Mechanical Technician III

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AFSCME bargaining unit

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station seeks a Mechanical Technician III to maintain and repair research facilities, ginning equipment, and support lab operations in Las Cruces. The role requires hands-on fabrication, preventive maintenance, and safe operation of tractors and forklifts, with a 1.0 full-time schedule.

Shift: 6:00am-2:30pm. This is a non-exempt, AFSCME bargaining unit position contingent on external funding and may extend based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• High School diploma plus 4 years of relevant experience or Associate’s Degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of facility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, and maintenance manuals.

Responsibilities

• Performs general maintenance and repair of research facilities and equipment including ginning and field equipment, laboratories, shop buildings and tools, and grounds.
• Supports research operations by assisting with test runs, sampling, and equipment setup.
• Performs general fabrication and repairs metal, sheet metal, and welded components using welding tools.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs tractors, forklifts, laboratory vehicles, and other motorized equipment.
• Operates heavy and light equipment in support of facility and research activities.

Skills

Facility maintenance

Welding

Tractor operation

Safety procedures

Blueprint interpretation

Planning & organizing

Education

High School diploma + 4 years of relevant experience

Associate’s Degree + 2 years of relevant experience

Job description

Position Details

• 504267
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Nov 27 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory requires a position to support Gin Lab Staff and faculty/staff by maintaining facilities, research equipment, and tools.

All applicants must fully complete every section of the online application. The application, not the resume, is the official record used to determine qualifications.

Current NMSU Employees: Include your complete NMSU employment history, regardless of length of service.***

Position Title

Mechanical Technician III

College/Division

Agricultural Experiment Station

Department

317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS

Location

Las Cruces

Target Hourly/Salary Rate

$25.56

Appointment Full-time Equivalency

1.0

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement

This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding

Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule

Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule

6:00am-2:30pm

Job Duties and Responsibilities

**THIS POSITION IS A ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED; CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL FUNDING**

• Performs general maintenance and repair of research facilities and equipment including ginning and field equipment and laboratories, shop buildings and tools, and grounds.
• Supports research operations by assisting with test runs, sampling, and equipment setup.
• Performs general fabrication and repairs metal, sheet metal, and welded components using acetylene, arc welding, and metal‑working tools.
• Performs general facility and building maintenance such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical. Work carried out in this position are less than journeyman work and are concerned with the more routine maintenance and repair of the facility buildings and infrastructure.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs tractors, forklifts, laboratory vehicles, and other motorized equipment.
• Operates heavy and light equipment including tractors, forklifts, and other machinery in support of facility and research activities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
High School diploma + 4 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s
Degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of facility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.
• Skill in welding, sheet metal fabrication, and metal repair.
• Ability to operate tractors, forklifts, and laboratory vehicles safely.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices for equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities effectively.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, maintenance manuals, and research plans.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and compliance with workplace standards.
• Willingness and ability to learn and attend training courses.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds independently.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and dust.
• Exposure to electrical systems, mechanical equipment, welding fumes, and other occupational hazards requires adherence to safety protocols.
• Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMS Global Campus Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Alamogordo Campus Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request