Tow Recovery Operator/Mechanic

Solid Waste Management; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Solid Waste Management seeks a skilled tow recovery technician to support the Vehicle Maintenance Department. The role involves towing heavy trash collection vehicles, roadside troubleshooting, and performing mechanical repairs to ensure fleet readiness.

Candidates should have CDL and verifiable tow recovery experience, with emphasis on safety and equipment maintenance. The position supports field operations across sites and reports to the Vehicle Maintenance supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Four (4) years of tow recovery experience.
• Two (2) years mechanical/hydraulic and air brake system maintenance and repair experience.

Responsibilities

• Tow large commercial vehicles from failure related issues and accidents; coordinate recovery efforts with external agencies and other departments.
• 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.
• Confer with supervisor regarding basic vehicle operational decisions; analyze related vehicle issues and make recommendations.
• 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 supervisory personnel.
• Operate heavy equipment and hydraulic-lift systems; transport refuse via a tractor trailer.
• Assist and train lower skilled and licensed mechanics in recovery efforts.

Skills

Tow recovery

Roadside troubleshooting

Mechanical repair

Safety procedures

Heavy equipment operation

Hydraulic systems

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hydraulic lift systems

Tow equipment

Job description

Perform tow recovery procedure of heavy duty trash collection vehicles and perform roadside emergency troubleshooting and automotive mechanical repair work on stalled vehicles; tow or transport vehicle to designated repair facility; 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.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. 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 in order to expedite recovery efforts safely and efficiently.
2. Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, of tow recovery units and vehicles being towed for safety; perform minor repair as needed.
3. Assess repairs needed and relay information to the vehicle maintenance shop in order to expedite the repair process; may include hauling vehicle to land-fill and repairing and/or making adjustments to hydraulic system allowing unit to be dumped and towed back to yard, in order to minimizing equipment downtime.
4. Confer with supervisor regarding basic vehicle operational decisions; analyze related vehicle issues and make appropriate recommendations and/or decisions.
5. Assist in the maintenance and repair of Heavy Duty Commercial and Residential trash collection vehicles.
6. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
7. Submit periodic work activity and equipment status reports to higher-level supervisory personnel as required.
8. Operate a variety of heavy equipment and machinery, hydraulic-lift systems; transport refuse via a tractor trailer.
9. Assist and train lower skilled and licensed mechanics in all truck recovery efforts.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

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

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

• High school diploma or GED;
• Four (4) years of tow recovery experience;
• Two (2) years mechanical/hydraulic and air brake system maintenance and repair experience.

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
• Trainees must successfully complete OJT instruction for proper use of automated side loaders, commercial front loaders and rear packer systems.

Environmental:

Field and landfill environment; travel from site to site; work around heavy equipment; work along side highways and roadsides; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, waste and infectious materials; inclement weather conditions.

Physical:

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.