Specialized Transport Operator

Description

The Specialized Operator runs heavy-duty and specialty towing and recovery equipment, including rotators, heavy wreckers, underlifts and landoll/lowboy trailers. The role handles complex jobs that standard light-duty operators do not: commercial vehicle tows, overturned or entangled units, load shifts and off-road recoveries.

Operators work independently at roadside and incident scenes, coordinating with dispatch, law enforcement, fire/EMS and customers. Success means every job is completed safely, with no secondary damage, and fully documented.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Operate heavy-duty wreckers, rotators, carriers and lowboy trailers to tow, transport and recover Class 6-8 trucks, buses, trailers, equipment and specialty vehicles.
• Perform complex recoveries: uprighting overturned units, winching from ditches or embankments, multi-point rigging and load-shift handling.
• Assess each scene before work begins: hazards, vehicle condition, weight, ground conditions and the safest recovery plan.
• Rig and secure loads with chains, straps, snatch blocks and wheel lifts, staying within rated capacities of all equipment.
• Set up and maintain traffic incident management (TIM) zones with cones, flares and lighting; coordinate with law enforcement and first responders on scene.
• Disconnect driveshafts, cage brakes, air up or bypass brake systems, and prepare vehicles for safe transport.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip DVIR inspections; report defects and perform basic maintenance on trucks and rigging.
• Document every job: photos before, during and after; customer signatures; invoices and work orders in the dispatch system.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with dispatch, customers, fleet managers and drivers, often under time pressure.
• Respond to on-call and after-hours calls within required response times.
• Mentor and assist light- and medium-duty operators on larger jobs as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Lift, carry and drag up to 100 lbs (chains, snatch blocks, wheel-lift attachments) regularly
• Climb on and off equipment, crawl under vehicles, kneel, bend and stand for extended periods
• Work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, snow and darkness
• Work alongside live traffic, on highway shoulders and on uneven or unstable ground
• Exposure to diesel fumes, fluids, noise, sharp debris and occasionally hazardous materials
• Required PPE: ANSI Class 3 high-visibility apparel, steel- or composite-toe boots, gloves, eye protection and hard hat as required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Safety and compliance expectations

• Follow FMCSA regulations, including Hours of Service and ELD use where applicable
• Comply with state Move Over laws, local towing ordinances and police rotation-list requirements
• Never exceed the rated working load limits of trucks, winches or rigging; inspect and tag out damaged rigging
• Follow company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures and scene-safety protocols on every call
• Report all incidents, near misses, injuries and vehicle damage immediately
• Maintain required certifications and complete ongoing safety training

• [Benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, company-provided uniforms and PPE]

Equal opportunity employer

Valor Fleet Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

This description reflects the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Duties may change based on business needs.

Requirements

Required qualifications

• Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with air brake endorsement and no restrictions limiting tow operations
• Current DOT medical card; must pass DOT pre-employment drug screen and remain in random testing program
• At least 21 years of age (interstate CDL requirement)
• 3+ years of towing experience, including at least 2 years operating heavy-duty wreckers or rotators
• Demonstrated heavy recovery experience: uprighting, winching and multi-point rigging
• Motor vehicle record acceptable under company and insurance guidelines
• Ability to pass a background check
• High school diploma or GED
• Willingness to work on-call, nights, weekends and holidays in all weather

Preferred qualifications and skills

• WreckMaster certification (Level 4/5 or higher) or TRAA National Driver Certification (Level 3 - Heavy Duty)
• Rotator operation experience (50-ton class or larger)
• Hazmat endorsement and/or hazmat awareness training
• National TIM (Traffic Incident Management) training completed
• Basic diesel mechanical knowledge, especially air brake and driveline systems
• Experience with dispatch/tow management software and mobile documentation apps
• Strong judgment under pressure, clear communication and a customer-first attitude
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Salary Description

$75000 - $85000 yr