Lead Driver / Tow Operator

About the Role

Participate in refuse and recycling collection and transportation duties using various types of trucks (side loaded, automated side load, rear load, front load, roll-off, or transport trucks) equipped with Power Take Off (PTO) and ancillary devices. Backfill routes or tasks to ensure efficiency and timely collection. Maintain assigned collection equipment, perform technical tasks, and handle tow recovery of heavy-duty trash collection vehicles. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Backfill residential and/or commercial refuse collection and recycling routes.
• Pick up and load recyclables such as newspaper, plastic, cardboard, metals, and other assigned materials.
• Drive to collection points and operate controls with a Power Take Off (PTO) to engage hydraulic systems, ancillary devices, and lifting forks.
• Empty refuse containers into garbage compactor trucks, sweep and load spillage, and operate hydraulic compactors.
• Assist with unloading refuse trucks at landfills.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of tow recovery units and vehicles for safety; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Troubleshoot, inspect, and tow large commercial vehicles due to failure or accidents; coordinate recovery efforts with external agencies and other departments.
• Disconnect components (e.g., drive lines, hydraulic lines) in preparation for towing using standard tools.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Submit periodic work activity and equipment status reports to supervisory personnel.
• Operate heavy equipment and machinery, including hydraulic-lift systems, street sweepers, and tractor-trailers for refuse transport.
• Confer with supervisors on operational decisions and provide technical assistance or on-the-job instruction to ensure compliance with procedures.
• Train and certify employees in the proper operation and maintenance of solid waste collection vehicles and equipment.
• Read, interpret, and follow operational manuals, policies, safety guidelines, and OSHA regulations.
• Use radio and computer procedures for communication, coordination, and record-keeping.
• Act as technical lead in the absence of a supervisor, coordinating schedules, issuing work assignments, and inspecting progress.
• Perform daily routine maintenance on assigned equipment, including pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of refuse containers and roll-off boxes.
• Perform general maintenance tasks, such as picking up debris too large for compactor trucks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of driving experience requiring a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A.
• One (1) year of CDL driving experience operating vehicles such as automated side loaders, rear loaders, front loaders, roll-offs, street sweepers, transport trucks, or skid steers.
• Two (2) years of large vehicle tow recovery experience.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A.
• Possession of a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
• Successful completion of on-the-job training (OJT) for residential and commercial refuse collection service.
• Successful completion of OJT and certification for the proper use of tow trucks, automated side-loaders, rear-loaders, front loaders, roll-offs, street sweepers, transport trucks, and skid steers.

Course work in automotive technology, transportation technology, or truck driving is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Field and landfill environment with travel between sites.
• Work around heavy equipment and exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, hazardous chemicals, waste, and infectious materials.
• Exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Physical Demands

• Moderate to heavy lifting.
• Walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods.
• Operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
• General manual dexterity.