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Shovel Man Jobs in Ruidoso, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Shovel Man information

See Ruidoso, NM salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do shovel man jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for shovel man in Ruidoso, NM is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shovel man?

A shovel man is a worker responsible for moving, digging, and handling materials such as soil, gravel, or snow using a shovel. Shovel men are commonly employed in construction, roadwork, landscaping, and maintenance projects. Their duties often include clearing debris, preparing job sites, loading materials into trucks, and assisting other workers with manual labor. The role requires physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. Safety awareness and proper technique are also important to prevent injuries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shovel man?

To thrive as a Shovel Man, you need strong physical stamina, manual dexterity, and basic knowledge of construction or excavation practices, often gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with safety equipment, hand tools like shovels and picks, and sometimes machinery such as jackhammers is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills that help in demanding outdoor environments. These abilities are important to ensure efficiency, personal safety, and effective support for larger construction or maintenance projects.

What are some common physical challenges faced by a shovel man, and how can they be managed on the job?

Shovel Men often face physical challenges such as muscle fatigue, repetitive strain, and exposure to harsh weather conditions due to the manual nature of their work. To manage these challenges, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated throughout the shift. Wearing appropriate protective gear and following safety protocols can also help prevent injuries. Many employers provide training on ergonomics and offer support for maintaining physical well-being on the job.

What is the difference between Shovel Man vs Excavator Operator?

AspectShovel ManExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, possibly certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, landscapingConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Job RoleManually operates or assists with shoveling, loading, and material handlingOperates heavy excavator machinery for digging, trenching, and lifting

The Shovel Man typically performs manual or assisted material handling tasks, often working alongside heavy machinery. In contrast, the Excavator Operator controls large excavators to perform digging and earthmoving tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and mining, but the Excavator Operator requires specialized machinery operation skills and certifications, whereas the Shovel Man may focus more on manual labor and assisting with equipment.

What cities near Ruidoso, NM are hiring for Shovel Man jobs?

Cities near Ruidoso, NM with the most Shovel Man job openings:

Shovel Man jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shovel Man job openings in Ruidoso, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,008 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Water Distribution Maintenance Technician

Village of Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM • On-site

$41K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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: 20220601WDMT- 55
Department: Water Distribution/Sewer Collections
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Classification Summary
Great opportunity for competitive salary, excellent benefits and PERA retirement!
The Village of Ruidoso is a Drug Free Workplace.
The Water/Waste Water Maintenance Worker I is responsible for assisting in the installation, repair and servicing of water mains, service lines, water wells, booster stations, water meters and sewer lines. This position is under the general supervision of the Water/ Waste Water Foreman. This is a full-time non-exempt position and regular work is 40 hours per week but the schedule may be adjusted based on the needs of the department. Extended hours may be required for emergency situations and this position must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules as established by Department and respond to call outs.
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.
  • Installs, services, replaces, cleans and repairs main water lines, sewer collection lines, man holes, meters and meter cans; completes and turns in work orders.
  • Work on repairing water line leaks, setting water taps and placing valves.
  • Operates a pipe locator to locate meters, valve boxes and manholes; completes report on work requests, raises water valves and meter boxes.
  • Maintains and installs fire hydrants; installs new service lines and fire protection lines.
  • Operating tampers and jackhammers
  • Inspects new water and sewer taps and sewers by stringing lines for specialized camera.
  • Must respond to emergencies and be willing to work on call rotation schedule and take responsibilities for after-hours problems required.
Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements
  • Shoveling dirt, loading, hauling grit and construction materials, lifting and carrying tools and supplies.
  • Assisting backhoe operators by watching for hazards
  • Performs equipment and grounds maintenance repairs, assists with pump repairs, and completing work orders.
  • Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely. Ensures time is reported based on actual time worked and thru the employee self-service computer system
  • May respond to questions from public regarding water shutoffs, water outages, and meter changes
  • Responsible for maintenance of assigned vehicle
  • Attends meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed
  • Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
  • Adheres to all Village of Ruidoso Policies and Personnel Policies
  • Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported.
  • 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.
  • Medium - Heavy physical work requires lifting items up to 50+/- pounds; balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, reach above shoulder height;
Work Environment
  • Routinely works outside, often times in adverse weather. Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
  • Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
  • May work a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, holidays, and must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management. Will be on call from time to time May be called when needed.
  • May work around heavy equipment and in confined spaces
  • Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment.
  • Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.
  • Safety equipment required includes safety shoes, vest, ear plugs, sound attenuator, safety glasses, hard hat and gloves.
Travel Requirements
Limited travel - ability to travel for activities such as classes, and workshops in and out of the service area, occasional overnight travel as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Must live within 20 miles of Village of Ruidoso limits, due to on call
- Prefer experience with water line installation and repair
- Prefer experience with shovels, tampers, jackhammer, wenches and pipe threaders.
- Must be able to pass criminal history checks, be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with Village "Drug Free" Policy.
- Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVD background checks will be conducted by the Village of Ruidoso on an ongoing basis.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: OSHA and safety regulations, techniques of general construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines.
Ability to: understand and follow regulations, guidelines and procedures; communicate in person and in writing; establish and maintain routine working relationships with citizens, contractors, department staff, and employees in other departments; use power and hand tools; maintain concentration; perform technical reading and writing; work in confined spaces; respond effectively to emergency situations; operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces.
Skill in: establishing and maintaining routine working relationships with citizens, employees, supervisor and management; use and operation of different hand tools, including power tools like jackhammers and tampers.
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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