Allen Navarro, Solid Waste heavy equipment operator, has spent 20 years managing trash for our community with Las Cruces Utilities (LCU). He drives a big trash truck picking up commercial trash containers at 130 business locations every day.
“It feels very rewarding,” he says. “It’s not something people always think about, but it is a service that is important to their lives, their businesses, and the lives of their family.” Navarro’s job starts early – he’s at work by 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday – and on the streets by 6 a.m. after inspecting his trash truck and making sure everything is in working order. His workday generally ends at 1:30 p.m. – that suits him just fine!
“For me, it’s easy, and it’s actually really nice to spend the day by myself on the streets of Las Cruces,” said Navarro. “This truck holds up to 13 tons of trash. When it’s filled, I head to the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) Transfer Station, where the trash is dumped, compacted, and transferred to an 18-wheeler that takes it out to the Corralitos landfill.”
Navarro, originally from Tornillo, Texas, moved to Las Cruces to try and work for the City of Las Cruces (City), because even at 20-years old, he knew that a job at the City meant that he would have a career, and while he worked he would have benefits – insurance, retirement, sick leave, and vacation – that many other industries do not offer. Now at the young age of 41, he could retire…but he likes the work. “I’ll probably make it a few more years,” he said, “I still enjoy my work and coming in to do it.”
Do you want to be a part of the organization that keeps our city running smoothly? Are you interested in a career that sees growth in technology? Trash collection is now aided by “smart technology” that includes computers, cameras, and GPS on the trucks.
From trash collection to water distribution and water safety to sewage management and gas line locating, there are spots to fill for those with various interests and skills. Plus, the City provides training for career advancement. You could be a part of the critical infrastructure of your Las Cruces. Find out more and see all LCU job openings here: http://www.las-cruces.org/2001/Work-For-Us, and click on the Current Employment Opportunities with Las Cruces Utilities link.
You can reach Las Cruces Utilities at 528-3500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Las Cruces Utilities provides GAS – WATER – WASTEWATER – SOLID WASTE services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.