Water/Wastewater Operator

Job Description:

The Water/Wastewater Operator (WWO) performs work in both water and wastewater operations including operation and maintenance of water distribution systems and water production facilities; operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, and sewer collection systems; reading water meters and providing customer service; works in other New Mexico Water Service Company (NMWSC) systems as assigned. This position reports to the Water Superintendent. This position is located in Rio Communities, NM.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates and maintains water systems, including wells, pumps, booster pumps, water mains, service lines, meters and meter cans, valve boxes, chlorination and treatment equipment, fire hydrants and valves
• Operates and maintains wastewater systems including treatment facilities, well, lift stations, filters, pressure tanks, and other appurtenances and equipment
• Utilizes equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, vactor trucks, compressors, jackhammers, tampers, tractors, and jetters
• Monitors the operation of water and wastewater systems in accordance with state, federal and other regulatory requirements, and Company practices and procedures
• Monitors gauges, dials, meters, control panels, and other recording instruments; interprets results to determine processing requirements; records data and maintains routine and daily records and shift logs
• Collects samples, performs laboratory analyses; interprets results, and troubleshoots water and wastewater quality issues as necessary
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on all equipment
• Installs, repairs, and replaces water and wastewater mains and service lines
• Performs fire flow testing and hydrant maintenance
• Locates and marks underground facilities
• Repairs and performs maintenance on sewer collection system and appurtenances
• Reads meters, delivers disconnect notices, and completes work orders
• Assists customers in person and by telephone, addressing questions regarding billing, payments, conservation and water quality
• Coordinates with other operators to ensure continuity of job duties
• Operates centrifuge to process sludge, cleans wells with pressure washer, and decants/refills wasting tanks
• Completes door hangers and distributes them to inform customers of impending disconnections or work taking place
• Performs general plant and grounds maintenance work
• Participates in the on-call rotation as required
• Participate in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned in order to fulfill business operational needs and Company objectives. Attend meetings and training as directed by NMWSC

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
• High school diploma or possession of a GED
• One year experience in a water facility desired
• Must obtain New Mexico Water Supply Level 1 and Wastewater Level 1 certification no later than the first available testing opportunity following the first anniversary of the hire date
• Must be available for call-outs evenings, weekends and holidays and rotating on-call duty
• Must reside within 60 minutes of the NMWSC office or assigned service area
• Valid, unrestricted, New Mexico Driver License

*Salary Range for Water/Wastewater Operator: $39,500 – $69,600

*Salary Range for Utility Operator: $45,300 – $75,700

*Title and Payscale will be dependent upon certification level

Deadline to submit resume is Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company and Washington Water Service Company do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner.