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Heavy Equipment Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Ames Construction

Mechanic

Albuquerque, NM

$25.25 - $33.25/hr

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Field Mechanic specializing in Heavy Equipment to join our team. This role involves traveling to project sites and diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide ...

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All JobsHeavy Equipment JobsHeavy Equipment Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Heavy Equipment information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$18

$31

$41

How much do heavy equipment jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment in Rio Rancho, NM is $31.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.27 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which heavy equipment job pays the most?

Heavy equipment operators, especially those working with specialized machinery like cranes, bulldozers, or excavators, tend to earn the highest wages in the field. Certifications, experience, and working in high-demand industries or locations can significantly increase earning potential.

What is a heavy equipment operator?

Heavy equipment operators are skilled professionals who operate machinery used in construction, mining, and other industries. They handle equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and graders to move earth, lift materials, and perform various tasks on job sites. Operators must be trained to safely and efficiently manage these powerful machines, often working as part of a team to complete large-scale projects. They are also responsible for routine inspection and maintenance of their equipment to ensure safe operation.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment vs Heavy Machinery Operator?

AspectHeavy EquipmentHeavy Machinery Operator
CredentialsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, industrialConstruction sites, industrial, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryConstruction, mining, agricultureConstruction, infrastructure, mining
Common Search/ComparisonTypes of equipment, specificationsOperator roles, certifications

Heavy Equipment refers to the machinery used in construction, mining, and industrial projects, including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. Heavy Machinery Operator specifically describes the skilled worker who operates this equipment. While both roles require safety training and often similar certifications, Heavy Machinery Operators focus on the hands-on operation of the equipment in various work environments. Understanding the distinction helps job seekers target the right roles and certifications in the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy equipment operators and how can they be addressed?

Heavy Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, maintaining strict safety protocols, and operating complex machinery in tight or hazardous spaces. These challenges can be addressed by staying up-to-date with safety certifications, participating in regular equipment maintenance checks, and communicating effectively with site supervisors and team members. Additionally, continuous on-the-job training and developing strong situational awareness can help operators navigate these challenges efficiently.

What are heavy equipment jobs?

Heavy equipment jobs are typically within the construction or industrial maintenance industries. The two main categories of heavy equipment jobs are heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment mechanic. As a heavy equipment operator, you are in charge of running large pieces of equipment to help build or maintain roads, bridges, large structures, and tunnels or pipelines. Your job duties may include operating bulldozers, front-end loaders, or backhoes responsibly during large projects. Heavy equipment mechanics, on the other hand, help to keep this equipment in working order for the operators by working on engines and other moving parts of the machinery.

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

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator, you need hands-on experience with machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and often a specialized operator certification. Familiarity with GPS systems, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These abilities ensure the safe operation of expensive machinery, minimize risk, and help projects stay on schedule.
More about Heavy Equipment jobs
What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Heavy Equipment jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Heavy Equipment jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Heavy Equipment job openings:
Heavy Equipment jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,284 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Waste Management

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

$23.50 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 641 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 89 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Are you looking for stable work as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic with benefits that provide financial security for you and your family? Aspiring to advance in your heavy equipment career at a site that prides itself on employee safety? Searching for a company that prioritizes its employees' well-being and understands the importance of family time? If this speaks to you, then WM might be the place for your next career move. 

Stable work and benefits that support you and your loved ones, a schedule that respects work life balance with your safety at the heart of everything we do and support for your future with training and development based on your unique career goals. That's what you get as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic at WM - and more. 

*Welding ; Fabrication Skills a Plus

About us

WM is North America's leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services. We partner with our customers and the communities we serve to manage and reduce waste at each stage from collection to disposal, while recovering valuable resources and creating clean, renewable energy. 

The pay and benefits you'll get as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic:

  • Stable hours for your financial stability
  • Access to a stock purchase plan worth
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including dental, vision and prescription coverage.
  • Company-matched 401(k)
  • Adoption assistance and parent support

These are just a few of our comprehensive benefits for an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Whether you are planning on building or expanding your family or looking for the next step in your career - WM is there, helping build the best and total you. 

The hours and location you'll work in as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic with WM:

  • Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm 
  • We're committed to offering you stable hours for the financial security and work life balance you need.
  • The normal setting for this job is our material waste disposal site in Rio Rancho, NM.

Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic at WM. 

Each day you'll work at one of our waste disposal facilities that service over 20 million customers across the USA. As an Experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic, you'll be responsible for the service and repair of heavy equipment like bulldozers, scrapers & front-end loaders - this equipment is vital to the work we do, so your work will be recognized and valued for the impact it has on our operation. Our heavy equipment mechanics take their careers to the next level by working on equipment that requires a high level of skill - and determination. 

Our waste disposal sites operate a rigorous cleaning schedule to protect the working environment for all our waste disposal employees. 

Here's more of what you'll do:

  • Repair equipment including, but not limited to, bulldozers, scrapers, backhoes, front end loaders, yard trucks, farm tractors, forklifts, and company cars.
  • Diagnose and repair differentials, hydraulic systems, motors, transmissions, drives, air conditioning systems, and electrical systems.
  • Preventative maintenance as set out by the site checklist.
  • Paperwork and admin tasks such as work orders, card files, P.M. checklists, and oil samples.
  • Service and maintains other equipment such as light plants, water pump, welders, and other equipment.

What do you need to be considered for the role of an experienced Heavy Equipment Mechanic?

  • 1 years of maintenance mechanic experience on heavy equipment 
  • A valid driver's license, with a clean driving record
  • Be over 18 years of age.
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Successfully complete and pass pre-employment drug screen and physical.

The kind of people who thrive in our teams:

  • Thrive while working independently.
  • Take accountability for the quality and standard of their work.
  • Good communicators who are ready to support other colleagues.
  • Curious and determined fixers.

Work environment and physical demands:

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • Required to exert physical effort that will include but is not limited to frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, and climbing; Constantly standing, walking, and grasping; Occasionally: sitting and balancing 
  • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) often.
  • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements often. 
  • This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.

Benefits:

At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like what you've been looking for, then click 'Apply now' to start your tomorrow, today. 

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

Wrench with the best! Our technicians are trained to provide superior maintenance on diesel equipment. We care about our technician's safety and show it by demanding solid safety practices of all our technicians and managers. Pride, safety, training, growth, opportunity, great benefits, rewards - check us out, we may be the company for you!

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