Laborer (Operator I-II)

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

Job summary

City Of Belen, New Mexico is hiring a Water Laborer (Operator I-II) for a full-time role within the water department. The position entails working on water system construction, maintenance and environmental protection, with on-call responsibilities as needed.

Starting annual salary ranges from $38,251 to $47,236, depending on water level certifications. The job requires a valid NM driver's license and the willingness to obtain Water Level I/Waste Water Level I within 18 months of hire.

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 I Certification within eighteen (18) 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 and to complete daily activities with minimal supervision
• Background check and drug/alcohol testing required

Responsibilities

• 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; ensures proper installation and maintenance of water systems equipment
• May assist in the installation of water systems; selects line sizes and control equipment; install, test and maintain systems
• May operate in confined spaces
• May operate water department equipment
• May perform general repair and cleanup after water breaks
• May perform seasonal duties such as snow removal and water line winterization
• Reads and installs community water utilization meters
• Scheduled for on call on/off-hours
• Responds to water breaks on off hours when needed
• Assists with City functions
• Performs related duties as required
• May operate around sewer breaks or sewer backup

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Reading and writing

Safety awareness

Education

HS diploma/GED

1 year education

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Two-way radios

Ladders

Water equipment

Heavy equipment

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 I Certification 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.