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Water Department Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Tigua Inc

Plant System Technican

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Plant System Technician Department: Location: Albuquerque, NM (SIPI Campus) Reporting to ... Support water treatment program activities such as closed-loop sampling/testing, chemical dosing ...

Goodman Realty Group

Irrigation Technician

Albuquerque, NM

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Irrigation Technician Department: Landscaping Reports To: Site Supervisor / Property Manager ... This position helps maintain healthy vegetation while conserving water through proper system ...

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All JobsWater Department JobsWater Department Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Water Department information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water department in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Water Department do?

The Water Department is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to residents and businesses, maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring water quality meets regulatory standards. They manage water treatment plants, repair water main breaks, monitor water usage, and handle billing for water services. The department also implements water conservation programs and responds to customer inquiries about water service. Their work is essential for public health, environmental protection, and community well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Water Department position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Water Department role, you generally need knowledge of water systems, plumbing, and environmental regulations, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in utilities or engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping software, and water quality testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of water services, regulatory compliance, and prompt resolution of system issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Water Department, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in a Water Department often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency water main breaks, managing aging infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and effective communication with both team members and the public. Staying current with training and best practices, as well as fostering a collaborative environment, helps teams manage these issues efficiently and provide reliable water services to the community.

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

AspectWater DepartmentWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsVaries; may include certifications in water systemsTypically requires a state certification/license in water treatment
Work EnvironmentMunicipal or public water systems, fieldwork, office tasksWater treatment facilities, plant operations, equipment monitoring
Industry UsagePublic utilities, municipal agenciesWater treatment facilities, public utilities
Common Search/ComparisonBroader role overseeing water servicesSpecific role focused on water treatment processes

The Water Department generally oversees water services and infrastructure, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator specifically manages the operation of water treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and reliable water supply, often working closely within the same industry and requiring similar certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Water Department jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Water Department jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Department jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Water Department jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Water Department jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Water Department job openings:
Water Department jobs near you
Research Assistant/Staff

Research Assistant/Staff

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$16.07 - $20.12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Assistant/Staff
Requisition ID
req33103
Working Title
Research Assistant/Staff
Position Grade
06
Position Summary
Provides technical assistance, as assigned, in the collection, processing, and coordination of data, samples, and/or specimens for a specified research study or group of studies. Works within established research protocol and under specific instructions as to method, process, and technique to perform or assist with routine tests, experiments, and/or procedures relevant to the field of study.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities which may include practicum.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications:
  • Research experience participating in research on atmospheric water harvesting.
  • Research experience conducting field research to collect atmospheric water samples, lab research to process field water samples and measure water quality, and data analysis to determine trends in meteorology, air quality, and water quality.
  • Able to travel to field sites across Albuquerque (specifically City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department Air Quality Program sites) and perform lab and data analysis.
  • Currently enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited higher education institution, or have obtained at minimum a bachelor's degree.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Center for Water & the Environment (281A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Temporary - Part-Time
Term End Date
Status
Non-Exempt
Pay
Hourly: $16.07 - $20.12
Benefits Eligible
This is not a benefits eligible position.
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
No
For Best Consideration Date
Eligible for Remote Work
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please attach resume and transcripts.
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.

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