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Water Rights Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Yard Operator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21 - $26.68/hr

Dirt and waters yard * Loads and unloads attachments * Ensures machines are ready * Operates fork ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Cashier/Sorter

Roswell, NM · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Do not eat or drink while attending your register, except for water. * You responsible for keeping ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Yard Operator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21 - $26.68/hr

Dirt and waters yard * Loads and unloads attachments * Ensures machines are ready * Operates fork ... For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Planning Team Leader

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$77K - $92K/yr

Manages the Transfer of Development Rights Program May serve as staff liaison to County Advisory ... For Assignment in Capital/ Transportation/ Water Planning Team Leader: Develops and oversees ...

Recreation Aide

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50/hr

The Recreation Aide assists with Water Safety programming (videos, swimming certification and swim ... Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Copy & paste the link into your browser:

Universal Banker

Las Cruces, NM

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Water branch! Customer Service experience is a MUST Cash Handling experience is a MUST Banking ... If you are a California resident, you may be entitled to certain rights regarding your personal ...

Universal Banker

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Water branch! Customer Service experience is a MUST Cash Handling experience is a MUST Banking ... If you are a California resident, you may be entitled to certain rights regarding your personal ...

Showing results 41-60

Water Rights information

See New Mexico salary details

$13

$21

$33

How much do water rights jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for water rights in New Mexico is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water rights?

Water rights are legal entitlements that allow individuals, organizations, or governments to use a certain amount of water from a specific source, such as a river, stream, or groundwater. These rights determine who can access water, for what purposes (like irrigation, municipal use, or industrial activities), and under what conditions. Water rights can be complex and vary widely by region, often governed by state and local laws. In many places, water rights can be bought, sold, or leased, making them valuable assets. Understanding water rights is essential for anyone involved in agriculture, real estate, or industries that depend on water resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water rights specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Rights Specialist, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, or law, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with water allocation regulations. Familiarity with GIS software, water modeling tools, and legal research databases is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for navigating complex regulations, resolving disputes, and ensuring sustainable and legal water resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water rights management?

Professionals in water rights management often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks, balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders (including agricultural, municipal, and environmental interests), and resolving disputes over water allocation. The role frequently requires negotiating between parties, interpreting legal documents, and staying current with state and federal water laws. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to analyze hydrological and legal data to support informed decision-making.

What is the difference between Water Rights vs Water Rights Technician?

AspectWater RightsWater Rights Technician
CredentialsLegal, environmental, or water resource certifications; often requires a degree in law, environmental science, or related fieldsTechnical certifications; often requires training in water management, GIS, or surveying
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, government agencies, or water resource departmentsFieldwork, surveying sites, data collection, and analysis
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law firms, environmental consultanciesWater agencies, environmental firms, consulting companies

Water Rights professionals focus on legal and regulatory aspects of water access and usage, while Water Rights Technicians support these efforts through technical data collection and fieldwork. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their focus and required skills.

What job categories do people searching Water Rights jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Rights jobs in New Mexico are:

Infographic showing various Water Rights job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,750 per year, or $22 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Bernalillo County

Albuquerque, NM

$23.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Bernalillo County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Department:

Operations & Maintenance

Location:

2400 BROADWAY SE

Pay:

Probationary hourly rate of $23.96
Union hourly rate of $24.45

Close Date:

