Laborer

___________________________ 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 ____________________________ SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Performs a variety of entry level duties related to the wastewater system, installation, and maintenance within the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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 on off-hours, holidays, and overtime. Assists with other City functions as necessary. Performs related duties as required.

SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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. EQUIPMENT USED: 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. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. WORK ENVIRONMENT: 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 essential functions. Confined space training will be provided. Incumbent of the position normally works outside, all-seasons weather environment and occasionally inside buildings. Daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as: working on high ladders and in manholes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide and elated gases; daily potential for hazardous exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere and ultra violet light; daily exposure to seasonal changes and weather extremes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such a typhoid, par-typhoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.; daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc; daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as dust, fumes, dampness, cold and heat. Position requires use of basic human faculties. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud, but normally quiet to moderate. DISCLAIMER: The above information is intended to describe the general nature of this position and is not to be considered a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, requirements or knowledge, skills and abilities.