MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Government through the Department of Public Works, Parking Enforcement Management Administration, Vehicle Immobilization and Towing Division, oversees booting, towing, and ticketing for District parking violations to keep traffic flowing and safe.

Incumbents patrol streets, enforce violations, and operate tow-crane vehicles. Positions include safety-sensitive designations and require driving and safety skills with criminal background checks.

Qualifications

• Ability to do the work of the position without more than regular supervision.
• Operation of Motor Vehicles.
• Work Practices (keeping things neat, clean, and in order).
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation).
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles).
• Ability to Operate Safely.
• Reliability and Dependability.

Responsibilities

• Identify and enforce District parking and traffic violations.
• Drive truck mounted with hydraulic crane to tow various vehicles.
• Make towing decisions, including path selection in tight spaces and high-traffic areas.
• Enforce violations via citations, towing actions, or coordination with enforcement teams.

Skills

Operation of Motor Vehicles

Reliability

De-escalation communication

Physical stamina

Tools

Tow-crane operation

Towing equipment

Hitching techniques

Job description

Press Control+M to start dragging object

This position is located in the Department of Public Works, Parking Enforcement Management Administration, Vehicle Immobilization and Towing Division. The Vehicle Immobilization and Towing Division is primarily responsible for booting, towing, and ticketing vehicles that are in violation of District parking regulations by facilitating the timely relocation and/or impoundment of those vehicles. This function is essential to maintaining the continuous flow of traffic during rush hours and emergencies; ensuring access to commercial and business services; supporting the free movement of emergency vehicles; and improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for the identification and enforcement of the District’s parking and traffic violations. Serves as a uniformed member of the District’s vehicle towing and impoundment operation, driving truck mounted with hydraulic automotive cranes to tow vehicles of various make, models, and sizes including large trucks, buses trailers cabs, and heavy equipment as required. Makes decisions on complex towing moves, including selecting the best towing path through obstacles, tight spaces, or high‑traffic areas. Clears critical and emergency routes (streets) of vehicles, identifies and removes dangerous or suspicious vehicles requiring removal, and addresses any obstructions that impede emergency operations to ensure public safety. Patrols city streets throughout the District to identify vehicles in violation of District regulations, including those eligible for towing, booting, or impoundment, and enforces these violations by issuing citations, initiating towing actions, or as necessary coordinating with enforcement teams. safe and efficient movement of vehicles or equipment.

Qualifications and Education

• Ability to do the work of the position without more than regular supervision;
• Operation of Motor Vehicles.
• Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order).
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation).
• Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles).
• Ability to Operate Safely.
• Reliability and Dependability.

License and Certifications

Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License, DOT Medical Certification

• Experience operating truck mounted with hydraulic automotive cranes, including vehicles in tow.
• Demonstrated ability to steer, maneuver, and operate tow‑crane vehicles with precision.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience in towing operations, including safe lifting angles, load limits, and proper use of tow‑crane equipment and familiarity with special‑purpose towing devices and auxiliary equipment.
• Technical knowledge of special hitch-up and towing techniques required to safely hitch up and tow a broad range of vehicles.
• Ability to communicate to explain procedures, when necessary, to de‑escalating tense situations and to formally document actions taken, including vehicle information, violation details.

Working Conditions/ Environment

Incumbent is subject to moderate noise, vibration, jarring, and swaying while operating trucks and towing equipment. Exposure to moving traffic while hitching vehicles creates risk of being struck and working with heavy-lift equipment presents potential for serious injury from load shifts or cable failure. Work is performed in all weather and traffic conditions, including snow emergencies with ice, high winds, and hazardous roadways. Incumbent may be exposed to fumes and odors from fuel, exhaust, and lubricants; intense heat and humidity outside the cab; and cold, snow, mud, dirt, grease, and debris during hitch-up. Risk of cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and other injuries from heavy tools, crane components, and vehicle parts. Incumbent may also be subjected to possible assault from irate vehicle owners or operators.

Physical Demands

Work requires medium to heavy physical effort, including lifting and positioning dolly wheels or load spreaders weighing from 50 – 80 lbs., often from shoulder height. Duties involve frequent bending, stretching, kneeling, reaching, pulling, and pushing to secure equipment and prepare vehicles for towing.

Other Significant Factors:

Qualified candidates will be subject to written knowledge, panel interview and practical skill examinations.

Tour of Duty: The incumbent of this position may be required to work various rotating shifts as assigned and may be required to work weekends and observed holidays.

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: RW-5703-08

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the Collective Bargaining Unit AFGE, Local 1975

Position Designation: The position has been deemed safety-sensitive, pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to criminal background check; traffic record check (as applicable); pre-employment drug and alcohol test; reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test; random drug and alcohol test; and return-to-duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test.

Applicants must provide adequate evidence to support their response to each multiple-choice question in the subsequent text box question. An applicant’s failure to support their responses to multiple-choice questions in the subsequent text boxes will result in disqualification and will not receive further consideration.

Essential Designation: This position is classified as an essentialposition under the provisions of the District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, the incumbent is required to serve in emergency situations to perform critical duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter, operations, food distribution, and communications. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when employees are dismissed early.

Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.