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

Wastewater Laborer

FULL-TIME REGULAR

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

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

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.
• Perform routine duties within the wastewater department; assists to maintain wastewater systems; assures proper installation and maintenance of wastewater systems equipment.
• Test water samples; repair system leaks; clean and repair manholes; haul sludge; carry out the composting operation including wastewater sludge and yard waste.
• Perform 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.
• Operate treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, pumps, and motors.
• Grease and clean plant equipment; read and interpret meters and gauges; regulate plant effluent.
• Assist in the collection of samples and run basic laboratory analyses such as pH, temperature, and chlorine residual. Ability to apply the results of testing to the process. Maintain accurate and orderly records. Ability to troubleshoot process problems.
• Assist in the installation of wastewater systems and control equipment; install, test, and maintain systems.
• Operate wastewater department equipment.
• Perform general repair and clean up duties after wastewater spills.
• Enter manholes and other confined spaces involving potential biological, chemical, electrical, and/or physical hazards.
• Perform simple janitorial work within department, and yard maintenance around wastewater facilities.
• Scheduled for on call 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 work schedule with minimal supervision.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Wastewater experience preferred but not required.
• Valid New Mexico’s 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 to include use of common work tools, maintenance, and motor equipment. Knowledge of using 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. 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. The employee is frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle, feel or operate equipment and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to climb, push, pull, stoop, bend or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds 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…