Plant Operator

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces is seeking a Plant Operator to join the Central Utility Plant team. The role focuses on operating, maintaining, and repairing essential utilities such as boilers and chillers to support campus operations.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma with relevant experience or an associate degree with related work; a State High Pressure Boiler License is required and must be kept current. This is a full-time, on-site position with standard hours.

Qualifications

• High School diploma plus 3 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's Degree plus 1 year.
• State High Pressure Boiler License must be maintained per State CDI.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, and related equipment to support campus operations.
• Monitor water treatment for boilers and cooling towers; ensure safety and efficiency.
• Adhere to safety protocols; position designated as essential under COOP; report for duty as required.

Education

High School diploma + 3 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s Degree + 1 year of relevant experience

Job description

Department Contact:Victor Palafox, 575-646-3192, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search:External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary:Come join our team! Keep vital systems running by operating, maintaining & repairing boilers, chillers & more. Use your skills to support campus operations in this essential, hands‑on role

Position Details

PositionTitle: Plant Operator

College/Division: Facilities and Services

Department: 500680-FS CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $19.28

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 funding

Standard Work Schedule:Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule:

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Central Utility Plant staff manage the production and distribution of essential utilities such as heating, cooling, and power to support facility operations. Monitors water treatment for boilers, cooling towers and closed loop system. Must maintain a State High Pressure Boiler License per State Construction Industries Division. This position has been established as a primary key position under the “All Hazard Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)” and is essential to operational continuity and/or recovery. In an emergency situation, primary key positions are required to report to work unless directed by supervisor or public safety authorities not to report for health and safety reasons.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
High School diploma + 3 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s
Degree + 1 year of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Special Certification/Licensure:
Must maintain a State High Pressure Boiler License per State Construction Industries Division.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

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 exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.