid Waste                                                               Revision Date:  8/26
Appointing Authority: Director                                                     Bargaining Unit: W


DEFINITION:

Responsible for performing a variety of routine, limited-skilled, and semi-skilled tasks necessary for the efficient operation of equipment, vehicles, and facilities at the Transfer Station and other City-owned properties.  The role requires managing both office operations, including the window attendant building where visitors pay, and manual labor tasks, along with construction and maintenance activities.  This involves ensuring compliance with operational standards and contributing to the overall maintenance and cleanliness of the working environment at the Transfer Station or any other City-owned facility. All other related responsibilities as required.  This position is designated as a critical essential employee, requiring attendance during severe weather events (e.g., microbursts, blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes), city closures, or public emergencies to clear roadways, mitigate hazards, and ensure community safety. Performs all other duties as assigned that are logical to the position.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the direction of the Crew Chief, Assistant Field Superintendent, or Field Superintendent. 

ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in various field conditions that necessitate walking and climbing over uneven terrain and involve exposure to a range of environmental factors including sun, wind, dust, heat, cold, rain, snow, insects, poison ivy, as well as gasoline and diesel fumes, traffic, and noise. May require walking moderate distances and the ability to carry and lift objects requiring significant physical strength and endurance.

Errors in equipment operation can result in legal or financial repercussions, damage to equipment or facilities, personal injury, injury to colleagues, and pose risks to public health and safety.

Must drive self and equipment to job sites as necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
 
-Prepare the office for daily operations and ensure that it remains clean and free of debris.

-Verify that each resident has a valid permit.

-Sell Transfer Station window decals to residents and meticulously record all sales in the sticker log.

-Inspect incoming loads to determine acceptability of materials, verify that they do not exceed load maximums, and utilize the fee schedule to price them accordingly. **(Knowledge of load maximums and applicable disposal rules is essential to ensure compliance and maintain safety.)**


-Ensure compliance with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations regarding waste management and disposal practices.

-Accept payments in cash or check, process these transactions accurately, provide correct change, and reconcile daily cash receipts.

-Secure all cash and checks in the safe at the end of the business day and prepare the cash drawer for the following day.

-Collect Street Cans daily before the opening of the transfer station.

While this position is primarily responsible for the transfer station window operations, the incumbent may also be required to provide temporary support for curbside collection routes to ensure the continuity of essential services. This task is considered a critical contingency measure and will be utilized only as a last resort in the event of unforeseen staffing emergencies

Operate in a safe and approved manner one or more of the following: Side Load One Person Rubbish Packer; One Person Recycling Truck; Front End Loader; compact loader; mowing and landscape equipment; winter sanding and plowing equipment; and, perform associated duties included in their operation.

Make minor operating adjustments and provide servicing for the equipment as specified in the Operator’s Manual for equipment listed above. 

Clean vehicles in a manner that adheres to established protocols and specifications.

Prepare and complete repair order requests for any defects identified in any equipment unit and forward these requests to the Division  Crew Chief

Laborer duties may include lifting and loading trash bags, as well as lifting and loading recyclable materials. May also be required to lift and transport receptacles across parks, sports fields, and parking lots/parking garages to the truck; mowing, weed whacking, brush cutting, picking up litter and debris, dig ditches, trenches, and post holes; load dirt and construction materials; shovel, spread, and tamp asphalt; break, remove and load old concrete; and prepare sidewalks, curbs and streets for repairs.  The use of assorted hand tools such as shovels and standard construction or carpentry tools, along with pneumatic tools such as portable pumps, air compressors, jackhammers, and air drills, may also be required.

As assigned by the DPW director or their designee, will serve as a trainer on operating new equipment or for training employees as requested by the DPW director or their designee.   
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Must possess a high school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and educational background that provides the required knowledge and skills that enable performance of all aspects of the position.   Prior experience as a cashier, operating a concession stand, merchandise sales, and handling cash and check transactions is required. Applicants should have a minimum of three (3) years of direct experience or five (5) years of relevant experience resulting in the ability to independently perform standard duties of the position.


Knowledge, Ability, Skill:  Essential for effectively fulfilling the responsibilities of the Transfer Station Attendant/Laborer position.

Knowledge:
  - Understanding of solid waste management practices and departmental operations.

- Familiarity with the safe operation and maintenance of vehicles, tools, and equipment utilized by the
    department are essential.

- Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and the use of office equipment.

- Basic understanding of mathematical calculations for adding, subtracting, counting money and currency
  to ensure accuracy in financial transactions.

- Thorough working knowledge of departmental functions and operations; of standard office practices and
  procedures; of use and operation of standard office equipment;

Skills:
- Ability to operate and navigate a cash register and a personal computer, with familiarity MS Office,
     Google Workspace, and other database programs.

- Exceptional customer service skills, with an emphasis on courtesy and respectful interactions.

- Efficient in preparing written reports and documentation related to equipment and operational needs.

- Ability to read and use a tape measure for measuring and calculating the cost of loads for disposal.

Abilities:
- Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the general
  public.

- Aptitude for performing strenuous physical duties associated with the role.

- Capable of following specific verbal and written instructions with accuracy.

- Must demonstrate punctuality and a commitment to performing job responsibilities with honesty and
  integrity.

- Ability to utilize electronic equipment for cash and check transactions accurately.

Physical Requirements: 

Moderate to heavy physical effort required to perform manual tasks requiring consistent physical strength and endurance for extended periods, potentially under adverse weather conditions. Normal working day involves walking, standing, sitting, and climbing, along with moderate to frequent body movements such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pulling, and pushing objects weighing up to eighty (80) lbs. Requires adequate vision for reading instruments, screens, documents, as well as the capability to perform tasks that


involve close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Manual dexterity to accurately handle cash, checks, and typing.

Special Requirements: 

Must possess valid Massachusetts Class B Operator’s License or equivalent from a reciprocal State (CDL) with Air Brake Certification; applicable 2B hoisters license; any other licenses/endorsements as required by State or Federal law. Must successfully pass CORI/ SORI checks; must have an acceptable driving record and be insurable under the city’s policy; must pass pre-employment physical and drug screen pursuant to the DOT Regulations. Must be available for emergency, after-hours, and weekend call-outs. This position is
designated as a critical essential role and is required to report to work during severe weather events and public emergencies to clear roadways, mitigate hazards, and ensure community safety.

 (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Highway Laborer

Position : 282542201

Code : 2065-1

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : 422 DPW HIGHWAY DIVISION

Grade : DPW W8

Group : DPW UNION

Job Family : CONSTRUCTION/FACULTY

Job Class : LABORER

Posting Start : 09/03/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Salary: $22.65-$29.41