1

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

Lifeguard - Summer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.55 - $20.01/hr

Lifeguard - Summer Department: Parks & Rec Location: 2312 Arenal SW Pay Range: $15.55 - $20.01 ... This position also supports aquatics programming, assists with water quality maintenance, and ...

PLUMBER

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$37.54 - $46.93/hr

Install new piping for HVAC, water, gas as needed. * Complies with Pueblo, Resort & Casino, and Facilities Department standard operating procedures. * Responsible for entering all work activity into ...

PLUMBER

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$37.54 - $46.93/hr

Install new piping for HVAC, water, gas as needed. * Complies with Pueblo, Resort & Casino, and Facilities Department standard operating procedures. * Responsible for entering all work activity into ...

... watering, mowing, fertilizing, applying herbicides and pesticides, pruning and weeding and weed and ... Internal: Works with craft workers and department supervisors to construct and repair parks and ...

Bakery Clerk - # 60 Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

This position will also help in the department cleaning by hosing down the floors with soap and water to ensure the department cleanliness. The working environment is typical for a fast-paced grocery ...

Bakery Clerk - # 60 Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $15.75/hr

This position will also help in the department cleaning by hosing down the floors with soap and water to ensure the department cleanliness. The working environment is typical for a fast-paced grocery ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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.
Assoc Dir,Utility Services

Assoc Dir,Utility Services

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$7.0K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 10 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

65th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assoc Dir,Utility Services
Requisition ID
req36915
Working Title
Assoc Dir,Utility Services
Position Grade
16
Position Summary
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as Associate Director of Utility Services within the Facility Services division. This role provides strategic and operational oversight for the University's utility infrastructure across the Main and Health Sciences Center campuses, including the Ford Utilities Center, Campus Utility Plant, chilled water plants, water wells, and the potable water system. UNM Utility Services' district energy system, including cogeneration, serves approximately 8 million SF of UNM's Main Campus.
Reporting to the Director of Technical Services, the Associate Director ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of utilities that power academic, research, and healthcare facilities. This position plays a critical role in campus sustainability, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage the operation of high-pressure steam plants, chilled water systems, and potable water systems in compliance with ASME, OSHA, and federal regulations.
  • Oversee utility infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance for Main and Health Sciences Center campuses.
  • Direct and supervise technical and administrative staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
  • Ensure fiscal responsibility through budget development and expenditure oversight.
  • Coordinate emergency response for critical utility systems supporting healthcare and hospital facilities, or Data Center.
  • Develop and implement short- and long-range plans for utility services, including sustainability initiatives.
  • Manage external contracts and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Support GIS, GPS and other utility mapping systems for accurate infrastructure data management.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
  • Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
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
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Educational Facilities operation.
  • Strong understanding of FM operations across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
  • Proven experience leading large teams, to include union staff.
  • Extensive experience in financial management and budgeting.
  • Expertise with facilities maintenance technology platforms (CMMS, work order systems, analytics tools).
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive-level presentation skills.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Utility Services Dept Main-Overhead (821D5)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $7,084.13 - $10,140.00, depending on education and experience
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
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
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
6/12/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
No
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.
To be considered for this position: 1. Complete the official UNMJOBS application; you must include ALL prior work experience, including the full dates of employment (month and year) for each position held, and the number of hours worked per week. 2. Attach your current resume with three professional references listed. 3. Attach your cover letter that addresses our preferred qualifications. 4.Incomplete applications will not be considered
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.

What University Of New Mexico employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom