Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO), Highway Division

The Town of Needham is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) within the Highway Division. Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent, the HMEO performs a variety of skilled laboring duties which include the operation and maintenance of motorized equipment, roadway handwork, snow and ice treatment and removal, and preparing routine records and reports.

The Highway Division operates and maintains the Town’s public roadways, including the construction, improvement, repair, and maintenance of Town roads, sidewalks, curbs, walls, and related structures. The Highway Division also oversees snow plowing, snow removal, sanding, and salting operations.

This opportunity is ideal for those looking to advance their career in Public Works in a municipal setting. There are great benefit offerings such as paid training and professional development opportunities; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and more!

• Monday – Thursday, 6:30am – 3:30pm
• Friday, 6:30am – 12:30pm 

CON #26094

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Operation of light and heavy motorized vehicles and hydraulic equipment such as heavy trucks, front-end loaders, skid steers, tractors, sweepers, pavers, rollers, and other equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair to equipment, perform inspections on departmental vehicles and equipment, maintain equipment logs and reports, and oversee and/or support various vehicle operations.
• Performs routine skilled and semi-skilled work at intermediate levels in the construction, repair and resurfacing, and maintenance of public ways and related infrastructure, including sidewalks, curbs, medians, grade shoulders, and associated traffic signage and appurtenances.
• Prepare roadways for larger resurfacing projects to be performed by Town contractors (patching, inlays, edging, etc.).
• Set up traffic safety patterns and safe work zones.
• Maintain work area and equipment in safe and operable condition, adhering to all applicable safety and health rules and regulations; maintain general cleanliness and appearance of workspace or facility.
• Mandatory participation in the Snow & Ice Program; including road treatment, plowing, snow hauling, etc.; provides backup support and assistance for other DPW projects as needed.
• Mandatory participation in the On-Call Program (after completion of 6-month probation), including responding to roadway emergencies, removing obstructions, and setting up temporary traffic control.

To be considered for the position, applicants must have at least:

• Valid MA Driver’s License
• CDL Class A or B
• Class 2A/2B Hoisting Engineer’s License or the ability to obtain within six months of employment (condition of hire)
• OSHA 10-hour Training required at time of hire or the ability to obtain within 1 year of employment

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• General knowledge equivalent to the completion of high school and specialized courses
• One (1) to three (3) years of directly relevant experience
• Class 1C Hoisting Engineer’s License, beneficial but not required
• Ability to work with a team or independently
• Ability to communicate basic project information to members of the public
• Advanced-level skills using heavy motor equipment preferred
• Ability to lift up to and including 100 pounds (for example, use of a wheelbarrow that is full of materials) using body mechanics and assistance tools

Pre-Hire Process:

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including a CDL permit, the Town of Needham conducts pre-employment physicals and drug/alcohol testing and post-employment random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with U.S. DOT Regulations.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking “Apply.”

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 11, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov. 

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov. 

Salary : $28 - $35