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Job Title


Senior Heavy Equipment Operator - Elephant Butte Lake State Park


Company : State of New Mexico


Location : Elephant Butte, NM


Created : 2026-03-11


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

$21.96 - $32.94 Hourly $45,680 - $68,520 Annually This position is a Pay Band C5 Posting Details This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. Transcripts must be attached at time of application that certify degree (if applicable). Application or resume must include the dates of employment (month and year) for each job and have details regarding your knowledge, skills and responsibilities. Positions for less than 40 hours per week must be clearly indicated as part-time with number of hours per week. Please provide proof of CDL-A at time of application, if applicable. Outdoor recreation is a driving force in New Mexico's economy and State Parks is a key player. Connected to communities statewide, our 35 state parks are often economic drivers for local businesses, towns, and cities. Many rural communities rely on a state park as a major source of economic development. The State Parks' mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors. State Parks is committed to this mission, employing professional, dedicated staff to ensure that parks are cared for and preserved to the highest professional standards. State Park programs provide safe, fun, and educational experiences for the whole family. Why does the job exist? The primary purpose of this position is to assist with the maintenance and construction of park facilities by providing expertise in heavy equipment operation. The position will also work extensively in general maintenance to include the maintenance, cleaning, and pumping out of vault toilets and other facilities. The position serves both Elephant Butte Lake State Park, as well as other NM State Parks in the SW Region, and will occasionally assist state-wide. The heavy equipment operator will also provide assistance for projects related to the conservation and restoration of plant habitats, soil stabilization, and trail establishment/maintenance in order to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources. How does it get done? Heavy equipment operators use machinery to maintain roads at the parks, as required, to provide reasonable access to the parks and camping areas. They maintain parking areas for customers and vendors to ensure reasonable access to all areas in the park. They establish and maintain hiking trails throughout the park. They assistance maintenance staff with daily requirements throughout the park, including but not limited to cleaning and repairing comfort station, pumping of sewer by operating a pumper truck, and operating the trash trucks. They will repair water leaks and make sewer repairs. They will assist with painting and upkeep on all park buildings and campgrounds. They maintain all heavy equipment to ensure that they are in safe working order. Keep all regular maintenance and service done on the equipment and update equipment logs. They will obtain quotes for repairs on equipment and materials when needed. They will complete annual equipment inspections for the SW region. This position requires Class CDL Operators Licensure and is subject to random drug testing per federal omnibus standards. Who are the customers? Internal and external customers, visitors throughout the state of New Mexico and surrounding states who are campers, hikers, and boaters that come to visit the park for a variety of reasons. Local community businesses in surrounding areas of the park. Ideal Candidate High School diploma or equivalent plus four (4) years of relevant experience operating heavy and light equipment in all types of terrain and/or relevant warehouse experience to include operating forklifts and class A/B vehicles. Possess and maintain a Class A CDL Extensive knowledge of heavy equipment operation Ability to read building plans related to land grades and underground utilities Strong critical thinking skills Strong communication skills, both oral and written Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures Basic mechanical skills Basic knowledge of Heavy Equipment preventive maintenance Basic knowledge of equipment inspections. Minimum Qualification High School diploma or equivalent plus one (1) year of relevant experience operating heavy and light equipment in all types of terrain and/or relevant warehouse experience to include operating forklifts and class A/B vehicles. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience. A commercial driver's license is required for this position. Employment Requirements This position is designated as safety sensitive within the meaning of Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and must abide by all provisions of the Federal Omnibus Transportation Testing Act. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Must be willing to work weekends and Holidays. Must possess and maintain a valid NM Class "A" Commercial Driver's License at time of hire or the ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire. Must complete Heavy Equipment Inspections training and obtain certificate within two (2) years of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment. Working Conditions Operation of heavy equipment/vehicles and perform a lot of physical labor in extreme conditions, such as: temperatures over 100 degrees to below zero degrees; rain; snow; ice; mud; standing water; blowing dust, etc. Working and operating equipment/vehicles in limited spaces, close to structures and landscaping which is not to be disturbed, etc. Excavating over and near utilities such as gas, phone, electric, water, sewer, etc. Risk of minor injury, Risk of major injury, Risk of being bitten by animals or insects, Exposure to infection. Exposure to environmental allergens. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here Agency Contact Information: Cody Tapia, (575) 744-5923, Email For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit Position This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.