General laborer Jobs in Cambridge, MA

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Summary:

The OMC Laborer performs routine and skilled manual tasks as assigned. Assists operations, maintenance and skilled trades staff as required. May be required for overtime in extended workday and emergency situations. May be required for regular, on-call rotations.

Posting Period: 7/1/2026 to 7/16/2026
Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $65,755.71 Annually $1,264.53 Weekly Full salary range: $59,214.56 - $81,857.49.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities

• Performs tasks requiring some specialized skill in the maintenance and operation of equipment such as pickup trucks, pump trucks, tractors, mowers, pumps, generators and pneumatic tools, cement mixers, air compressors, snow removal equipment, sewer maintenance equipment, etc.
• Performs manual tasks requiring some specialized skill or knowledge in assisting skilled tradesmen engaged in construction, maintenance and repair work, including minor adjustments and repair of equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with valve operations, pipeline construction and maintenance such as cleaning culverts and drains, digging ditches, spreading asphalt, caulking lead joints, and assisting in valve installations, repair of valves and pipeline under pressure 6" to 72" in diameter and the chlorination of water mains.
• Gases, oils and greases trucks, automobiles and miscellaneous grounds maintenance equipment.
• Performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with building and grounds maintenance work such as grass cutting, shoveling snow, repair of fences, disposing of trash and maintaining general building cleanliness.
• Assists personnel of a higher grade in all aspects of plant maintenance and repairs, including but not limited to diesel engine overhaul, positive displacement pump overhaul and repair, centrifugal pump overhaul and repair, re-chaining of grit channels and sedimentation tanks and building concrete structures.
• Assists in the repair of electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Assists in upkeep and cleaning of MWRA equipment, structures and facilities such as screen chambers, tidegates and regular chambers.
• Assists in the handling and storage of stock, loads, unloads, moves and transports material, equipment, freight and supplies.
• Works as a member of a multi-crew, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a current valid Class B Commercial Drivers License.
• Will be subject to the MWRA Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Policy and the random drug-testing program.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather and other emergencies.
• THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A SIGN ON BONUS. FOR INFORMATION ON THE BONUS AND OTHER BENEFITS PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK! -

Knowledge and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the use of common tools, construction and sewer maintenance equipment, and of one or more of the mechanical or building trades.
• Ability to operate various types of vehicles and equipment including light automotive trucks and equipment, ten-wheel dump trucks, snow plows, pickup trucks, tractors and power-driven grounds maintenance equipment.
• Ability to perform manual labor of semi-skilled nature, use/make minor repairs to small tools and simple mechanical equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the operation and maintenance of facilities.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, under varying climatic conditions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motor vehicle, power and hand tools, mobile radio, telephone, beeper.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is very loud in field settings, and moderately loud at other work locations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of a foreman or supervisor.

Other Position Information
PCR: 5434047
Division: Operations
Department: Pipe Maintenance - Wastewater
Union/Grade: AFSCME (Unit 2)/Grade 13

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.