By Cassie McClure and Suzanne Michaels
Published in the Las Cruces Bulletin 1/31/20
Before he was the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Technical Gas Service Supervisor and the Interim Gas System Operation supervisor, Pete Duran was just simply persistent. “It was 19 years ago when I applied for three jobs with the City of Las Cruces,” he remembered, “Backhoe operator, welder, then corrosion technician in Gas.”
At the third interview, there was recognition from the other side of the desk. “The Supervisor remembered me from the previous interview and realized that they wouldn’t get away from me trying to get hired,” he laughed. Duran was hired in the corrosion technician position.
“I had a background as a plumber with gas, but beyond that, I had no idea,” said Duran. “LCU sent me to school. I received all of my training with Las Cruces Utilities.”
For many positions, LCU offers training that not only brings associates up to speed on regulations, but also offers continuous education and certifications to ensure that deliverables like gas are installed safely for our entire community.
Duran explained that he enjoyed working outdoors. But after 15 years of steady service in the field with the Gas Line of Business, he then considered applying once again - now for the Supervisor position. Currently, Duran is leading 5 gas crews, 3 corrosion technicians, and 3 leak surveyors. "It’s different in that I’m now working on budgets, planning projects, working with upper LCU administration, and making sure my crew has what they need," he said.
“I told my wife that I sure miss being outdoors with the crews, but I still make it a point to get outside - going out to work sites to check that everything is done properly and up to our standards," Duran stated.
What has been the most rewarding? He thought about it for a minute and said, "I never thought I’d see myself on this side of the desk."
Are you ready for a career where you can grow? Come join us! Find job postings at 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.
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PHOTO 1: LCU Technical Gas Service Supervisor Pete Duran stands in the equipment bay where his gas crew goes to pick up parts for their jobs. If you can see yourself being interested in a life-long career supplying safe gas to heat homes in Las Cruces, consider applying at LCU today.