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Wastewater Treatment Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

... Water/Wastewater Design Engineer to join our team. We are open to reviewing candidates based ... Technical advisor for water treatment and process design * Perform analyses, prepare drawings, and ...

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Wastewater Treatment information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

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How much do wastewater treatment jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater treatment in Rio Rancho, NM is $25.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $30.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wastewater treatment operator?

Wastewater treatment operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining systems that clean water used in homes, businesses, and industries before it is released back into the environment. They monitor equipment, perform tests, and ensure that water treatment processes comply with environmental regulations. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by removing contaminants and pollutants from wastewater.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wastewater treatment operator?

To thrive as a Wastewater Treatment Operator, you need a solid understanding of water chemistry, treatment processes, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance tools is crucial for daily operations. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork enhance performance and help address operational challenges. These competencies ensure safe, efficient treatment of wastewater, compliance with environmental standards, and protection of public health.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wastewater treatment facilities?

Professionals in wastewater treatment often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, adapting to changes in influent flow due to weather or industrial discharges, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. The role also requires swift problem-solving to prevent service disruptions and protect public health. Additionally, teamwork is crucial, as operators regularly collaborate with maintenance staff, engineers, and local authorities to maintain smooth facility operations.

What is the difference between Wastewater Treatment vs Wastewater Collection Worker?

AspectWastewater TreatmentWastewater Collection Worker
CertificationsOperator licenses, EPA certificationsOperator licenses, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentTreatment plants, laboratoriesUnderground pipes, manholes, streets
Job FocusProcessing and treating wastewaterCollecting and transporting wastewater
Industry UsageWater treatment facilitiesMunicipal water systems

Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection Worker roles are closely related but focus on different stages of water management. Wastewater Treatment involves processing and cleaning wastewater at treatment plants, requiring specialized licenses. Wastewater Collection Workers focus on collecting wastewater from homes and businesses, working primarily outdoors in underground systems. Both roles are essential for maintaining public health and environmental standards within municipal water systems.

Is wastewater treatment a hard job?

Wastewater treatment is a physically demanding job that requires working in confined spaces, handling chemicals, and operating complex equipment. It often involves shift work and requires technical skills, safety awareness, and sometimes certifications, making it challenging for some workers.

What job categories do people searching Wastewater Treatment jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Wastewater Treatment jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

Infographic showing various Wastewater Treatment job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,924 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Operators / Field Technicians

Project Solutions Inc.

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Location: Region 7 - Upper Colorado Basin
Period of Performance: June 2, 2026 through June 1, 2027 with four -one year options
Join a team of ever-growing professionals who look to make a difference on projects both domestically and internationally. Our organization is growing, and we believe your career should too.
Project Overview:
Project Solutions Inc. is seeking a qualified Water and Wastewater Treatment Operators / Field Technicians to provide nationwide water and wastewater utility operations, maintenance, and repair services, including certified operator support, preventive maintenance, regulatory compliance, sampling, inspections, and emergency repairs at NPS-managed facilities. The contract is intended to ensure uninterrupted, compliant, and safe operation of potable water, wastewater treatment, water distribution, and wastewater collection systems across parks and territories.
This role is contingent upon award of project.
Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Operate and monitor potable water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure safe, continuous, and compliant utility services
  • Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on treatment plants, distribution systems, collection systems, pumps, valves, lift stations, and related infrastructure
  • Conduct regulatory sampling, testing, analysis, and reporting in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements and permit conditions
  • Maintain accurate operator logs, maintenance records, inspection reports, compliance documentation, and monthly operational reports
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair equipment failures, system malfunctions, alarms, and operational deficiencies to restore system performance
  • Operate and maintain SCADA, control, monitoring, and instrumentation systems, responding promptly to alarms and performance issues
  • Conduct asset inspections, condition assessments, seasonal startup/winterization activities, and identify corrective actions to maintain system reliability
  • Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), NPDES permit requirements, and applicable state and local regulations while coordinating activities with NPS personnel and the COR

Required Education, Skills, and Abilities:
Education/Certification:
  • Valid state-issued Water Treatment, Distribution, or Wastewater Operator License (Class I or higher)
  • 2-3+ years of hands-on experience in water or wastewater system operations

Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of field experience operating and maintaining potable water systems, including treatment and distribution infrastructure
  • Minimum 3 years of field experience operating and maintaining wastewater treatment or disposal systems
  • Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting water treatment systems, including chlorination, filtration, distribution, and related utility infrastructure
  • Experience operating and maintaining wastewater treatment systems, including lift stations, septic systems, lagoon systems, and treatment processes
  • Experience performing routine operations, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, inspections, and emergency repairs on utility systems and equipment
  • Experience conducting regulatory sampling, process control testing, water quality monitoring, analysis, and compliance reporting
  • Experience using SCADA, remote monitoring, instrumentation, and control systems to monitor performance and respond to alarms or operational issues
  • Experience working independently at remote field locations while maintaining detailed operator logs and complying with federal, state, and local regulatory and safety requirements.

Key Attributes & Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of potable water and wastewater treatment system operations, maintenance, and repair activities
  • Ability to monitor, operate, and troubleshoot treatment processes, distribution systems, collection systems, lift stations, septic systems, and lagoon systems
  • Proficiency in performing regulatory sampling, process control testing, water quality monitoring, and compliance reporting
  • Ability to operate and respond to SCADA, remote monitoring, instrumentation, and control systems
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, piping diagrams, operator logs, maintenance manuals, and technical documentation
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, including environmental, water quality, and wastewater compliance standards
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to respond to alarms, system malfunctions, operational anomalies, and emergency repair situations
  • Ability to work independently at remote field locations while maintaining detailed records and adhering to health, safety, and environmental protection protocols.

What Does PSI Offer You?
  • Three options for medical plans plus dental and vision insurance offerings
  • 24/7 healthcare access to telehealth services for your convenience
  • HSA
  • Company life insurance options for you and your family
  • Short-term and long-term disability offerings
  • PLUS an $800 monthly allowance is provided to offset your PSI insurance premium costs
  • 401(k) with a 4% employer match
  • Generous PTO, paid-federal holidays, and sick leave
  • Always the opportunity for professional development

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Benefit offerings subject to change.
Project Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, women, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
EEO/M/F/Vets