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Entry Level Operating Room Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Oiler/Rigger/Driver

Albuquerque, NM

$23.25 - $30/hr

In this entry level position, you will assist the crane operator on job tasks during the operation ... Cleans shop, washes rack and break room. * Other job duties as assigned. Qualifications: • HS ...

Oiler/Rigger/Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

In this entry level position, you will assist the crane operator on job tasks during the operation ... Cleans shop, washes rack and break room. * Other job duties as assigned. Qualifications: • HS ...

Oiler/Rigger/Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

In this entry level position, you will assist the crane operator on job tasks during the operation ... Cleans shop, washes rack and break room. * Other job duties as assigned. Qualifications: • HS ...

Data Center Technician I

Albuquerque, NM

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Data Center Technician I provides entry-level operational and technical support for the ... operated Tier III data center, ensuring the availability and reliability of enterprise ...

Data Center Technician I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Data Center Technician I provides entry-level operational and technical support for the ... operated Tier III data center, ensuring the availability and reliability of enterprise ...

Data Center Technician I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Data Center Technician I provides entry-level operational and technical support for the ... operated Tier III data center, ensuring the availability and reliability of enterprise ...

Data Center Technician I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Data Center Technician I provides entry-level operational and technical support for the ... operated Tier III data center, ensuring the availability and reliability of enterprise ...

Operations - CIP Bay Attendant - Lovington, NM

Lovington, NM

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... room Use proper instrumentation during each step of the CIP Cycle, including rinsing Perform ... CIP operating manuals Preferred: Entry level mechanical knowledge and experience One (1) year ...

Entry Level Operating Room information

See New Mexico salary details

$546

$1.6K

$2.3K

How much do entry level operating room jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level operating room in New Mexico is $1,574.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,246.15 and $1,917.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level operating room job?

Entry level operating room jobs typically refer to positions such as surgical technologists, operating room assistants, or scrub techs who support surgeons and nurses during surgical procedures. These roles often involve preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient care before, during, and after surgery. Entry-level roles usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may need a specialized certification or on-the-job training. These positions provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing within surgical or healthcare careers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level operating room technician?

To thrive as an entry level operating room technician, you need a solid understanding of sterile technique, basic surgical procedures, and a certificate or diploma in surgical technology. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and electronic documentation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensuring patient safety, supporting surgical teams, and maintaining efficient operating room workflows.

What are common challenges faced by entry level staff in the operating room, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level operating room staff often face challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced environment, learning complex surgical protocols, and managing stress during high-stakes procedures. It’s important to ask questions, seek guidance from experienced team members, and participate in ongoing training to build confidence and proficiency. Developing strong communication skills and staying organized can also help new team members effectively support surgeons and nurses, ensuring patient safety and smooth operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operating Room vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectEntry Level Operating RoomSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), possibly Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or equivalent certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinics
Job RoleAssist in surgical procedures, prepare operating rooms, pass instrumentsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries

Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in hospital or surgical settings. An Entry Level Operating Room often refers to a beginner position assisting in surgeries, while a Surgical Technologist is a certified professional with specific credentials. The roles overlap in duties and environment, making them closely related entry-level positions in surgical support.

How to get entry level operating room experience?

Entry level operating room experience can be gained through completing relevant healthcare training programs such as surgical technician or nursing assistant certifications, volunteering or shadowing in medical settings, and applying for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training. Developing skills in sterile techniques, patient care, and teamwork is essential for advancing in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in New Mexico?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in New Mexico are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Operating Room job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,867 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Nursing Assistant Inpatient Mental Health

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$38K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The New Mexico VA Health Care System is looking for a Nursing Assistant for our Inpatient Mental Health Service!
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience or Education or Training.
    • Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR
    • One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR
    • Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related [training] course of study [or program] of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
  • Grandfathering Provisions. All NAs employed in VHA on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the series and grade held that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    • If an employee who was retained (grandfathered) under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status of the grandfathering provision and must meet the full VA qualification standard basic requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation.
  • Grade Determinations.GS-3 NA (Entry Level):
  • Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements.
  • GS-4 NA:
  • Experience. One year of specialized experience as a NA or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR
  • Education. Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.
    • Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
    • Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.
    • Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals.
  • GS-5 NA (Full Performance Level).
  • Experience. One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs below; OR
  • Education. Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree; AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
    • Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long-term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse.
    • Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new NAs by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting.
    • Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. The NA must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. These physical requirements will be consistent with VA Directive Handbook 5019.May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER