Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, slish@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory requires a position to support Gin Lab Staff and faculty/staff by maintaining facilities, research equipment, and tools.

***All applicants must fully complete every section of the online application. The application, not the resume, is the official record used to determine qualifications.
Current NMSU Employees: Include your complete NMSU employment history, regardless of length of service.***

Position Details

Position Title: Mechanical Technician III

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $25.56

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 6:00am-2:30pm

Job Duties and Responsibilities: **THIS POSITION IS A ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED; CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL FUNDING**

• Performs general maintenance and repair of research facilities and equipment including ginning and field equipment and laboratories, shop buildings and tools, and grounds.
• Supports research operations by assisting with test runs, sampling, and equipment setup.
• Performs general fabrication and repairs metal, sheet metal, and welded components using acetylene, arc welding, and metal‑working tools.
• Performs general facility and building maintenance such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical. Work carried out in this position are less than journeyman work and are concerned with the more routine maintenance and repair of the facility buildings and infrastructure.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs tractors, forklifts, laboratory vehicles, and other motorized equipment.
• Operates heavy and light equipment including tractors, forklifts, and other machinery in support of facility and research activities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
High School diploma + 4 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s
Degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
• Knowledge of facility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.
• Skill in welding, sheet metal fabrication, and metal repair.
• Ability to operate tractors, forklifts, and laboratory vehicles safely.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices for equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities effectively.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, diagrams, maintenance manuals, and research plans.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and compliance with workplace standards.
• Willingness and ability to learn and attend training courses.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds independently.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, and dust.
• Exposure to electrical systems, mechanical equipment, welding fumes, and other occupational hazards requires adherence to safety protocols.
• Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.