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

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

... Sandia Utility infrastructure. Operator 2 will perform duties in accordance with Pueblo and ... Collects tests and preserves water and wastewater samples for chemical and biological properties.

Project Inspector AF

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$21.94 - $27.42/hr

College/Technical School coursework in construction management, Civil engineering, water/wastewater utility construction or operations, or a related field. Project Inspector II Minimum number of ...

College/Technical School coursework in construction management, Civil engineering, water/wastewater utility construction or operations, or a related field. Project Inspector II Minimum number of ...

Civil Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Support design efforts involving site layout and geometry, grading and earthwork design, storm drainage systems, stormwater management facilities, water and sanitary sewer utilities, roadway and ...

Construction Inspector

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21.15 - $30.13/hr

... utility systems to maintain safety and operational effectiveness. Monitors testing of water pumping systems, electronic controls, and pressurized pipe systems. Prepares daily and monthly reports on ...

Construction Inspector

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21.15 - $30.13/hr

... utility systems to maintain safety and operational effectiveness. Monitors testing of water pumping systems, electronic controls, and pressurized pipe systems. Prepares daily and monthly reports on ...

Support water treatment program activities such as closed-loop sampling/testing, chemical dosing ... Work performed in boiler plant/mechanical rooms and utility spaces; exposure to noise, heat, and ...

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Water Utilities information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$32K

$92.3K

$148.8K

How much do water utilities jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for water utilities in Rio Rancho, NM is $92,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Utilities vs Water Treatment Plant Operators?

AspectWater UtilitiesWater Treatment Plant Operators
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications vary by stateHigh school diploma; state-specific operator licenses
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, office, and plant facilitiesPrimarily plant-based, operational environment
Industry UsageUtility companies managing water supply systemsFacilities within water treatment plants
Job FocusManaging water distribution and infrastructureOperating and maintaining water treatment equipment

Water Utilities and Water Treatment Plant Operators both work within the water industry, but Water Utilities focus on managing entire water systems, including distribution, while Water Treatment Plant Operators specialize in operating treatment equipment. Both roles require certifications and are essential for safe water supply management.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In the water utilities sector, high-paying roles such as senior plant operators or project managers can reach or exceed $10,000 per month with extensive experience and specialized skills. These positions often require technical knowledge, certifications, and on-the-job training rather than a traditional degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the water utilities sector, high-paying roles such as senior engineers, project managers, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience or certifications. These positions often require advanced technical skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes leadership responsibilities, typically working on large-scale infrastructure projects or system management.

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

To thrive in Water Utilities, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, and regulatory compliance, often supported by relevant certifications or a degree in environmental science or engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and GIS mapping tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of clean water to communities.

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

Professionals in water utilities often encounter challenges such as maintaining aging infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and responding to emergency situations like water main breaks or contamination incidents. Addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, effective teamwork, and ongoing training in safety and regulatory standards. Many organizations support staff with cross-departmental collaboration and provide opportunities for professional development to help employees stay current with technology and best practices.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the water utilities sector, high-paying roles such as senior engineers, utility executives, and operations managers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require extensive industry knowledge, management skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or professional licenses.

Is water utilities a good career?

A career in water utilities involves maintaining and operating water treatment and distribution systems, requiring technical skills and certifications. It offers stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to work in essential public service roles. The job often involves physical work and adherence to safety standards.

What are water utilities?

Water utilities are organizations or companies responsible for providing essential water-related services to communities. They supply clean and safe drinking water, manage wastewater collection and treatment, and often handle stormwater management. Water utilities ensure that water meets health and safety standards, maintain infrastructure such as pipelines and treatment plants, and promote water conservation. These services are crucial for public health, environmental protection, and supporting local economies.
What are popular job titles related to Water Utilities jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Water Utilities jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Utilities jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Water Utilities jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Water Utilities jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Water Utilities job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Utilities job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,251 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
UTILITY OPERATOR 2

UTILITY OPERATOR 2

Sandia Resort and Casino

Bernalillo, NM • On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Sandia Resort & Casino rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated casinos


