Tow Recovery Operator/Mechanic

Position Summary

Perform tow recovery procedures for heavy‑duty trash collection vehicles and provide roadside emergency troubleshooting and automotive mechanical repair on stalled vehicles; tow or transport vehicles to designated repair facilities; maintain assigned tow equipment; and perform a variety of other related duties in support of the Solid Waste Vehicle Maintenance Department. This is a safety‑sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Essential Functions

• Tow large commercial vehicles from failure‑related issues and accidents; coordinate recovery efforts with external agencies, other departments, and Solid Waste Management safety coordinators to expedite recovery safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of tow recovery units and vehicles being towed for safety; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Assess repairs needed and relay information to the vehicle maintenance shop to expedite the repair process; may include hauling vehicles to a landfill and repairing or adjusting hydraulic systems to allow units to be dumped and towed back to the yard, minimizing equipment downtime.
• Confer with supervisor regarding basic vehicle operational decisions; analyze related vehicle issues and make appropriate recommendations and/or decisions.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of heavy‑duty commercial and residential trash‑collection vehicles.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Submit periodic work‑activity and equipment‑status reports to higher‑level supervisory personnel as required.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment and machinery, including hydraulic‑lift systems; transport refuse via a tractor‑trailer.
• Assist and train lower‑skilled and licensed mechanics in all truck recovery efforts.

Supplemental Functions

• May function as a mechanic, diagnosing engines, air‑brake systems, and electrical problems as needed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Additional Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Four (4) years of tow recovery experience.
• Two (2) years of mechanical/hydraulic and air‑brake system maintenance and repair experience.
• Coursework in automotive technology, transportation technology, or truck driving preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A.
• City Operator's Permit (COP) obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Successful completion of on‑the‑job training for proper use of automated side loaders, commercial front loaders, and rear packer systems.

Working Conditions

• Field and landfill environments; travel from site to site; work around heavy equipment; work alongside highways and roadsides.
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, waste, and infectious materials; inclement weather conditions.
• Physical demands may include moderate to heavy lifting; prolonged walking, standing, and sitting; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.