Skilled Laborer (Groundskeeper)

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nations 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 working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative 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.

FSU currently enrolls about 3500 undergraduate and graduate students across 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities behavioral and social sciences and professional fields. Approximately 49% of undergraduate students identify as students of color and 51% identify as first-generation college students. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism as part of our mission to democratize access to a first-rate education. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse welcoming and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. 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 our first principal Cyrus Peirce who sought to discover and teach truth in theory and in spirit and in manner and intellectual and truth moral. Early leaders found this motto speaks of sincerity 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 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 enforcesafety 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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 $1740.88(grade 10 step 1). This is an annual base salary of approximately $45262.61.

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.

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 9 2026. 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 ahelpdeskticket.

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 ator.