Lead Driver/Tow Operator

Lead Driver/Tow Operator

Salary

$50,273.60 - $52,395.20 Annually

Location

Albuquerque, NM

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2601233

Department

Solid Waste Management

Division

SW-Recycle Curbside Collection

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

8/10/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit

BL

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

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.

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 and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of tow recovery units and vehicles being towed for safety; perform minor repairs as needed.
• 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.
• Disconnect components (i.e.: drive lines, hydraulic lines, etc.) in preparation for towing using standard tools.
• 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, hydraulic-lift systems; street sweepers; transport refuse via a tractor trailer.
• Confer with supervisor regarding basic operational decisions; make supplementary decisions necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Provide technical assistance and on-the-job instruction as needed to ensure compliance with all operating procedures, safety work practices and procedures.
• 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.
• Read, interpret and follow operational manuals; policies and procedures manual; rules and regulations; safety and OSHA manuals.
• Use radio and computer procedures to communicate with field and base to coordinate and complete tasks and for record keeping.
• 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.
• 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:

• Perform a variety of general maintenance work as needed, pick-up any debris too large for compactor trucks.
• 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 Drivers 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

To include 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 Drivers License (CDL) Class A.

Possession of a valid City Operators 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.

Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.

Total Rewards - City of Albuquerque

Fire Department

Albuquerque Police Department

01

Do you possess a valid New Mexico Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A? (Attach copy of CDL)

• Yes
• No

02

Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (Attach supporting degree or transcripts).

• No High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or GED
• Non/degree accredited- Some College
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Juris Doctorate
• Doctorate

03

Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.

• No experience
• 1 to less than 6 months
• 6 to less than 12 months
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years to less than 11 years
• 11 years to less than 12 years
• 12 years to less than 13 years
• 13 or more years

04

Do you possess at least one (1) year of Class A CDL driving experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess at least two (2) years of large vehicle tow recovery experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed course work in automotive technology, transportation technology, or truck driving?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Albuquerque

Address 400 Marquette N.W.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87103

Phone 505 768-3700

Website http://CABQ.GOV