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

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

Irrigation Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$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 ...

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

Operator 2 will perform duties in accordance with Pueblo and Department policies and procedures. Operator 2 shall perform assigned duties and follow directives from supervision in both water and ...

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

Operator 2 will perform duties in accordance with Pueblo and Department policies and procedures. Operator 2 shall perform assigned duties and follow directives from supervision in both water and ...

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Water Department information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 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:
Infographic showing various Water Department job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,674 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Utilities Service Technician AF

Utilities Service Technician AF

City of Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho, NM

$14.85 - $18.56/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


City Of Rio Rancho rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 657 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary The Utilities Service Technician reads water consumption meters, records volume used by residential and commercial consumers, turns off/on service, tracks/records meter inventory, works with Utilities Service Specialists on problem accounts, and inspects new meter installations. Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations Education / higher education: High School Graduate or equivalent Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Six months related work experience and/or training. Education and/or experience preferences: None Driver's License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: None Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: None Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: General computer equipment. Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Map reading and address locating.

Accurately reading meter and transferring the data to a hand-held microcomputer or form. Abilities: Read and interpret work orders. Walk continuously throughout the day.

Communicate effectively with customers in the field about utility problems and charges. Comprehend and carry out simple verbal instructions and recognize similarities and differences between words and between series of numbers. Add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's and to perform these operations using units of money, weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Work effectively with minimal supervision. Operate a two-way communication device. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works with division managers and supervisors, utility billing specialists , other utility service technicians and utilities service specialists to insure accurate data entry. External: Interacts with customers in the field. Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this position.

The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned. Walks and drives City vehicle over established meter route and accurately reads and records volume used by residential and commercial customers.

Sort and organize service orders by route, task, and/or priority. Locates and reads water meters; records readings on hand-held microcomputer. Frequently is required to dig out the meter boxes, siphon water, and remove debris, insects, animals, reptiles.

Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections, and reports irregularities using forms for necessary action by servicing department. Checks misread meters and record findings on a hand-held microcomputer and other forms as necessary. Verifies readings to locate abnormal consumption and records reasons for fluctuations.

Performs a variety of testing, inspections and investigations related to water consumption meters. Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections, and reports irregularities using forms for necessary action by servicing department. Investigates theft of water and reports of illegal meters and connections, working with the Department of Public Safety to enforce ordinances and prepare documentation.

May testify in court against illegal water users. Inspects installations of meter cans and meters in accordance with standards and specifications set by the City. Complete necessary paperwork.

Investigates leaks at customer's request and when computer reports indicate possible problems. Determines if leak repair is the responsibility of the City or the customer. Tests meters for accuracy in measuring water consumption using a bench test process, communicating results to supervisor and customer.

Removes, reinstalls or disconnects water consumption meters in emergency situations or as instructed. Tends to emergency service turn on/off situations. Disconnects customers for non-payment of charges; turns service on for new occupants and reconnections.

Removes or reinstalls meters when instructed to do so. Bench test meters to check for accuracy. Communicates with customers regarding City utility policies and customer account information when appropriate to do so.

Assist in training of new Utilities Service Technicians.