New Mexico Department of Transportation hiring temporary help in Carlsbad

Mike Smith
Carlsbad Current-Argus
A New Mexico Department of  Transportation sign indicates construction work taking on place on West Main Street in Artesia on May 29, 2020. DOT is looking for temporary workers in Carlsbad and Hobbs.

People who may have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 coronavirus may apply for temporary jobs with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT) in Carlsbad and Hobbs, according to a DOT spokesperson.

Manon Arnett said DOT asked for special permission to hire the temporary workers.

She said the workers are needed since DOT projects have continued even as closures were put into effect to spread of COVID-19..

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A DOT news release said the state agency is looking to provide some financial stability and an opportunity for leadership during the coronavirus.

DOT is still fully operational with a handful of employees working from home, the press release indicated.

“These are temporary summer jobs that will last until August 31. Maintenance support functions continue to move forward, and we need workers in these areas right away,” Arnett said.

More:Work resumes on U.S. 82 construction project near Artesia

“Qualified candidates can start immediately in Hobbs and Carlsbad.  The department is looking for highly motivated workers to maintain highways in the southeast corner of the state.”

Arnett said the Carlsbad and Hobbs crews are understaffed right now and both communities need ten people to perform maintenance work in both communities.

“We need to keep traveling motorists safe,” she said.

Barricades greet travelers during a New Mexico Department of Transportation project in Artesia on May 29, 2020. DOT is looking to hire temporary workers in Hobbs and Carlsbad.

Arnett said potential applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. She said those hired will be trained.

State Rep. David Gallegos (R-61) welcomed the DOT’s temporary hiring practices.

“This is an excellent idea because of the deterioration on our roads,” he said.

More:Public works operations continue during COVID-19

Gallegos said road maintenance in southeast New Mexico is going to be a problem until they are replaced.

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said DOT work and maintenance is a very essential job in the Carlsbad and Hobbs area that hasn’t been slowed by coronavirus.

“Of course, we’re always glad to see a focus on the roads in Southeastern New Mexico. That’s a problem that was here before COVID, and it will be here long after COVID, if we don’t resolve it,” Janway said.

A sign warns Artesia commuters of road work on Main Street on May 29, 2020. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is looking to hire temporary workers in Carlsbad and Hobbs.

“The creation of temporary maintenance and construction positions is certainly a positive short-term step, but massive improvements to our roads is what is ultimately needed, especially as work ramps back up in Carlsbad and the surrounding area.” 

Those interested in applying may contact Sabrina Sanders at the DOT office in Roswell at  575-626-6979. 

 Applicants can also visit the New Mexico State Personnel website at spo.state.nm.us.

More:DOT begins work on several southeast NM roads

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.