Utility Plant Tech 1

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico seeks a skilled Utility Plant Technician to support operation and maintenance of steam, chilled water, electricity and compressed air systems across the campus. You will operate boilers, chillers, turbines and generators, while monitoring performance, testing water chemistry, and ensuring safe, compliant operations.

You will document activities in CMMS, perform preventive maintenance, and assist in training junior staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with at least 1 year directly related experience.
• Credentials: New Mexico CID Low Pressure Boiler License (BO1) and High Pressure Boiler License (BO2).
• Must pass pre-employment background check and post-offer physical examination.

Responsibilities

• Operate and perform preventive maintenance on boilers, chillers, turbines, generators, and related equipment.
• Monitor and control steam, chilled water, electricity, and compressed air generation.
• Test water chemistry and monitor system parameters; record operational data.
• Use CMMS for data entry and preventive maintenance planning.

Skills

Experience in facilities maintenance

Mechanical aptitude

Safety-conscious

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CMMS

Boiler operation tools

Job description

Position Summary

The University is seeking a skilled and motivated Utility Plant Technician 1 to support the operation and maintenance of critical utility systems that serve the campus community. This position plays a key role in ensuring the reliable production and distribution of steam, chilled water, electricity, and compressed air through the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of plant equipment and systems.

In this role, you will operate and perform preventive maintenance on high- and low-pressure boilers, industrial chillers, turbines, emergency generators, and associated equipment. Responsibilities include monitoring plant operations, testing and treating industrial water systems, recording operational data, identifying and troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting a safe and efficient working environment. The successful candidate will utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and assist with maintaining compliance with operational, safety, and environmental standards.

The University of New Mexico's Utility Services oversees and facilitates utility operating processes across campus to ensure a comfortable and conducive environment for student, staff, faculty, and visitors. Utility Services consists of five focus areas: electricity, heating steam, chilled water, domestic water, and compressed air. The Ford Utilities Center can generate 219,000 pounds of steam per hour, 4,000 tons of chilled water, 14 megawatts of electricity, and enough compressed air to keep the entire campus comfortable.

Utility Services also operates two remote chilled water plants, Lomas Chilled Water Plant and the HSC Chilled Water Plant. These facilities have a combined chilled water capacity of 8,300 tons. The fourth location is the Campus Utility Plant, which can generate 24,000 pounds per hour of steam, and 1,000 tons of chilled water. In addition, the Utilities Services Water Section manages the production and distribution of domestic water to the main campus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates and performs preventative maintenance on rotating and stationary equipment, to include high pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers, and auxiliary equipment.
• Controls the generation of steam, chilled water, electricity, and compressed air through the use of local controls, programmable logic controllers or desktop computer-based controls.
• Starts, stops, and reconfigures chilled water production to maintain the most efficient operating parameters necessary to meet the changing needs of the University.
• Tests and controls the chemistry of boiler water, condensate, and cooling tower water.
• Continuously monitors various gauges and automatic recording devices at specified times to assess operating conditions; records operational data, to include equipment temperatures, pressures, hours of operation, fuel consumption, water levels, water consumption, and electrical production and usage.
• Tests, operates, and performs preventative maintenance on emergency generators; logs results and other applicable information.
• Examines machinery or mechanical equipment and identifies reason for malfunction; performs minor maintenance repairs to bring unit back on line.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Enters technical information into a personal computer for the purpose of record keeping and preventative maintenance; uses and supports a computerized maintenance management system.
• Assists as required with the training of lower-level technical staff in the maintenance and operation of all plant equipment; occasionally supports and assists maintenance personnel in the performance of their duties.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

• 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.

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.
• Must possess and maintain, NM CID BO1 and BO2 (low-pressure and high-pressure) Boiler Operator licenses.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• 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.
• Must have Basic First Aid and Adult CPR/AED Certificates or obtain within 3 months of date of hire.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: New Mexico CID Low Pressure Boiler License (BO1); New Mexico CID High Pressure Boiler License (BO2).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating or maintaining boilers, chillers, generators, turbines, HVAC, or industrial mechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems.
• Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

FS Utility ISU Main - OH (825F1J)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Regular - Full-Time

Status

Non-Exempt

Pay

Hourly: $19.00 - $24.77

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 a 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

10/23/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

No

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Veteran Preference Program

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Background Check Information

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.