Operations Specialist 3/4

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Operations Specialist 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Operations Specialist 3 ($83,900 - $136,600)

The Utilities & Infrastructure (UI) Division is responsible for maintaining and operating all the Laboratory's utility systems including electric, gas, sewer, steam, and water. In addition, UI maintains and manages all of the open space on site, including roads and grounds, and the Laboratory's Sustainability Program.

Utilities & Infrastructure (UI) division is seeking a dedicated and skilled Operations Specialist to join the Water, Gas, and Wastewater (WGW) team. Reporting to the UI-WGW Group Leader and working closely with the Operations Manager, this role supports policy implementation and operational excellence while contributing as part of a collaborative team. The position serves as a vital link between maintenance and engineering services to ensure safe and timely achievement of organizational goals. UI is committed to providing our customers with high-quality, cost-effective utility and tenant support services while promoting sustainability across the site.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Establish work priorities, assign tasks, and oversee day-to-day operational activities.
  • Collaborate with UI Operations Managers to ensure LANL's Lockout/Tag-out (LOTO) function is implemented and managed in alignment with LANL's Hazardous Energy Control procedures.
  • Support the Sustainability Metering Team by facilitating the installation of new meters and ensuring existing gas and water distribution meters function correctly.
  • Partner with the LANL Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) team to establish pressure and flow monitoring systems for LANL's gas and water distribution networks.
  • Assist in planning, scheduling, and executing operations and maintenance activities.
  • Manage fieldwork and review/approve integrated work documentation for job-related activities.
Operations Specialist 4 ($101,700 - $168,200)

In addition to what was outlined at the Operations Specialist 3 level, at this level the selected candidate will identify potential project risks, work to resolve using mitigation strategies and corrective actions, and make decisions with limited direction to successfully execute daily maintenance functions. In addition, the higher-level candidate will work closely with managers to ensure that resources are available for the gas, sewer, and water project portfolios and to identify the technical scope, schedule and required budget for successful execution. The candidate will also be required to participate in the UI Duty officer program.


What You Need


Minimum Job Requirements:

Knowledge & Expertise: Demonstrated experience interpreting various mechanical and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics. Advanced understanding of work hazards, safety practices, operating configuration, and lock-out/tag-out policies and procedures.

Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of new theories and methods as a process improvement.

Relationship Management:
Working experience inspecting, supervising and/or coordinating craftwork on construction and maintenance projects. Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Additional Job Requirements for Operations Specialist 4:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Knowledge & Expertise: Expertise in sanitary wastewater treatment plants, collection systems, and water/natural gas distribution systems. Comprehensive knowledge of water distribution system components, including pumping plants and rate control valves. Proficiency in water and gas distribution methods, equipment servicing, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. Familiarity with plumbing codes, regulations, and practices, including gas line installation, inspection, repair, and maintenance.

Problem Solving: Experience overseeing water and wastewater laboratory testing. In-depth knowledge of compliance requirements for NM water, wastewater, and natural gas regulations.

Relationship Management: A proven ability to guide and direct utility operations and maintenance teams.

Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 3: Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 4: Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Thorough knowledge of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) outfall, storm water, and waste management compliance.
  • New Mexico Environmental Department Water & Wastewater Level 2 or Higher Certifications.
  • Basic understanding of local union craft agreements and provisions.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

  • Applicants must attach a detailed cover letter addressing the requirements and desired skills of the position with their resume.
  • Position at the higher level may be required to serve in an on-call capacity as assigned to include after-hours, holidays or LANL shutdowns.
Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q
(Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position at the higher level is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.