Utility Plant Tech (Pre-Cert)

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Healthcare

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition remission

Wellness programs

Community engagement

Job summary

UNM's Utility Services seeks a Utility Plant Technician (Pre-Cert) to assist with operating and maintaining boilers, gas turbines, chillers and electrical equipment on site in Albuquerque, NM. You will train to obtain NM CID BO1/BO2 licenses within 12 months of hire and gain hands-on experience in both Main and Remote Plants.

This role emphasizes safety, water chemistry, and remote monitoring, with on‑the‑job coaching and progressive responsibilities as milestones are met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; no prior experience needed.
• Must pass pre-employment background check.
• Must obtain BO1 and BO2 licenses within 12 months of date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assists with operating and maintaining high‑pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers and electrical production equipment.
• Learns theory and practical operation of steam, chilled water, domestic water systems and distribution.
• Operates equipment locally and via remote interfaces where applicable.
• Assists with starting, stopping, and reconfiguring chilled water production to meet demand.
• Participates in testing and chemistry-control of boiler water and cooling tower water.
• Monitors equipment and records data; supports safety and environmental practices.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Utility Plant Tech (Pre-Cert)

UNM’s Utility Services is seeking an enthusiastic and coachable candidate to join our team as a Utility Plant Technician (Pre-Cert)! This is your chance to launch a rewarding career in energy and utilities while learning from experienced professionals.

In this role, you’ll assist with operating and maintaining advanced systems—including high-pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers, and electrical production equipment—while gaining practical knowledge in water chemistry, safety protocols, and remote monitoring systems. UNM will provide on-site training and education to help you obtain your NM CID Low and High Pressure Boiler Licenses (BO1 & BO2) within 12 months of your hire date. During this time, you’ll build expertise in both our Main Boiler Plant and Remote Plants, and once you meet these milestones, you’ll have the opportunity to advance in the position and grow professionally.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists certified utility plant personnel in the operation and maintenance of utility plant equipment, to include high-pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers, auxiliary equipment and facilities.
• Learns basic theory and practical operation of steam, chilled water, domestic water, electrical production equipment and distribution systems specific to the University of New Mexico's district energy and utility production and distribution systems.
• Learns methods for operating utility plant equipment locally and through remote interfaces, as applicable.
• Assists certified utility plant personnel with starting, stopping, and reconfiguring chilled water production to maintain the most efficient operating parameters necessary to meet the changing needs of the University.
• Participates in the testing and chemistry-control of boiler water, condensate and cooling tower water.
• Observes the monitoring of various mechanical, electrical and electronic devices to assess operating conditions; records operational data and events.
• Assists with monitoring Utilities facilities and equipment; ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environment practices.
• May be required to work on-call, after-hours, and emergency response shifts, as needed.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why UNM?

• 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 (168 hours per year), sick leave (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.

Ready to power your future? Apply today and start your journey with UNM Utility Services.

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 pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Must obtain NM CID Low Pressure Boiler License (BO1) and NM CID High Pressure Boiler License (BO2) within 12 months of date of hire.
• 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; no previous experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to focus on all available training, with respect to available training manuals designed and written for the sole purpose of operating our plant equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to appreciate and accept direction and coaching from his/her immediate supervisor and assigned utility plant tech 1, utility plant tech 2 and up to utility plant master techs.

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: FS Utility ISU Main - OH (825F1J)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Regular - Full-Time

Term End Date:

Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: Hourly: $18.27 - $23.50

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: 11/6/2026

Eligible for Remote Work: No

Eligible for Remote Work Statement:

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 decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other 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.