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Cat Operator Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

CAT 3500 & 3600 Experience preferred. * Possess and maintain a valid driver license to include a ... Works in temperature extremes due to both weather conditions and operating equipment. * Will be ...

Diesel Mechanic

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

... operators that found work is being addressed in a timely manner. JOB DUTIES * Repair and maintain ... Valid Driver's License * 2+ years experience in heavy equipment maintenance and CAT / SIS / Cummins ...

Diesel Mechanic

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

... operators that found work is being addressed in a timely manner. JOB DUTIES * Repair and maintain ... Valid Driver's License * 2+ years experience in heavy equipment maintenance and CAT / SIS / Cummins ...

Truck Mechanic

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

... operators to guarantee found work is being addressed in a timely manner. JOB DUTIES * Repair and ... Valid Driver's License * 2+ years experience in heavy equipment maintenance and CAT / SIS / Cummins ...

Truck Mechanic

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

... operators to guarantee found work is being addressed in a timely manner. JOB DUTIES * Repair and ... Valid Driver's License * 2+ years experience in heavy equipment maintenance and CAT / SIS / Cummins ...

CDL Winch Truck Driver

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Must have experience operating a winch truck. Wildcat Oil Tools proudly supports our country and its veterans, and will credit your service when considering your application.

CDL Winch Truck Driver

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Must have experience operating a winch truck. Wildcat Oil Tools proudly supports our country and its veterans, and will credit your service when considering your application.

Showing results 21-40

Cat Operator information

See New Mexico salary details

$10

$22

$35

How much do cat operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat operator in New Mexico is $22.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cat operator?

A Cat Operator is a heavy equipment operator who specializes in running Caterpillar (Cat) machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. They work in construction, mining, and other industries to move earth, dig trenches, and perform site preparation. Operators must be skilled in handling the equipment safely and efficiently while following job site regulations.

What does a cat operator do?

A typical day for a Cat Operator involves inspecting equipment before use, operating heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or loaders to move earth and materials, and following site plans and safety protocols closely. Operators frequently communicate with project managers and other crew members to coordinate their work and adjust to changing site requirements. The role can involve long hours outdoors and requires vigilance to prevent accidents and maintain equipment performance. Working as a Cat Operator offers hands-on experience and can be a stepping stone to supervisory roles or specialized equipment operation with further training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cat operator?

To thrive as a Cat Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of operating Caterpillar (Cat) heavy machinery, understanding of construction safety protocols, and mechanical aptitude, often acquired through vocational training or on-the-job experience. Certification from organizations such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or completion of equipment-specific training programs may be required, along with familiarity with GPS and telematics systems used in modern equipment. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help operators coordinate effectively with site supervisors and crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate execution of tasks in demanding construction or mining environments.

What are popular job titles related to Cat Operator jobs in New Mexico?

For Cat Operator jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cat Operator job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,448 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Compressor Mechanic IV

Kinetik

Artesia, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Kinetik is strategically located in the heart of the Delaware Basin in the Permian, one of the fastest growing areas for oil and gas development in the world. We provide the gathering, compression, processing, transportation and water management services required to bring natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil to market and are dedicated to providing the best service and netback for our customers. We are driven to be best-in-class and committed to growing our existing assets in the Permian Basin through both greenfield and acquisition opportunities.
Kinetik employees have decades of experience in West Texas and provide all the important services our customers need to deliver gas and crude oil production to market, which include gathering, transportation, compression, processing and produced water management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sr Compressor Mechanic will safely and efficiently perform maintenance on all equipment as directed by his/her Maintenance Supervisor.
  • Report to work on time or as scheduled
  • Be prepared to work late when required
  • Turn in weekly reports to Supervisor
  • Advise Supervisor on any changes on equipment or purchases that might need his approval
  • Maintain vehicle in good mechanical & clean condition
  • Report to supervisor before beginning daily assignments
  • Perform Task in a safe & responsible manner
  • Responsible for performing preventative maintenance or work on all Kinetik equipment in plants & field per work orders or assigned by supervisor & as needed
  • Keep equipment clean & in good working condition
  • Attend all safety meetings if possible
  • Compressor mechanics will be responsible for troubleshooting and performing maintenance, repairs, and overhauls on:
    • Caterpillar/Waukesha Engines & Ariel compressors
    • 5000 HP CAT Electric motors
    • Cooler fans
    • Valves on equipment & lines
    • Electrical & controls on skids
  • All other duties as assigned

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Minimum of 5+ years(s) of related work experience. CAT 3500 & 3600 Experience preferred.
  • Possess and maintain a valid driver license to include a safe driving record satisfactory to the company
  • Good communicator, work planner with excellent work ethics and good background in computer applications

Working Conditions:
  • Driving on a daily basis, requiring a valid driver's license and ability to drive safely in different types of weather conditions to various locations.
  • Will be working outdoors in adverse and/or extreme weather conditions.
  • Works in temperature extremes due to both weather conditions and operating equipment.
  • Will be working in conditions where frequent loud noises occur.
  • Will be working in areas where hazardous materials require the prolonged wearing of PPE.
  • Will be working in close quarters while kneeling, sitting, squatting, standing, or lying down while holding tools and/or equipment.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
  • Ability to work effectively in all working conditions noted above.
  • Uses physical force to lift, push, pull and hold equipment and tools
  • Climbs and works at various heights and may work in a standing, sitting, lying down, crouched or kneeling position
  • Routinely reacts to visual, aural and other signals, including alarms and instructions, and is required to visually inspect work
  • Must be able to regularly bend, stoop, move from ground level to higher levels, raise/lift from ground level, carry and lift up to 50 lbs., manually transport a load up to 75 lbs., apply up to 100-foot pounds of torque

Kinetik is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law.