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Heavy Equipment Operator Mining Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Walmart

Power Equipment Operator

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$20.55 - $24.05/hr

Hourly Wage: $20.55 - $24.05 per/hour *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly ...

Mortenson

Operator

Los Lunas, NM

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Operator

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Mining JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Mining Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Heavy Equipment Operator Mining information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do heavy equipment operator mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator mining in Rio Rancho, NM is $22.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Mining vs Heavy Equipment Operator Construction?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator MiningHeavy Equipment Operator Construction
Work EnvironmentMining sites, open-pit or underground minesConstruction sites, buildings, infrastructure projects
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation licenses, possibly mine-specific safety certificationsStandard construction equipment licenses, OSHA safety training
Equipment UsedExcavators, bulldozers, haul trucks, draglinesExcavators, loaders, bulldozers, cranes
Industry UsageMining companies, resource extraction industriesConstruction firms, infrastructure development

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, Heavy Equipment Operator Mining focuses on working in mining environments with specialized safety and equipment requirements. In contrast, Heavy Equipment Operator Construction is centered around building infrastructure in urban and rural settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in work environment and equipment used.

What does a heavy equipment operator in mining do?

A Heavy Equipment Operator in mining is responsible for safely operating large machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and haul trucks to move earth, minerals, and other materials at mining sites. They help with tasks like clearing land, digging, transporting mined materials, and maintaining haul roads. Operators must follow strict safety protocols, perform routine equipment checks, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure efficient and safe mining operations.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by heavy equipment operators in a mining environment?

Heavy Equipment Operators in mining often work in physically demanding and remote environments, which can include extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain. Safety is a primary concern due to the presence of large machinery and the need to follow strict operational protocols to prevent accidents. Operators must also adapt to shift work, including nights and weekends, and collaborate closely with other team members such as engineers, safety officers, and maintenance crews to ensure smooth and safe operations. Being able to quickly troubleshoot equipment issues and communicate effectively with the team are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator in mining?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator in mining, you need expertise in operating large machinery such as excavators, loaders, and haul trucks, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and, often, specialized operator certifications. Familiarity with safety systems, GPS guidance technology, and maintenance protocols is typically required in this role. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations in challenging and potentially hazardous mining environments.
Heavy Equipment Operator Mining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Mining job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,400 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Bernalillo County

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$27.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Bernalillo County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

510th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Posting Title:
Heavy Equipment Operator II
Department:
Operations & Maintenance
Location:
2400 BROADWAY SE
Pay:
Probationary hourly rate of $27.18
Union hourly rate of $27.73
Close Date:
August 9, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Heavy Equipment Operator II, under the direction of a Public Works Maintenance Supervisor, operates and maintains light to heavy equipment to perform public works projects, road maintenance, and construction activities. Performs duties and responsibilities in accordance with safety standards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Trains and leads lower level Heavy Equipment Operator staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operates vehicles under adverse weather conditions and works on a schedule other than the normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as scheduled and/or required.
  • Performs lower-level staff duties as necessary and/or required.
  • Functional use of the mobile access management work order system for assignments and entries of related system tasks.
  • Trains, leads, and performs in the areas of: safety inspections and operate on and off-road vehicles and equipment in accordance with safety standards which includes but is not limited to: the safe operational status of equipment; testing of tire conditions and air pressure; brakes; mechanical and engine fluids; water; brake lights; headlights; and other related systems and equipment.
  • Trains and leads staff on asphalt laydown standards and in the effective operation of the asphalt laydown motorized vehicle. Operates the asphalt laydown vehicle in asphalt laydown production and other associated duties which includes but is not limited to: directing paving team(s) and establishing rolling pattern; and surveys levels for setting elevation shakers.
  • Trains, leads, and performs in the areas of: operate light to very heavy motorized equipment which includes but is not limited to: bulldozers, motor graders, backhoes, trench diggers, lifts, bucket trucks, scrapers, snow plow truck, belly dump, salt spreader truck, asphalt distributer and loader, rotary broom, tandem water and dump truck, bobtail truck, sweeper, tractor weed mower, flatbed truck rubber tire roller, steel wheel roller, passenger bus.
  • Trains, leads, and performs in the following functions: operate vehicles for such the purpose of: towing, backing, and transport of other vehicles and equipment; grading sand, aggregate, and other road building material for street paving; setting, reading, and conforming to line and grade stakes through the use of level and long tape measures; pumping and draining water; maintenance of rights-of-way and unpaved road and parking surfaces; and cutting of weeds and grass along county roads.
  • Trains, leads, and performs in the areas of: labor intensive duties which includes but is not limited to: using hand and power tools to break, mix, and place concrete and asphalt; the construction of stable forms and molds for such: installation of pipe sections, valves and fittings; lifting and loading of materials and equipment; cutting and clearing trees, brush and debris such as trash.
  • Trains, leads, and performs in the areas of: operate pumps, hydrants, hoses and other auxiliary equipment as needed or required.
  • Attends department meetings and complete paperwork as needed in the performance of job responsibilities.
  • Conducts meetings in the absence of supervisor as required.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Five (5) years of general road construction experience including the operation of various types of heavy equipment including the hands-on operation of motor graders.
  • One (1) year work experience as a work crew lead.
  • Must have demonstrated experience in the operation of an asphalt laydown vehicle.
  • Must possess journey level knowledge and skills to operate heavy equipment on even or uneven terrain.
  • Ability to calculate estimated geometry, volumes for ordering raw building materials and understating asphalt rolling patterns and concrete forming integrity and soundness.
  • Demonstrated experience with leading work crews in an effective manner.
  • Demonstrated work experience in snow and ice removal using a motor grader.
  • Demonstrated work experience in concrete forming, casting and finishing.
  • Demonstrated work experience as a crew lead in all aspects of asphalt laydown, from distributor truck operations to laydown machine operation.
  • Demonstrated work experience in entering and closing work order on a mobile data devise.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in training lower-level staff as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
  • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
  • Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
  • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
  • Employee must possess and maintain a valid and current Class A, New Mexico Commercial Driver's License while employed in this position.
  • Must possess a valid and current passenger bus, tanker, and doubles-triples endorsement.
  • Must successfully complete and obtain a wild land fire training certificate from an approved fire department within nine (9) months from date of hire.
  • Must possess an American Concrete Institute, (ACI) testing procedures certificate, TTCP Concrete certification, or demonstrate field experience with forming and pouring concrete.
  • Must possess current and valid Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA - IMS 100 and IMS 700 certificates.
  • Must have Traffic Control Technician certification within nine (9) months from date of hire.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in snow and ice removal using a plow truck or motor grader as verified by in-field time and quality trials conducted by designated and approved supervisor.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in concrete forming, casting and finishing as verified by in-field time and quality trials conducted by designated and approved supervisor.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in asphalt laydown operations as verified by in-field time and quality trials conducted by designated and approved supervisor.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in entering and closing work orders on a mobile data device as verified by in-field time and quality trials by designated and approved supervisor.
  • Internal applicants must meet pre-requisites for attendance and performance on pre-qualifications worksheet.

