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. Responsibilities include towing or transporting vehicles to designated repair facilities, maintaining assigned tow equipment, and supporting 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 and other departments.
• Coordinate with Solid Waste Management safety coordinators to expedite recovery efforts safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of tow recovery units and vehicles being towed for safety; conduct minor repairs as needed.
• Assess repairs needed and relay information to the vehicle maintenance shop to expedite the repair process, including hauling vehicles to landfills and adjusting hydraulic systems.
• Confer with supervisor regarding basic vehicle operational decisions; analyze related vehicle issues and make appropriate recommendations 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.

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.
• Course work in automotive technology, transportation technology, or truck driving preferred.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 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

Work in field and landfill environments, traveling from site to site and operating alongside highways and roadsides. Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, waste, and infectious materials is common, as are inclement weather conditions. Physical demands include moderate to heavy lifting, walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods, and operating motorized equipment and vehicles.