Laborer, Trades ​/ Skilled Labor, Maintenance Technician ​/ Mechanic

Wastewater Laborer

Annual Salary: $38,251.20 ($18.39 an hour)

Full-time Regular

Deadline:
Applications are due by Wednesday July 15, 2026 no later than 5:00 PM

Performs a variety of entry‑level duties related to the wastewater system, installation, and maintenance within the department.

• Follows policies and procedures as set forth by the City of Belen
• Performs routine duties within the wastewater department; assists in maintaining wastewater systems; assures proper installation and maintenance of wastewater systems equipment
• Tests water samples; repairs system leaks; cleans and repairs manholes; hauls sludge; carries out the composting operation including wastewater sludge and yard waste
• Performs all aspects of sampling, monitoring, and testing required to maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations governing the wastewater treatment process, stormwater, and sludge management
• Operates treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, pumps, and motors
• Greases and cleans plant equipment; reads and interprets meters and gauges; regulates plant effluent
• Assists in the collection of samples and runs basic laboratory analyses such as pH, temperature, and chlorine residual; applies the results of testing to the process; maintains accurate and orderly records; troubleshoots process problems
• Assists in the installation of wastewater systems and control equipment; installs, tests, and maintains systems
• Operates wastewater department equipment
• Performs general repair and clean‑up duties after wastewater spills
• Enters manholes and other confined spaces involving potential biological, chemical, electrical, and/or physical hazards
• Performs simple janitorial work within the department, and yard maintenance around wastewater facilities
• Schedules on‑call duties during off‑hours, holidays, and overtime
• Assists with other City functions as necessary
• Performs related duties as required

• Good listening skills
• General construction skills
• Ability to perform basic and routine mechanical work
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with supervisors, co‑workers, and the public
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain and/or improve knowledge, skills, and abilities, unassisted
• Ability to read, understand and adhere to all department guidelines, bulletins, directives, memorandums, and policies
• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to the work schedule with minimal supervision

• High School diploma or GED required
• Wastewater experience preferred but not required
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license required
• Willing to obtain Wastewater Level I within 18 months of hire
• Must pass pre‑employment drug screen and background check
• Willing to work shift work, including weekends, be on call 24 hours per day, and overtime

Knowledge of common work tools, maintenance, and motor equipment; use of two‑way radio, ladders, work tools (shovel, pick, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers), wastewater equipment and maintenance, janitorial equipment and supplies.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee will learn about confined space. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to read, write, walk, sit and talk or hear;

use hands or fingers to handle, feel or operate equipment and reach with hands and arms; climb, push, pull, stoop, bend or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…