The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) recently hired its third student from the Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Water Technology Program as part of a partnership focused on building a skilled local workforce in the water utility industry. CRRUA provides water and wastewater services to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, NM.

The newest hire, Vicente Sosa-Rountree, Water/Wastewater Operator I, joins Filiberto Aguirre III, Meter Technician Specialist Assistant, and Jaydrian Jauregui, Water/Wastewater Operator I, both of whom began their careers at CRRUA as student interns through the DACC Water Technology Program.

“The partnership with DACC is invaluable because it can lead to full-time employment for students,” said Juan Crosby, Executive Director of CRRUA. “Water/wastewater operators are in high demand. By investing in local talent, we’re gaining dedicated, well-trained professionals who already understand our systems and our commitment to serving the community.”

Sosa-Rountree was among a group of DACC Water Technology students who toured one of CRRUA’s four arsenic treatment facilities in February of this year. “The tour, and meeting with executive director Crosby and members of his team played a big part in my decision to join CRRUA,” Sosa-Rountree said.

The CRRUA/DACC collaboration addresses workforce needs in the water sector while providing students with real-world training and employment opportunities. The success of this partnership highlights the importance of local education and workforce development programs in southern Doña Ana County.

Alex Salas, P.E., instructor for the DACC Water Technology Program, emphasized the importance of hands-on training and industry partnerships in preparing students for careers in the field.

“Our goal is to equip students with both the technical knowledge and practical experience they need to succeed on day one,” said Salas. “Seeing our students transition from the classroom into meaningful careers with organizations like CRRUA demonstrates the strength of this program and the value of these partnerships.”

For more information about employment opportunities with CRRUA, contact Udell Vigil at:

udell.vigil@sunlandpark-nm.gov.