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Heavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs in Ruidoso, NM

Village of Ruidoso

Heavy Equipment Operator

Ruidoso, NM · On-site

$41K - $48K/yr

Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating equipment and helping other employees in the construction, maintenance, and repair of pavements, installing parking lots, curbs, culverts, and ...

Village of Ruidoso

Street Manager

Ruidoso, NM · On-site

$54K - $65K/yr

... heavy equipment maintenance shop for the Village of Ruidoso. Primary focus is to ensure that the ... Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate ...

Village of Ruidoso, NM

Street Manager

Ruidoso, NM · On-site

$54K - $65K/yr

Operates heavy equipment Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements * Reviews private project ... Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate ...

Village of Ruidoso

Utility Warehouse Worker

Ruidoso, NM

$45K - $54K/yr

Oversees all preventative maintenance of Village heavy equipment and vehicles, purchases shop tools ... in operating Fork Lift Responsible for Maintenance and upkeep of assigned vehicle Clean and ...

TJX Companies

Retail Merchandise Associate

Alamogordo, NM · On-site

$13.50 - $14/hr

... operating procedures * Promotes credit and loyalty programs * Maintains and upholds merchandising ... Capable of lifting heavy objects with or without reasonable accommodation * Works effectively with ...

Tjx

Retail Merchandise Associate

Alamogordo, NM

$13.50 - $14/hr

... operating procedures * Promotes credit and loyalty programs * Maintains and upholds merchandising ... Capable of lifting heavy objects with or without reasonable accommodation * Works effectively with ...

TJX Companies

Retail Merchandise Associate

Alamogordo, NM

$13.50 - $14/hr

... operating procedures * Promotes credit and loyalty programs * Maintains and upholds merchandising ... Capable of lifting heavy objects with or without reasonable accommodation * Works effectively with ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Union JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs in Ruidoso, NM

Heavy Equipment Operator Union information

See Ruidoso, NM salary details

$13

$22

$32

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator union in Ruidoso, NM is $22.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get in the union for heavy equipment operator?

To join a union as a heavy equipment operator, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program or have relevant work experience, pass a skills test, and meet age and safety requirements. Joining a union also often requires paying initiation fees and dues, and being employed by a union-affiliated contractor or applying directly through the union local.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Union member, you need proficiency in operating and maintaining machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often backed by a high school diploma and completion of a union apprenticeship. Familiarity with GPS systems, safety protocols (like OSHA regulations), and relevant equipment certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, teamwork, and a commitment to safety are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work on construction sites, supporting both personal safety and project success.

What are some typical challenges faced by heavy equipment operators working in union environments, and how can they be managed?

Heavy Equipment Operators in unionized settings often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable work sites, following strict safety protocols, and coordinating with large, multidisciplinary teams. Navigating shift rotations and adhering to union rules regarding overtime and seniority can also be complex. Successful operators proactively communicate with supervisors and colleagues, stay updated on safety training, and participate in union meetings to remain informed about workplace rights and changes. Embracing ongoing training and maintaining flexibility helps operators manage these challenges while advancing their careers.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Union vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator UnionCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, industrial settings, shipping yards
Employer & IndustryUnionized construction and mining companiesConstruction firms, shipping companies, industrial plants

Both Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators often require OSHA certifications and work in construction or industrial environments. While they share similar credentials and work settings, Heavy Equipment Operators typically handle bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, whereas Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path within the heavy machinery industry.

Do heavy equipment operators have a union?

Many heavy equipment operators are members of labor unions, which negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Union membership can provide job security, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power for operators working in construction, mining, and other industries. However, union presence varies by region and employer.

What is a heavy equipment operator union?

Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs involve operating large machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders on construction sites, roadways, and other infrastructure projects. These operators are members of a labor union, which provides collective bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union membership often requires completing an apprenticeship program and adhering to safety and operational standards set by both the union and employers. Working as a union heavy equipment operator can provide job security, access to training, and advancement opportunities within the industry.

What does a heavy equipment operator union member do?

A union heavy equipment operator controls machinery during construction, paving, or industrial projects. In this career, you are a member of a labor union, which is an organization that negotiates contracts and ensures employees’ rights through legal assistance and collective bargaining. Your duties include the operation of equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, graders, drills, and other machinery used to build structures, pave roads, or perform demolition tasks. You coordinate with supervisors and crews to ensure that you operate your equipment safely. Your responsibilities also include equipment maintenance and transporting machinery to the worksite, depending on the size of the machine.

