SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico – The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) has announced the hiring of Vicente Sosa-Rountree as a Water/Wastewater Operator I. Sosa-Rountree is the third student from the Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Water Technology Program to join CRRUA, marking another milestone in a partnership designed to build a skilled local workforce for the Sunland Park and Santa Teresa areas.

Sosa-Rountree joins fellow DACC alumni Filiberto Aguirre III, Meter Technician Specialist Assistant, and Jaydrian Jauregui, Water/Wastewater Operator I. Both Aguirre and Jauregui began their careers at CRRUA through the same student internship pipeline.

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

The collaboration addresses critical workforce needs in the water sector by providing students with hands-on training and direct paths to employment. Sosa-Rountree’s interest in the utility began in February 2026, following a tour of one of CRRUA’s arsenic treatment facilities.

“The tour and meeting with the team played a big part in my decision to join CRRUA,” said Sosa-Rountree.

Alex Salas, P.E., instructor for the DACC Water Technology Program, noted that the program’s goal is to ensure students are prepared for technical careers from their first day on the job. The success of these hires highlights the ongoing importance of local education and workforce development in southern Doña Ana County.

For more information regarding employment opportunities with CRRUA, please contact Udell Vigil at udell.vigil@sunlandpark-nm.gov.