Skilled Laborer

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

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

The basic purpose of this work is to perform various manual tasks requiring some specialized skill and the use of hand tools in general construction and maintenance activities. Please see the full Skilled Laborer classification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Incumbents of positions at this level receive direct supervision from employees of higher grade who provide instruction, assign work and review performance through verbal reports and inspection for effectiveness.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

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

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs various manual labor tasks requiring some specialized skills to assist in the work of skilled tradesmen and craftsmen such as carpenters, plumbers, painters, masons, etc.
2. Performs various manual tasks in connection with the installation of drainage, sewer and/or water pipelines or conduits such as positioning, joining and sealing pipe sections and culverts and erecting and removing shoring and bracing for trenches and excavations.
3. Digs trenches and similar excavations, refills excavations, spreads and levels to grade dirt, gravel and other materials using pick and shovel.
4. Sets and repairs curbing, patches broken or eroded pavement by breaking surface and mixing and applying a variety of paving materials such as mortar, concrete, cement, etc. using small hand and hand-held power tools to maintain roadways and sidewalks in a safe condition.
5. Installs, repairs, and maintains signs such as regulatory, historic and information signs by performing such tasks as digging holes and installing supports using a variety of small hand and hand-held power tools.
6. Plants, transplants, prunes, trims and fertilizes trees, flowers and shrubs; seeds lawns and gardens; sprays for insects and plant diseases; and performs related tasks such as cutting grass, raking leaves and watering trees, shrubs and flowers as required for the upkeep and beautification of public grounds.
7. Services and makes routine repairs and adjustments to automobiles, trucks and other motorized equipment including changing and repairing tires, replacing headlights and windshield wiper blades , testing batteries using battery tester and checking radiator water levels.
8. Installs attachments such as mowers, plow blades, leaf catcher buckets and vacuum cleaner to tractors and/or trucks to equip vehicles for grass cutting, roadway cleaning, snow removal, etc.
9. Performs various manual tasks in connection with snow removal and ice control work including shoveling snow using shovel and/or snow blower, spreading salt and sand and scraping/breaking ice in order to provide safe roadways and sidewalks for motorists and pedestrians.
10. Loads and unloads trucks; unpacks and stores supplies and equipment in stockrooms, storerooms or warehouses; and takes periodic inventories of supplies and equipment.
11. Performs related duties such as sharpening tools, installing, repairing and painting guardrails; assisting in erecting and dismantling wall partitions; moving furniture and equipment; sweeping, collecting and removing rubbish; and opening clogged catch basins, sewer lines, etc.
12. Based on assignment, may perform various manual labor tasks in connection with fish and game conservation activities.
13. Based on assignment, may operate motor vehicle including light vehicles and trucks and/or snow and ice control equipment, skating rink resurfacers and outboard motor boats in connection with assigned unit activities.
14. Based on assignment, may operate camping registration offices, issue admission tickets, receive receipts and maintain simple records.
15. Based on assignment, may patrol facility during open hours to prevent theft and vandalism, enforce safety rules and regulations and ensure the general cleanliness of the facility and grounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Skilled Laborers may work outdoors in all types of weather; lift and carry heavy objects; work under exposure to heavy traffic, high noise levels, etc.; may work varied shifts, nights, weekends and holidays; and may work with or be exposed to hazardous materials or chemicals.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED 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 snow blowers, 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 in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a title of Skilled Laborer. The bi-weekly pay rate is $1,472.53 (grade 10, step 1).

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

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

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

For full consideration, application materials must be received by October 20, 2023. However, applications may continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.

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