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Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Per Diem CNA

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$16 - $19.43/hr

Per Diem CNA | Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 | Skilled Nursing / Rehabilitation ... equipment. * Take and record vital signs, report changes to licensed nursing staff, and support ...

Showing results 41-60

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$22

$31

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator per diem 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 a heavy equipment operator per diem?

Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs involve operating machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, or loaders on a temporary or as-needed basis, often for construction, mining, or industrial projects. The term 'per diem' refers to daily allowances or payments to cover expenses like meals and lodging when working away from home. These roles typically require specialized training and certifications, and offer flexibility for workers who prefer short-term or travel-based assignments. Per diem positions can be attractive due to higher pay rates and additional benefits compared to standard, full-time roles.

How can I get a job as a heavy equipment operator per diem?

To get a heavy equipment operator per diem job, you need to be licensed to handle large machinery. Licensing requirements vary by state and depend on the type of equipment that you operate. For example, heavy box trucks require the driver to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are no formal education requirements for this position, though most have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You may take training courses through a vocational school or acquire an apprenticeship with a construction contractor or trade union. Some start their careers with an entry-level position at a job site and shadow heavy equipment operators to learn how to maneuver large machines and work their way up to per diem jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator per diem, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience operating various types of heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with appropriate state or OSHA certification. Familiarity with equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and safety management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to the successful completion of projects on schedule.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy equipment operators working on per diem assignments?

Heavy Equipment Operators on per diem assignments often need to quickly adapt to new work sites, varying equipment, and different team dynamics. The temporary nature of these roles may require frequent travel, adjusting to different safety protocols, and rapidly learning site-specific procedures. Building strong communication skills is essential for collaborating effectively with site supervisors and other crew members, especially when joining a new team for a short duration. Staying updated on equipment certifications and maintaining flexibility helps ensure success in these dynamic work environments.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator Per DiemHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsOSHA certifications, CDL often preferredOSHA certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gasProject sites, construction, mining, oil & gas
Employment TypePer diem, temporary, often travel-basedFull-time, permanent or temporary
UsageTraveling jobs with daily per diem paySteady employment at specific sites

While both roles require similar certifications and work in construction or industrial sites, Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem typically involves traveling to various project locations with daily allowances, whereas Heavy Equipment Operator often refers to a permanent or steady position at a single site.

Which heavy equipment operator per diem job pays the most?

The highest-paying heavy equipment operator per diem jobs are typically in industries like oil and gas, construction, or mining, where specialized skills such as operating large machinery and working in remote locations are required. These positions often offer higher daily rates due to the demanding environment and the need for certifications like OSHA or NCCER. Rates can vary based on experience, location, and project duration, with some roles paying over $300 per day.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Per Diem job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,400 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Structured Cabling Operator - Lebanon, IN

Mortenson

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane.

  • Follow prescribed safety regulations, perform routine maintenance, and observe equipment operation to detect malfunctions.

  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards to complete assigned tasks.


Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Operator 

SUMMARY 

Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator that will be responsible for operating equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, roller, backhoe, and track crane 
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping 
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions 
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards 
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Equipment certifications as required 
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience 
  • Current driver's license of proper classification and necessary endorsements as required by law 
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts 
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills 
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback 
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements 
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs. 
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice. 

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment. 

A few benefits offered include: 

**(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week) 

  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage 
  • Dental plan 
  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match  
  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves 
  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance 
  • No-Cost mental health tool and conciergewith extensive work-life resources 
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Adoption Assistance 
  • Gym Membership Discount Program 

Please make note:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.  
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days. 

ABOUT MORTENSON 

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. 

Let's Redefine Possible 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category. 

Other Items to Note 

  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

What Mortenson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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