1

Heavy Tow Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Clean-Up Towing operators work in a safe manner to efficiently remove heavy duty and light duty motor vehicles damaged by accident, stalled, ticketed or other traffic violations.

Tow Truck Driver

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Stepp's Towing & Heavy Transport is looking to add Light Duty Tow Operators to our team! We value a positive attitude, strong customer service skills, and effective problem-solving abilities. No Slip ...

Showing results 21-40

Heavy Tow Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy tow operator?

To thrive as a Heavy Tow Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), knowledge of vehicle recovery, and experience handling large vehicles. Familiarity with hydraulic lift systems, winches, GPS navigation, and often certifications like WreckMaster are typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, calmness under pressure, and strong communication abilities help operators manage challenging roadside situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and professional recovery operations in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by heavy tow operators on the job?

Heavy Tow Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating through traffic with large vehicles, handling adverse weather conditions, and safely recovering disabled or wrecked heavy-duty trucks. The role requires quick problem-solving and adaptability, as each towing situation can be unique. Operators must also communicate effectively with dispatchers, law enforcement, and customers to coordinate safe and timely recoveries while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

What is the difference between Heavy Tow Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectHeavy Tow OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Tow truck certificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentRoadside, towing sites, accident scenesConstruction sites, industrial areas
Job DutiesOperate tow trucks, recover vehiclesOperate heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes

Both roles involve operating large vehicles and require safety certifications. Heavy Tow Operators focus on vehicle recovery and roadside assistance, while Heavy Equipment Operators handle construction machinery. The roles differ mainly in work environment and specific equipment operated, but both are essential in their respective industries.

What is a heavy tow operator?

Heavy tow operators are professionals who operate specialized tow trucks designed to move large vehicles such as buses, trucks, and construction equipment. They are trained to handle complex towing situations, including accident recovery and the transportation of oversized vehicles. Heavy tow operators must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), extensive knowledge of towing equipment, and strong problem-solving skills to ensure safety and efficiency during operations.
More about Heavy Tow Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Heavy Tow Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Lead Driver/Tow Operator

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Other

PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


City Of Albuquerque rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Title

Refuse And Recycling Collection And Transportation

Job Description

Participate in the work of drivers and work crews responsible for refuse and recycling collection and transportation duties utilizing side loaded, automated side load, rear load, front load, roll-off or transport trucks utilizing a Power Take Off (PTO) and ancillary devices; backfill routes or tasks due to absences or work load to ensure efficiency and timely collection; maintain assigned collection equipment and perform a variety of technical tasks and perform tow recovery of heavy duty trash collection 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 Collections Department. This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Essential And Supplemental Functions

Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

  1. Assume responsibility for backfilling residential and/or commercial refuse collection and recycling routes; pick up and load a variety of recyclables including newspaper, plastic, cardboard and various metals and other materials as assigned.
  2. Drive to collection points; activate controls with a Power Take Off (PTO) that operate ancillary devices and engage hydraulic systems; disengage lock-hooks or tarp roll-off type containers.
  3. Pick up and haul garbage and commercial refuse; empty refuse containers into garbage compactor truck, sweep and load spillage; operate hydraulic compactor to compact refuse and assist with unloading of refuse truck at landfill; receive instructions in operation of compaction truck.
  4. Pick-up and haul garbage and residential refuse; activate controls with a Power Take Off (PTO) that operate ancillary devices and engage hydraulic lifting forks; engage forks in lifting channels on lift bin; empty refuse containers into garbage compactor truck and sweep and load spillage; operate hydraulic compactor to compact refuse and assist with unloading of refuse truck at landfill; receive instruction in operation of compaction truck.
  5. Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of tow recovery units and vehicles being towed for safety; perform minor repairs as needed.
  6. Troubleshoot, inspect, and 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.
  7. Disconnect components (i.e.: drive lines, hydraulic lines, etc.) in preparation for towing using standard tools.
  8. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
  9. Submit periodic work activity and equipment status reports to higher-level supervisory personnel as required.
  10. Operate a variety of heavy equipment and machinery, hydraulic-lift systems; street sweepers; transport refuse via a tractor trailer.
  11. Confer with supervisor regarding basic operational decisions; make supplementary decisions necessary to perform assigned duties.
  12. Provide technical assistance and on-the-job instruction as needed to ensure compliance with all operating procedures, safety work practices and procedures.
  13. Train and certify employees in the proper operation and maintenance of solid waste collection vehicle including side loaded, automated side load, rear load, front load, roll-off or transport trucks utilizing a Power Take Off (PTO) and ancillary devices; forklifts and other equipment utilized by the department.
  14. Read, interpret and follow operational manuals; policies and procedures manual; rules and regulations; safety and OSHA manuals.
  15. Use radio and computer procedures to communicate with field and base to coordinate and complete tasks and for record keeping.
  16. May be required to act as the technical lead in the absence of assigned solid waste supervisor; may be required to coordinate schedules, issue work assignments; direct tasks and personnel and inspect progress of work.
  17. Perform daily routine maintenance on assigned equipment and assist with repairs as necessary; perform pre-trip and post-trip inspection; assist in the maintenance and repair of refuse containers and roll-off boxes; submit periodic work activity and equipment status reports to higher level supervisory personnel.

Supplemental functions:

  1. Perform a variety of general maintenance work as needed, pick-up any debris too large for compactor trucks.
  2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. High school diploma or GED; and Three (3) years of driving experience which requires the possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A; and To include one (1) year CDL driving experience operating a variety of vehicles such as automated side loader, rear loader, front loader, roll-offs, street sweeper, transport truck, and skid steer; and two (2) years of large vehicle tow recovery 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 valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire. Trainees must successfully complete OJT instruction for residential and commercial refuse collection service. Trainees must successfully complete OJT instruction and certification for proper use of Tow Truck, Automated Side-Load, Rear-Load, Front Load, Roll-off, Street Sweeper, Transport Truck, and Skid Steer.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Field and landfill environment; travel from site to site; work around heavy equipment; 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 of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles and general manual dexterity.


What City Of Albuquerque employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom