Commercial Vehicle Recovery Specialist (Tow Truck)

Role Overview

The Commercial Vehicle Recovery Specialist is responsible for the safe recovery and transportation of autonomous fleet vehicles using commercial towing and recovery equipment.

The position includes responding to vehicles stopped in active traffic lanes, roadside locations, depots, and other challenging environments. The specialist must safely secure, load, transport, and unload vehicles while protecting sensitive vehicle systems and following all applicable safety and transport requirements.

This is a fully field-based position with no remote or hybrid option.

Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Recovery and Transportation

• Operate a commercial recovery vehicle in urban areas, on motorways, and around active traffic.

• Respond to disabled or immobilised fleet vehicles requiring transport or roadside recovery.

• Position the recovery vehicle safely while maintaining awareness of traffic, pedestrians, passengers, and emergency personnel.

• Secure, load, transport, and unload vehicles using equipment such as:

  • Winches.
  • Wheel-lift systems.
  • Flatbed or rollback platforms.
  • Dollies.
  • Chains, straps, and tie-down equipment.
  • Transport vehicles from roads, hard shoulders, parking areas, or incident scenes to approved service locations.
  • Protect sensors, exterior panels, underbody components, batteries, and other sensitive systems during recovery.
  • Follow vehicle-specific loading and handling instructions.
  • Conduct pre-use and post-use inspections of towing and recovery equipment.
  • Report equipment defects, vehicle damage, and operational concerns immediately.

Roadside Safety and Incident Support

• Establish a safe working area using warning lights, cones, and appropriate vehicle positioning.
• Minimise risks to road users and reduce unnecessary disruption to traffic.
• Coordinate with dispatch teams, field responders, operations leadership, emergency services, and public authorities.
• Support recovery activity at collision scenes and other high-risk locations.
• Capture required photographs, notes, vehicle details, and recovery documentation.
• Communicate progress, delays, hazards, and completion status to the relevant operational teams.

General Fleet Support

• Assist with basic vehicle troubleshooting when it can be completed safely.
• Support other field response activities when towing is not immediately required.
• Provide operational feedback regarding recovery procedures, equipment, and vehicle accessibility.
• Follow all applicable transport regulations, internal procedures, and manufacturer handling instructions.

Candidate Requirements

• Valid driving licence appropriate for operating commercial recovery vehicles under local regulations.
• Commercial driving qualification or equivalent is strongly preferred where required for medium-duty or heavy recovery vehicles.
• At least one year of professional towing, roadside recovery, or commercial driving experience.
• Acceptable driving record and ability to complete legally required screening.
• Ability to pass medical, fitness-for-duty, substance, or alcohol testing where required by local law.
• Experience operating recovery equipment in traffic, at night, and during adverse weather conditions.
• Availability for flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods.
• Physical ability to lift, pull, carry, and position recovery equipment.

Required Skills

Recovery Equipment and Vehicle Handling

• Demonstrated experience operating commercial tow or recovery vehicles.
• Safe use of winches, loading platforms, wheel-lifts, dollies, chains, straps, and securing systems.
• Understanding of vehicle weight limits, balance, securement, and load distribution.
• Ability to select the correct recovery method based on vehicle position and condition.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills relating to towing and recovery equipment.

Safety and Communication

• Strong awareness of roadside hazards and active-traffic risks.
• Ability to follow detailed recovery instructions and safety procedures.
• Sound judgement in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
• Clear communication with field teams, dispatch personnel, emergency responders, and public authorities.
• Accurate incident reporting and documentation.
• Dependable, safety-focused, and capable of working independently.