Plant Operator

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University is seeking a Plant Operator for the Central Utility Plant in Las Cruces. The role supports essential campus operations by operating, maintaining and repairing boilers, chillers and the closed loop system, ensuring reliability of heating and power across facilities.

Applicants must have a High School diploma with 3 years of relevant experience or an Associate's Degree with 1 year, and must maintain a State High Pressure Boiler License.

Qualifications

• State High Pressure Boiler License is required.
• Qualifications include a mix of education and hands-on experience in utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and repair boilers, chillers and the closed loop system to support campus operations.
• Monitor water treatment for boilers and cooling towers as part of ensuring system reliability.
• In an emergency, report to work as a primary key position under COOP directives.

Skills

State High Pressure Boiler License

Education

High School diploma + 3 years relevant experience

Associate's Degree + 1 year relevant experience

Job description

• 504214
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Nov 13 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact: Victor Palafox, [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 at NMSU's Central Utility Plant. Use your skills to support campus operations in this essential, hands‑on role!

Position Details

Position Title: Plant Operator

College/Division: Facilities and Services

Department: 500680-FS CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT

Location: Las Cruces

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: Not Applicable

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

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.

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.

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.

NMSU 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 now 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.

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.

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