Summer 26 - Seasonal Planting Laborer I Short Term - Greening the Gateway Cities (Taunton)

About the role

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks four (4) contract employees for the Seasonal Planting Laborer I position (Short Term Employment – Greening the Gateway Cities) in Taunton, MA. This role supports urban forestry activities to increase tree canopy cover in Massachusetts Gateway Cities, reducing heating and cooling energy costs for residences and businesses.

Responsibilities

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions to perform labor tasks supporting tree planting efforts.
• Dig and backfill tree planting holes using hand tools.
• Plant trees according to industry standards.
• Load and unload trees, tools, and equipment from vehicles and trailers.
• Maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and tools, including washing, inspecting, tightening, lubricating, and sharpening cutting tools.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina for full-time, hard manual labor.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
• Skill in using hand tools such as shovels, mattocks, pry bars, bolt cutters, and clippers.
• Potential to advance to Laborer II with proven experience driving a van or towing a trailer (rate: $18.00/hour or $1,440.00 biweekly).

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Contract period: September 8, 2026 – November 14, 2026.

Pay

• Hourly rate: $17.00 per hour.
• Biweekly pay: $1,360.00.