Special Activities Tech

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The University of New Mexico's Facility Services - Event Management team seeks a dependable Special Activities Technician to support events, maintain facilities, and assist campus operations across UNM programs.

You will help set up and break down furniture and equipment, move items, perform maintenance and basic repairs, operate light equipment, and coordinate moves and special activities. A strong customer-service mindset and hands-on experience in events or facilities is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required or equivalent experience.
• Experience in event support, facilities maintenance, moving services or related fields appreciated.
• Strong customer service, communication and teamwork skills preferred.
• Experience operating light equipment such as forklifts or lifts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Sets up, assembles and breaks down furniture, equipment, and related items for events.
• Performs maintenance, repair, alteration, and construction tasks on grounds, facilities, and equipment.
• Operates forklifts, scissor-lifts, boom lifts, and other light mechanical equipment.
• Loads and unloads furniture and materials onto/off trucks with proper padding and ropes.
• Renovates or repairs wood/metal benches, chairs, racks, or signs as needed.
• Coordinates and schedules moves and special events.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Event setup

Material handling

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Scissor lift operation

Boom lift operation

General hand tools

Job description

Special Activities Tech

The University of New Mexico's Facility Services - Event Management team is seeking a dependable, customer-focused Special Activities Technician to provide event support, facility maintenance, and campus operations assistance for a variety of University programs and activities. This position plays an important role in helping create safe, functional, and welcoming spaces for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

In this role, you will assist with the setup, breakdown, and transportation of furniture, equipment, and materials for campus events, classrooms, offices, and special activities. You will also perform a variety of maintenance, repair, and enhancement tasks throughout campus facilities and grounds, including carpentry, painting, graffiti removal, and repairs to campus furnishings and outdoor amenities. The position regularly interacts with campus customers and may assist in coordinating moves and special events.

The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on work, thrives in a team environment, and takes pride in providing excellent customer service. Successful candidates will have experience with event support, facilities maintenance, moving services, construction trades, grounds operations, or similar work requiring physical stamina, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Sets up, assembles and breakdown of furniture, equipment, and/or related items for classroom, office and university events.
2. Performs a variety of semi-skilled and/or skilled work in the maintenance, repair, alteration, and construction of University grounds, facilities, and equipment, to include carpentry, painting, maintenance, and graffiti removal tasks.
3. Operates forklifts, scissor-lifts, boom lifts, and other light mechanical equipment as required.
4. Loads and unloads furniture and related materials onto and off trucks, ensuring that appropriate padding and ropes are used to prevent damage.
5. May renovate, refurbish, install and/or repair wood and metal benches, chairs, bike racks, trash cans, recycle cans, outdoor signage, or other similar items.
6. May coordinate and schedule moves and special events.
7. May serve as the main contact person in communications with customers regarding work orders and maintain records of work performed.
8. May perform snow removal as required.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

Working as a staff member at the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a range of exciting benefits, including:

Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement Plans: Pension and enrollment in a choice of additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.

Paid Time Off: Generous annual vacation leave (up to 168 hours per year), sick leave (up to 96 hours per year), and 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance.

Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.

Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well-being.

Community Engagement: Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.

Job Security: Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within our respected flagship institution of New Mexico.

If you enjoy hands-on work, supporting events, solving practical challenges, and contributing to a vibrant campus community, we encourage you to apply and join the UNM Facility Services team.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• Ability to work outside of normal working hours as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong customer service, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Experience setting up and supporting events, meetings, and special activities.
• Experience with commercial moving, furniture installation, or material handling.
• Experience performing basic carpentry, painting, maintenance, or repair work.
• Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, or other light equipment.

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Event Management (825D2)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Regular - Full-Time

Pay

Hourly: $17.56 - $22.29

Benefits Eligible

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

10/30/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

No

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisionswithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or anyother protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.