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Heavy Equipment Operator Mining Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Loader Operator I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Must remain alert to potential hazards associated with heavy equipment and other vehicles operated in their work area Working Conditions: * This position involves primarily outdoor work in all types ...

Heavy Lift Crane Operator Location: Albuquerque, NM Reports to: Branch Manager RMS is looking to ... Operate complex equipment safely and efficiently according to company safety and policies.

Heavy Lift Crane Operator Location: Albuquerque, NM Reports to: Branch Manager RMS is looking to ... Operate complex equipment safely and efficiently according to company safety and policies.

Heavy Lift Crane Operator Location: Albuquerque, NM Reports to: Branch Manager RMS is looking to ... Operate complex equipment safely and efficiently according to company safety and policies.

Loader Operator I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Must remain alert to potential hazards associated with heavy equipment and other vehicles operated in their work area Working Conditions: * This position involves primarily outdoor work in all types ...

Loader Operator I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Must remain alert to potential hazards associated with heavy equipment and other vehicles operated in their work area Working Conditions: * This position involves primarily outdoor work in all types ...

Showing results 21-40

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 6, 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.
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.

Civil, Mining, Environmental Engineer

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a full-time, mid-level, Project Civil, Mining, or Environmental Engineer for our Albuquerque, NM office.
Position Summary
In support of the Response, Assessment, and Evaluation Services (RAES) program, the selected candidate will:
• Design and review engineering designs and construction documents related to repositories and erosion control features
• Conduct construction oversight of CERCLA removal and remedial actions
• Lead field teams conducting support of engineering plans and construction oversight
• Write technical reports including, but not limited to, engineering designs, data transmittals, engineering evaluation/cost analysis, remedial investigation/feasibility study, construction quality assurance plans, and construction completion reports
Essential Job Functions
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
• Design and review engineering documents.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients
• Conduct field work
Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 60 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Required Qualifications (Required)
• BS degree in Engineering
• 7 years of experience
• Familiarity with design/construction of disposal cells, waste piles, evaporative covers/caps, erosion and water controls, stormwater routing and controls, road design, slope stabilization, and restoration techniques
• Experience or familiarity with:
o Engineering design and construction oversight
o Environmental investigations
o AutoCAD Civil 3D
o Land surveying
o The Southwestern United States
Preferred Qualifications
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with:
o Environmental remediation, mining and mine reclamation, uranium mining and mills.
o Regulatory agency interaction on tribal lands and CERCLA sites.
o Construction or construction oversight.
o Working with Principal Threat Waste (PTW).
Work Environment/Environmental Factors (Required)
This position is primarily desk work, however, occasionally (35%) you will need to travel and perform fieldwork. Travel with overnight and weekends is required. The field work is in Arizona and New Mexico. A physical capacity for working outdoors, often in isolated remote areas, is required.
Physical Requirements (Required)
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made. You must be able to:
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Climate ranges from extremely dry to extremely wet and from hot to cold. Rain, snow, wind, or dust may be encountered.
• Walk on uneven terrain. Terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with vegetation.
• Pack heavy equipment and perform excavations using hand tools.
• Carry field equipment (35 to 40 pounds)
• Don personal protective gear as needed
• Drive on a regular basis.
• Pass a motor vehicle record background check and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record is required.
Additional Information (Required)
• Work schedule: Monday - Friday
• Overtime may be required during field work activities. Some field work requires working evenings and weekends and includes overnight stays when traveling.
• Work locations: Office work performed in our Albuquerque, NM office. Remote and Hybrid is available
• Travel requirements: 35%
This arrangement is subject to review and may change at the company's discretion.
Life at Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
Tetra Tech offers comprehensive benefit options that allow employees to design a plan based on individual needs and assists in planning for long-term financial security. Available benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, term life, disability, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), time off with pay, 401k retirement plan, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. Our 25,000 employees work together to provide clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Please no phone calls or agencies.

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