Job description

Position Summary
Under general supervision is responsible for safe operation and maintenance of the Pueblo of Sandia Utility infrastructure. 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 wastewater operations.
Our philosophy is built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. Meeting all performance standards leads to attracting and retaining a qualified workforce, provides opportunities for qualified team members, and contributes towards the ongoing success of the Pueblo of Sandia today and in the future.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Collects tests and preserves water and wastewater samples for chemical and biological properties.
  2. Calibrates laboratory equipment, flow meters and chemical feed equipment as required by operating standards.
  3. Maintains operating records and inspection reports.
  4. Evaluates laboratory results and notifies supervisor of required changes in process and procedures.
  5. Cleans and maintains all laboratory equipment.
  6. Performs troubleshooting and repair as required to maintain equipment and facilities, runs test for process control.
  7. Repair the Pueblo of Sandia water and wastewater lines.
  8. Flush sanitary sewer lines; remove debris from sewers to prevent back-ups.
  9. Operate and maintain various water/wastewater collections equipment and vehicles; inspect equipment and vehicles for damage; inspect oil level, tires and brakes.
  10. Cut asphalt or cement for excavations using jack hammer; install plugs as required for maintenance and repairs of water and sewer lines.
  11. Perform line spots for all excavation, especially for 811 requests within specified time frame .Perform smoke/dye test as needed to determine breaks in sewer lines; prepare equipment used in smoke tests.
  12. Perform pesticide work in manholes including applying pesticides and chemicals to destroy roots and roaches in sewer lines; drive and operate roach truck.
  13. Read and interpret Village collection system maps.
  14. Use radio procedures to communicate with field and base to coordinate and complete tasks .
  15. Respond quickly and accurately to service calls during duty and non-duty hours, while serving in the on call capacity ensure that required response procedures are met.
  16. Operate and maintain all aspects of a truck or trailer mounted jet Roding/vacuum unit and video inspection units with the proficiency needed to complete collection line maintenance.
  17. Complete point line repairs that may require the ability to dig by hand, operate heavy equipment and use other specialized tools.
  18. Maintain accurate and complete records in conjunction with a computerized preventive and corrective maintenance program.
  19. Performs other duties as assigned by the Water/Wastewater Division Supervisor III and or Operations Manager IV.
  20. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility for all team members and are expected to report to work based upon the assigned schedule each day in accordance with the Attendance Policy for Pueblo of Sandia.

Additional Responsibilities
  1. Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

Key Performance Indicators
This position has Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) identified as a measurement of success. KPI's will be shared with all team members who work in this job title and feedback will be provided regarding the successful completion of the KPI's as part of the performance review process.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  1. Ability to and know of sample collections and preservation, chemical and biological testing, calibration laboratory equipment and troubleshooting.
  2. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
  3. Operations, services and activities of a water and wastewater treatment plant.
  4. Methods and techniques of preventive maintenance as related to water and wastewater treatment plant facilities.
  5. Mathematical principles and calculations.
  6. Ability to perform maintenance on equipment.
  7. Ability to read, write and understand written and oral instructions.
  8. Ability to work with the equipment, tools and the materials specified in this classification.
  9. Ability to evaluate the laboratory results and make recommendations to process changes when required.
  10. Ability to make visual and audio inspections of field equipment and facilities.
  11. Must be familiar with all safety procedures required in conducting the duties above described.
  12. Must be able to review and comprehend necessary updates to computer equipment and/or lab requirements.
  13. Continue to maintain CEU's- Continuing Education Credits annually, or as certifications specify. Opportunities to educate, train and test to higher levels is strongly encouraged.

Education and Experience
Required:
  1. High School Diploma, GED certification or equivalent.
  2. Two (2) years working in water or waste water operations

Note: Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy education and/or work experience.
License/Certifications/Registrations
  1. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License.
  2. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background investigation.
  3. Will require a pre-employment and random drug screening.
  4. Must possess prior to the employee's start date:
    • Wastewater Systems II and Water Supply II Certificates
  5. Must successfully complete and maintain the following courses/training:
    • CPR: within 60 days, renewal every 2 years.
    • First Aide: within 60 days, renewal every 2 years.
    • Confined Space: within one year, renewal every 2 years.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
The following selected physical activities are required to perform the essential functions of this position
Physical Requirement
Description
Balancing
Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
Crouching
Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
Feeling
Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
Finger Dexterity
Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
Grasping
Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
Hearing
Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
Kneeling
Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
Lifting
Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
Pulling
Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
Pushing
Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
Reaching
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Seeing
The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.
Walking
Job requirements include, in the performance of duties, walking throughout the work area, on various work surfaces throughout internal or external locations.
Sitting
Particularly for sustained periods of time.
Standing
Particularly for sustained periods of time.
Stooping
Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
Talking
Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
List Working Conditions Required:
  1. Duties are performed primarily outdoors with minimum indoor activity as required. Work duties may require employees to work in extreme temperature and inclement weather. Work apparel including standard work uniform issued by employer, may require employees to wear other apparel at own expense, in order to compensate for outside temperature conditions.
  2. Subject to potential hazards in water/wastewater treatment facility, such as broken glass, needles, human feces, and various other water treatment effluents.
  3. Additional potential hazards include exposure to infections, diseases, bloodborne and airborne pathogens, (methane, chlorine, and carbon monoxide fumes), odors, dust, mist, gases, and moderate noise levels.
  4. Duties involve walking, climbing, crawling, standing for periods of time, sitting, crouching, kneeling, and the ability to assume prone position. Some tasks will be performed on uneven, hard, and inclined slopes.
  5. Work hours are subject to change and call out as required; with overtime required and authorized by supervisor. Must be able to work long hours if required.
  6. Specific physical body movements require the following:
    • Trunk - bend, twists, rotate, push, pull, carry
    • Arms - reach, carries, push, pull, twists, rotate
    • Legs - lift, push, pull, twists, rotate, balance
    • Hands - grasp, bilateral coordination, overall and finger dexterity
    • Eye and hand coordination.