Plant Operator

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

9d • $19 • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Operator works at NMSU’s Central Utility Plant, helping produce and distribute essential utilities such as heating, cooling, and power to support campus facility operations. The role monitors water treatment for boilers, cooling towers, and closed-loop systems, and requires maintaining a State High Pressure Boiler License issued through the State Construction Industries Division.

This is a full-time, non-exempt bargaining-unit position represented by AFSCME, with a standard Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule. It is designated as a primary key position under the All Hazard Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP); during emergencies, the employee must report to work unless instructed otherwise by a supervisor or public safety authorities for health and safety reasons. The work involves frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals, biohazardous materials, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noise, and other potentially dangerous conditions. It is physically demanding, with physical work comprising more than 70% of the job and lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience, or an associate’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience.
• Must maintain a State High Pressure Boiler License per State Construction Industries Division.
• Ability to perform considerable physical work, including heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in conditions involving extreme temperatures, hazardous materials, and other potentially dangerous situations, using required safety precautions and protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Help operate, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, and other Central Utility Plant systems.
• Support the production and distribution of heating, cooling, and power for facility operations.
• Monitor water treatment for boilers, cooling towers, and closed-loop systems.
• Maintain a State High Pressure Boiler License per State Construction Industries Division requirements.
• Report to work during emergency situations when required under the COOP, unless directed not to report for health and safety reasons.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED