What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer 2025 - Seasonal Planting Laborer II - Greening the Gateway Cities (Lowell) position at DCR - Urban Parks & Recreation?
Seasonal Laborer II-Greening the Gateway Cities Program
Lowell, MA
ASAP – 11/22/25
Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.
Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.
ABOUT THE AGENCY: The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our Commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission.
About Conservation and Resource Stewardship: DCR places are special. It starts with the conservation and stewardship of our Commonwealth’s unique and significant landscapes. Outdoor recreation invites all to experience these resources and see what makes Massachusetts special. It is the purpose of the Conservation and Resource Stewardship team to ensure these lands are available for future generations. It is our passion to create a sense of place at DCR that will foster a culture of stewardship.
About the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry: The Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry offers programs to promote, protect and enhance healthy and diverse wooded and urban forests throughout our Commonwealth including grant opportunities for urban forestry and volunteer fire assistance, staff assistance to municipalities for fire control, consulting forestry and forest stewardship for private lands, oversight of forest health issues including insect and disease control and storm related response, regulatory guidance on timber harvests as well as forest management and timber sales on state lands.
About the Greening the Gateway Cities Program: The Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP) is an Urban and Community Forestry program, celebrating its 11th Anniversary this year. The GGCP was created with the goal of increasing the number of trees planted in urban areas of Massachusetts Gateway Cities which tend to have lower tree canopy, older housing stock, higher wind speeds, and a larger renter population. The GGCP is designed to reduce household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree canopy cover in environmental justice neighborhoods, while improving the aesthetic appearance of these neighborhoods and providing numerous other benefits that come with increasing the tree canopy.
There are many benefits to joining the GGCP team:
- Engage in urban forestry activities within the Commonwealth.
- Learn tree planting best practices from experienced GGCP Foresters.
- Gain invaluable communication skills engaging with stakeholders throughout your local community.
- Experience working in a state agency with diverse career opportunities.
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Unit 2 Union representation.
- Eligible for union recall rights to position next season if term is completed.
- Personal time and paid holidays.
- Accrue sick time and vacation time.
- Health insurance is available.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Laborer II-Greening the Gateway Cities Program.
DUTIES:
Plants, transplants, and assists in the maintenance of trees.
Loads and unloads trucks and trailers.
Unpacks and stores supplies and takes periodic inventories of supplies and equipment.
Operate handheld power tools.
Operate motor vehicles including light vehicles, trucks, etc., in connection with assigned unit activities.
Perform related duties as required.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Assists in the tree planting operations for the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.
Assists with community engagement efforts for the Greening the Gateway Cities Program.
Interacts with the public to encourage participation in the GGCP; promotes the program effectively and clearly.
Assists Foresters in ensuring trees are planted according to DCR Bureau of Forestry standards.
Assists Foresters with maintaining various logs relating to tree planting location and management.
Operates and assists in maintaining state vehicles.
Works outdoors in all types of weather.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: 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.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Laborer II
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Lowell-500 Pawtucket Boulevard
Job: Equipment, Facilities & Services
Agency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Mar 31, 2025, 12:59:14 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 1,637.42 Biweekly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Moneesha Dasgupta - 6176450358
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