More about Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs
What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Ruidoso, NM? For Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Ruidoso, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ruidoso, NM are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs? Cities near Ruidoso, NM with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings:
Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings in Ruidoso, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,389 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Village of Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM • On-site

$41K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary : $41,932.80 - $48,214.40 Annually
Location : 313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04032026-HEO
Department: Street
Opening Date: 04/03/2026
Classification Summary
The Heavy Equipment Operator operates various heavy and light motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the Village's maintenance program. Responsible for running equipment to clear snow, base course, dirt work and other functions of the Street maintenance crew. Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating equipment and helping other employees in the construction, maintenance, and repair of pavements, installing parking lots, curbs, culverts, and gutters, dirt and gravel streets, street cleaning activities, sidewalks, drains, and a variety of miscellaneous labor assignments of a public works nature. This position is under the general supervision of the Street Foreman, and a regular workweek is 40 hours, however this position may work an irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays, may be subject to emergency call-out. Non-exempt FLSA.
Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
  • May operate a street sweeper to clean streets on a scheduled route; responds to sweep requests from patch crews, road crews, utility crews, and law enforcement.
  • Operates a variety of heavy equipment including but not limited to motor grader, rotomilling machine, paving machine, snow removal equipment, sweeper, dozer, loader, dump truck, transport rig, etc. and backhoes for street and utilities maintenance and construction.
  • Transports light mobile equipment, materials and operate equipment at the job site; repairs roadways, washouts; operates equipment for road construction.
  • May work with concrete crews to prepare, place and finish concrete surfaces on roads, walkways, curb and gutters; may determine quantities for concrete projects; may coordinate ordering of material to the work site.
  • Repairs utility cuts or potholes; opens cuts in roadways
  • Clean out debris and silt from channels, irrigation ditches and storm drain runoff; removes heavy silt debris from sidewalks, ramps, radius and streets; back fills washouts.
  • Operates sand and salt spreader equipment; picks up hot mix or asphalt
  • Picks up and disposes of large heavy debris
  • Inspects, cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and light equipment; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
  • Performs minor repairs and maintenance of guard rails, wood bollards, pond and drainage areas,
  • Participates in erosion and flood control work projects
  • Sets up traffic control devices; follows safety regulations on all work zone and flagging sites, including placing barricades and cones.
  • Performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled street maintenance task including: repairing Village Streets, potholes, culverts, and clean up flood damage.
  • Chip seal roadways
  • Hot mix construction of roadways
  • Clean up after rain and wind storms
  • Cleans and cares for tools and equipment
  • Adheres to safety practices and standards, attends safety meetings and trainings.
  • Completes equipment maintenance, inspections, and checklists
Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements
  • Performs manual labor activities when necessary to complete assigned projects
  • Installation and maintenance of street signs and streetlights
  • Completes log of work activities
  • Fills out personal timesheet and appropriate paid leave slips, overtime slips, and any other required paperwork.
  • Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
  • Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported to the Street Director.
  • The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Physical Demands
  • Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles.
  • Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasional squatting or bending required.
  • Frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; reaching above shoulder level, talk or hear; and smell
  • Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity
Work Environment
  • Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations whether day or night.
  • Work is performed outside with exposure to all weather conditions.
  • Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
  • May work an irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.
  • May be called out when needed.
  • Works around light and/or heavy equipment
  • Works near moving mechanical parts and highly congested areas
  • Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
  • Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment.
  • Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.
  • Subject to Random Drug Screens
  • DOT regulations require drug and alcohol testing and release of information Form (49 CFR Part 40)
Travel Requirements
Limited travel - ability to travel for activities such as classes, and workshops in and out of the service area, and overnight travel as required.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school education or equivalent required.
  • New Mexico class B Commercial Driver's license required
  • Two years experience in light and heavy construction equipment operation required
  • Must be able to pass criminal history checks and must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with Village "Drug Free" Policy.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of state and federal highway construction regulations; the policies, goals, and procedures of the Village of Ruidoso Street Department; safety policies and practices for working in the public right-of-way; heavy and light equipment operation methods, techniques, and safety practices; occupational hazard and safety precautions.
Ability to: operate and maintain all Street Department equipment including small, medium, and heavy maintenance and/or construction equipment; receive and follow oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, contractors, and general public to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; read and interpret basic blue prints and construction documents; safely operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces; detect needed repairs and to make necessary operational adjustment on equipment.
Skill in: operating heavy and light equipment such as motor graders, back hoes, roto milling machines, hot asphalt mixing plants, dump trucks, loaders, street sweepers, distributor trucks, rollers, and snow plows; understanding and following regulations, guidelines, and procedures; detecting and correcting improper use and care of materials and equipment; reading and interpreting work standards and specifications; manual labor and semi-skilled maintenance and repair activities; operating small hand and power tools and other job-related equipment and vehicles.
Closing Statements
  • Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.
  • In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.
  • This job description is subject to change as the needs of the organization and Department change or the requirements of this position change.

The Village of Ruidoso offers a complete benefit package to full time employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance. The Village of Ruidoso belongs to the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and we also provide paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The Village of Ruidoso does offer several additional Voluntary insurance benefits and deferred compensation plans.
To view our Insurance Benefit Booklet offered by the Village of Ruidoso,
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To view a summary of benefits offered by the Village of Ruidoso,
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Do you currently hold a Class B CDL?
  • Yes
  • No

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