Temporary Desalination Maintenance Technician

Solar Desalination Facility Operator

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) has commenced joint operations with Sunvapor, Inc., a leading developer of low-carbon industrial process plants, to operate and maintain the country's first solar desalination facility – located at a commercial saltwater disposal well in Loving, New Mexico. To develop its workforce program in sustainable water reuse, SENMC supports operations and maintenance (O&M) tasks at the pilot facility.

This position supports SENMC's sustainable water reuse program by performing routine operations and maintenance at the solar-powered produced water desalination pilot facility. Under Sunvapor's direction, responsibilities include daily plant operations in accordance with SOPs, chemical handling, equipment checks, performance monitoring, responding to alarms, assisting with maintenance, and maintaining operational records to ensure safe, reliable facility performance and workforce training support.

Location:

Loving, New Mexico

Anticipated

Schedule:

Monday through Friday mornings (e.g., 8:00-10:00 a.m.), averaging approximately 2 hours per weekday following completion of training.

• Field experience with steam systems, desalination processes, or wastewater treatment systems
• Proven experience handling industrial chemicals, including spill prevention and safe handling of hazardous materials such as oxidizers and corrosives
• Hands-on experience with water analysis techniques, including in-field colorimetric testing and jar testing
• Experience working with control panels, instrumentation, and process equipment in an industrial or pilot-scale environment
• Demonstrated experience developing, following, and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Grade:
Temporary Salary: $40.00 per hour minimum; rate commensurate with experience.

• Field experience with steam, desalination, or wastewater treatment systems.
• Field experience with chemicals handling, including spill prevention and handling hazardous chemicals (e.g. oxidizers, corrosives).
• Field experience with water analysis, such as in-field colorimetric methods and jar testing.
• Field experience with control panels, instruments, and process equipment.
• Hands-on abilities as a mechanic; detail-oriented.
• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds and work at heights greater than 15 feet.
• Desire to work outdoors at pilot site, including during summer.
• Familiar with OSHA and ASME safety codes and practices.
• Experience developing and following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Familiarity with basic data entry, such as MS Excel and Google Drive/Sheets.

• Work is performed primarily outdoors at an industrial pilot facility
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, sun, and wind
• Exposure to chemicals and industrial equipment, requiring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds