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Wastewater Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Solvenow Inc.

Operator

Rio Rancho, NM

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Level II certification in Wastewater * A minimum of two years of experience in operating wastewater treatment plants * Interview and work location: 100 Industrial Park Loop SE Rio Rancho NM 87124

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$14

$24

$36

How much do wastewater jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater in Rio Rancho, NM is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Wastewater Job?

The qualifications for a wastewater job include a high school diploma or GED certificate and on-the-job training. Many employees prefer job candidates with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field. States also require a license for wastewater positions, with requirements varying depending on where you live. Pursuing certification may improve your employment opportunities and help with advancement to supervisory positions. The American Water Works Association offers several accreditation programs. Wastewater jobs often involve physically demanding work, which requires physical fitness. Excellent mechanical and technical skills are also necessary to operate the equipment efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wastewater Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wastewater Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, chemistry, and safety regulations, usually supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance tools is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operation of wastewater treatment facilities, protecting public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wastewater treatment, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wastewater treatment often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable influent quality, maintaining complex equipment, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. Staying current with technological advancements, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with maintenance and laboratory teams can help overcome these obstacles. Additionally, clear communication with regulatory agencies and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring compliance and efficient plant operations.

What are wastewater operators?

Wastewater operators are professionals responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. They monitor and adjust equipment, manage the treatment process, and ensure that water released into the environment meets regulatory standards. Their role is essential for protecting public health and the environment by treating sewage and industrial waste safely and effectively. Wastewater operators also conduct routine testing, keep detailed records, and respond to emergencies or system malfunctions.

What is the difference between Wastewater vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWastewaterWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWastewater Treatment Certification, State LicensesWater Treatment Certification, State Licenses
Work EnvironmentWastewater treatment plants, sewer systemsWater treatment facilities, drinking water plants
Industry UsageMunicipal, industrial wastewater managementMunicipal, public water supply management

Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operators both work in water-related industries, often requiring similar certifications and working in treatment facilities. Wastewater operators focus on treating sewage and industrial effluents, while water treatment operators manage drinking water supplies. Their roles are distinct but complementary within water management systems.

More about Wastewater jobs
What job categories do people searching Wastewater jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Wastewater jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Wastewater jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Wastewater job openings:
Wastewater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wastewater job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,439 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
New Mexico Water/Wastewater State Lead

New Mexico Water/Wastewater State Lead

WSP

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

Job Description
This Opportunity
WSP is seeking a New Mexico Water/Wastewater State Lead to join our Water team. This position will be based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
WSP is a leading environmental consulting firm that specializes in offering innovative water and wastewater treatment solutions to a wide range of clients across the United States. We are dedicated to enhancing environmental sustainability and public health through our expert consulting, engineering, and project management services.
The Drinking Water/Wastewater Market Lead will be a key player in expanding our market presence while managing and delivering water and wastewater utility and plant projects in New Mexico. This role involves strategic market development, client relationship management, and technical project leadership. The ideal candidate will have a solid technical background in municipal and industrial water/wastewater treatment, coupled with a proven track record in business development within the environmental consulting industry.
Your Impact
  • Support the development and execution of market expansion strategies for our water and wastewater treatment consulting services.
  • Support the pursuit, and secure new business opportunities and projects across multiple states.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
  • Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of water/wastewater projects, ensuring they meet quality, budget, and timeline targets.
  • Provide expert consulting services, including feasibility studies, process optimization, and regulatory compliance advice.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance our market presence and professional reputation.
  • Build and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and project managers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with other departments and teams within the firm to leverage cross-functional capabilities and resources.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Remain current in latest water resources engineering techniques.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering, with a focus in Water Resources or closely related discipline.
  • 12+ years of relevant post education experience in environmental consulting industry, with a focus on water/wastewater treatment.
  • Engineer license required (New Mexico Preferred).
  • Highly proficient with water resources engineering principles, practices, and methods and their application to environmental and project work-related issues.
  • Strong knowledge of relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Highly proficient with making technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
  • Well-defined experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments in accordance with ASTM guidelines and industry standards.
  • Experience with planning and conducting inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
  • Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing intricate ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Works independently to provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, math principles, predictive models, and tools.
  • Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel out of state may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Engineering.

#LI-MF1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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