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Performs work both indoors and outdoors. Most vehicle cabs are enclosed and may or may not have heating and air conditioning units.
  • Worker is exposed to snow, wind, possible lightning, and extreme cold and heat.
  • Work in extreme weather conditions is required.
  • Worker is exposed to intermittent noise and vibration factors.
  • Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
  • Work is conducted primarily during daylight hours.
  • Work is performed on even or uneven terrain, while operating equipment and performing general labor work. Surfaces may be wet or dry, muddy, paved or dirt roads. Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces. Work may be performed on inclines.
  • Work hazards include gas/electrical lines, vehicle traffic, and exposure of skin to gases and fumes.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS
  • Utilizes the vehicles described in the Essential Duties section.
  • Utilizes the following hand operated tools: shovel, rake, axe, pick, pitchfork, chain saw, digging bars, handheld weed trimmer, sledgehammer, hand tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver, wrenches), tamper, jackhammer, auger, and cutting torch.
  • Petroleum products, tire chains, construction signs, chemicals, paint, water, weeds, salt, sand, and canvas.
  • Eye goggles, dust masks, earplugs, gloves, rubber boots, reflecting vests, cones, and flags are used as safety precautions.

*NOTE*
  • You are not required to disclose information about physical or mental limitations that you believe will not interfere with your ability to do the job. On the other hand, if you want the employer to consider special arrangements to accommodate physical or mental impairment, you may identify that impairment in the space provided and suggest the kind of accommodation that you believe would be appropriate.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS
  • Must be able to ask questions, listen to and follow verbal directions in English.
  • Must be knowledgeable of all traffic laws and regulations.
  • Must be able to communicate verbally with co-workers.
  • Must be able to read accurately all gauges on equipment and make correct judgments in the operation of equipment.
  • Must be able to accurately estimate distances in order to maintain safety while operating equipment.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally (i.e. up to one-third of workday), from ground to waist level. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently to constantly (i.e., from one-third up to entire workday), from ground to shoulder level.
  • Ability to sit up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day.
  • Ability to climb in and out of equipment cabs at least six (6) times daily at an estimated height of 6 to 7 feet.
  • Ability to crouch, kneel, and remain in a prone position for up to 30 minutes at one time.
  • Ability to bend at waist and twist/rotate waist if necessary for up to one-third of workday.
  • Ability to work with arms extended and bent for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
  • Ability to push/pull with arms with a force of up to 50 plus lbs. while performing labor work.
  • Ability to use hands and wrists to screw/unscrew oil caps and filters as part of a maintenance routine.
  • Ability to maintain balance while climbing in and out of equipment cabs.
  • Ability to push with legs up to 40 lbs. of force to operate foot controls for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day. Ability to twist/rotate legs in operating foot controls.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate levers and steering wheel in a bilaterally coordinated manner.
  • Ability to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of equipment.

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