August 9, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Heavy Equipment Operator I, under the direction of a Public Works Maintenance Supervisor, operates and maintains light to heavy equipment to perform public works projects, road maintenance, and construction activities. Performs duties and responsibilities in accordance with safety standards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Performs safety inspections and operate on and off-road vehicles and equipment in accordance with safety standards which includes but is not limited to the safe operational status of equipment; testing of tire conditions and air pressure; brakes; mechanical and engine fluids; water; brake lights; headlights; and other related systems and equipment.
  • Operates vehicles under adverse weather conditions and works on a schedule other than the normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as scheduled and/or required.
  • Functional use of the mobile access management work order system for assignments and entries of related system tasks.
  • Operates light to very heavy motorized equipment which includes but is not limited to bulldozers, motor graders, backhoes, trench diggers, lifts, bucket truck, scrapers, snowplow truck, belly dump, salt spreader truck, asphalt distributer and loader, rotary broom, tandem water and dump truck, bobtail truck, sweeper, tractor weed mower, flatbed truck rubber tire roller, and steel wheel roller.
  • Operates vehicles for the purpose of towing, backing, and transport of other vehicles and equipment; hauling sand, aggregate, and other road building material street paving; pumping and draining water; maintenance of rights-of-way and unpaved road and parking surfaces; and cutting of weeds and grass along county roads.
  • Performs other labor-intensive duty which includes but is not limited to using hand and power tools to break, mix, and place concrete and asphalt; installation of pipe sections, valves and fittings; lifting and loading of materials and equipment; cutting and clearing trees, brush and debris such as trash.
  • Operates pumps, hydrants, hoses and other auxiliary equipment as needed or required.
  • Attends department meetings and complete paperwork as needed in the performance of job responsibilities.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Three (3) years of general road construction experience including the operation of various types of heavy equipment; two (2) of those years must include the full-time operation of motor graders, OR one (1) year in the full-time operation of motor graders plus certification from a vocational trades training facility as a motor grader operator. (Experience as a motor grader operator must be specifically and clearly defined on employment application.)


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
  • Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
  • Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License, Class A OR must obtain a valid New Mexico CDL, Class A license prior to employment date.
  • Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Performs work both indoors and outdoors. Most vehicle cabs are enclosed and may or may not have heating and air conditioning units.
  • Worker is exposed to snow, wind, possible lightning, and extreme cold and heat.
  • Work in extreme weather conditions is required.
  • Worker is exposed to intermittent noise and vibration factors.
  • Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
  • Work is conducted primarily during daylight hours.
  • Work is performed on even or uneven terrain, while operating equipment and performing general labor work. Surfaces may be wet or dry, muddy, paved or dirt roads. Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces. Work may be performed on inclines.
  • Work hazards include gas/electrical lines, vehicle traffic, and exposure of skin to gases and fumes.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Utilizes the vehicles described in the Duties and Responsibilities section.
  • Utilizes the following hand operated tools: shovel, rake, axe, pick, pitchfork, chain saw, digging bars, handheld weed trimmer, sledgehammer, hand tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver, wrenches), tamper, jackhammer, auger, and cutting torch.
  • Petroleum products, tire chains, construction signs, chemicals, paint, water, weeds, salt, sand, and canvas.
  • Eye goggles, dust masks, earplugs, gloves, rubber boots, reflecting vests, cones, and flags are used as safety precautions.


*NOTE*

  • You are not required to disclose information about physical or mental limitations that you believe will not interfere with your ability to do the job. On the other hand, if you want the employer to consider special arrangements to accommodate physical or mental impairment, you may identify that impairment in the space provided and suggest the kind of accommodation that you believe would be appropriate.


MENTAL FUNCTIONS

  • Must be able to ask questions, listen to and follow verbal directions in English.
  • Must be knowledgeable of all traffic laws and regulations.
  • Must be able to communicate verbally with co-workers.
  • Must be able to read accurately all gauges on equipment and make correct judgments in the operation of equipment.
  • Must be able to accurately estimate distances in order to maintain safety while operating equipment.


PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally (i.e. up to one-third of workday), from ground to waist level. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently to constantly (i.e., from one-third up to entire workday), from ground to shoulder level.
  • Ability to sit up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day.
  • Ability to climb in and out of equipment cabs at least six (6) times daily at an estimated height of six (6) to seven (7) feet.
  • Ability to crouch, kneel, and remain in a prone position for up to 30 minutes at one time.
  • Ability to bend at waist and twist/rotate waist if necessary for up to one-third of workday.
  • Ability to work with arms extended and bent for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
  • Ability to push/pull with arms with a force of up to 50 plus lbs. while performing labor work.
  • Ability to use hands and wrists to screw/unscrew oil caps and filters as part of a maintenance routine.
  • Ability to maintain balance while climbing in and out of equipment cabs.
  • Ability to push with legs up to 40 lbs. of force to operate foot controls for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day. Ability to twist/rotate legs in operating foot controls.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate levers and steering wheel in a bilaterally coordinated manner.
  • Ability to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of equipment.

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