Laborer (Operator I-II)

City of Belen; Belen (NM); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Belen is seeking a Water Laborer (Operator I-II) to perform semi-skilled duties in the water department. The role includes constructing and maintaining water systems, basic equipment operation, and responding to water breaks and on-call incidents.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED with additional education, a NM driver's license, and willingness to obtain Water Level I/WW Level I within 18 months. Good communication and independent work are valued.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with one year of education
• Valid New Mexico driver license required
• Commercial Driver's License preferred
• Willing to obtain Water Level I/ Waste Water Level I Certification within eighteen months of hire
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Must pass background investigation
• Must pass drug and alcohol test and random testing

Responsibilities

• Follows policies and procedures set by the City of Belen
• Constructs and maintains water systems; performs routine water dept duties; does basic janitorial work
• Installs, tests and maintains water system equipment
• Reads and installs community water utilization meters
• Responds to water breaks on off-hours and may be on call
• Operates water department equipment and may work around sewer breaks or backups

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

High School diploma or GED + 1 year education

New Mexico Driver License (required)

Commercial Driver's License preferred

Water Level I / Waste Water Level I Certification within 18 months

Job description

___________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Water Laborer (Operator I-II)

FULL-TIME REGULAR

Starting annual salary $38,251-$47,236 ($18.39-$22.71 an hour) hourly rate depends on water level certifications
Application Deadline: Tuesday November 10, 2026 no later than 5:00PM MTD

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Performs a variety of working level semi-skilled duties related to the water system(s), construction, installation, maintenance, and general environmental protection.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Follows policies and procedures as set forth by the City of Belen.
• Performs routine duties within the water department; assists to construct and maintain water systems; performs simple janitorial work; assures proper installation and maintenance of water systems equipment.
• May assists in the installation of water systems; selects line sizes, spacing, type and control equipment; install, tests and maintain systems utilizing low operating features.
• May operate in confines spaces.
• May operate water department equipment.
• May perform general repair and clean up duties after water breaks.
• May perform various seasonal duties such as; snow removal; water line winterization, etc.
• Reads and installs community water utilization meters.
• Scheduled for on call on off-hours.
• Shall respond to water breaks on all off hours when needed.
• Assists with City functions.
• Performs related duties as required.
• May operate around sewer breaks or sewer back up

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED; plus, one (1) year additional education.
• A valid New Mexico’s driver license required.
• Commercial Driver's License preferred.
• Willing to obtain Water Level I/Waste Water Level ICertification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and other City personnel and the public.
• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule with minimal supervision.
• Must complete a background investigation.
• Must pass drug and alcohol test and subsequent random testing.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Knowledge to include use of common hand and power tools, maintenance and use of motor equipment, two-way radios, ladders, work tools (shovel, pick, screwdrivers, wrenches, & pliers, etc.), street and water equipment and maintenance (heavy) equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to read, write, walk, sit, talk, or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle, feel or operate equipment and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to push, pull, stoop, bend or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift up to 60 pounds and move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both inside, but mostly outside in varying weather conditions including cold, hot, wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment varies depending on activities scheduled; may be extremely quiet to extremely noisy.