Tow Truck Operator

Cogent Analytics; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Cogent Analytics in Des Moines, IA seeks a dependable Heavy Wrecker & Light-Duty Tow Operator to join our towing and recovery team. This role safely operates heavy wreckers for large-scale recoveries and handles light-duty towing for passenger vehicles.

You will assess scenes, rig and transport vehicles, and communicate with dispatch and customers to ensure timely service. Flex hours including nights and weekends are required; strong safety and customer-service mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy wreckers or recovery equipment preferred.
• Prior light-duty towing or roadside assistance experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of recovery, rigging, and safety techniques for both light and heavy vehicles.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call rotations.
• Strong communication skills and customer service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy-duty wreckers and recovery equipment to tow and recover commercial trucks, buses, and heavy machinery.
• Perform light-duty towing and roadside assistance for passenger vehicles, including jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel deliveries.
• Assess accident and breakdown scenes, determine recovery needs, and execute plans in a safe, efficient manner.
• Properly rig, secure, and transport vehicles of all sizes using approved equipment and methods.
• Communicate with dispatch, customers, and emergency responders to coordinate safe and timely service.
• Complete accurate service tickets, condition reports, and time logs for all calls.
• Conduct daily inspections of trucks and towing equipment; report any maintenance issues.
• Adhere to DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards in all towing and recovery operations.
• Represent the company with professionalism and courtesy at every call.

Skills

Heavy wreckers

Light-duty towing

Rigging & recovery

Customer service

Safety compliance

Tools

Recovery equipment

DOT/OSHA safety standards

Job description

Position Summary:

We are looking for a dependable and skilled Heavy Wrecker & Light-Duty Tow Operator to join our towing and recovery team. This role is responsible for safely operating heavy wreckers and rotators for large-scale recoveries, while also handling light-duty towing and roadside service for passenger vehicles. The ideal candidate is versatile, safety-conscious, and committed to providing professional customer service in both heavy and light-duty operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy-duty wreckers and recovery equipment to tow and recover commercial trucks, buses, and heavy machinery.


• Perform light-duty towing and roadside assistance for passenger vehicles, including jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel deliveries.


• Assess accident and breakdown scenes, determine recovery needs, and execute plans in a safe, efficient manner.


• Properly rig, secure, and transport vehicles of all sizes using approved equipment and methods.


• Communicate with dispatch, customers, and emergency responders to coordinate safe and timely service.


• Complete accurate service tickets, condition reports, and time logs for all calls.


• Conduct daily inspections of trucks and towing equipment; report any maintenance issues.


• Adhere to DOT, OSHA, and company safety standards in all towing and recovery operations.


• Represent the company with professionalism and courtesy at every call.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy wreckers or recovery equipment (preferred).


• Prior light-duty towing or roadside assistance experience a plus.


• Strong knowledge of recovery, rigging, and safety techniques for both light and heavy vehicles.


• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call rotations.


• Strong communication skills and customer service mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive pay


• Health, dental, and vision insurance


• Retirement plan with company match


• Paid time off and holidays

$22 - $30 an hour