Tow Truck Driver, Cairns

Signature Staff is seeking an experienced Tow Truck Driver for accident towing, Cape York recovery and long-distance work in Cairns.
About the Role:
Signature Staff is recruiting on behalf of our client, a busy Cairns-based towing and automotive business. They handle everything from local breakdowns to long-distance transport, accident recovery and remote Cape York jobs.
 
This is a genuine opportunity to work independently, solve problems in the field and be part of a team that values people who can get the job done. Every day is different — one day you might be doing roadside assistance around Cairns, the next you could be heading out on a multi-day Cape York recovery or working an accident scene.
 
The role starts as a 3-month casual position working full-time hours. If you are performing well and the fit is right, the intention is to move you into permanent full-time employment. You will also have the opportunity to earn additional income through after-hours and smash towing commission work.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Local and long-distance vehicle towing
• Accident/smash towing and recovery
• Cape York and remote-area recovery work
• Breakdown and roadside assistance including jump starts, battery replacements, lockouts, flat tyres and fuel deliveries
• Loading damaged, non-running and difficult-to-access vehicles safely
• After-hours/on-call towing when rostered
• General tow yard and equipment duties
• Completing paperwork, photographs and job documentation
• Annual recovery work at Supercars Townsville once authorised

 
Mandatory Requirements:

• Minimum MR licence (HR licence strongly preferred)
• Experience driving trucks and operating tilt trays
• Understanding of fatigue management and logbook requirements
• Comfortable with accident scenes and damaged vehicles
• Willing to participate in an after-hours/on-call roster (approximately one week per month)
• Comfortable working irregular hours when recovery jobs require it
• Willing and able to stay away from home overnight or for multiple nights for Cape York/long-distance recoveries
• Comfortable travelling alone through remote areas
• Able to problem-solve when assistance or equipment may be many hours or days away
• Physically capable of securing vehicles, handling recovery equipment and performing roadside tasks
• Good driving history
• Must either hold the required Queensland tow truck driver accreditation for smash/accident towing, or be capable of obtaining it
• Reliable, punctual, calm under pressure and safe
• Good with customers
• Comfortable making decisions independently
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Happy with a job where every day can be different
• Suitable work/safety boots and own vehicle
• Positive attitude and sense of humour

 
Desirable Requirements:

• Previous towing or roadside experience (training can be provided to the right person)
• Basic mechanical knowledge or roadside-assistance experience
• Candidates from backgrounds including experienced tow truck drivers, experienced MR/HR truck drivers wanting to learn towing, or mechanics looking to move into a driving/recovery role are encouraged to apply

 
Working Hours and Employment Conditions:
The position is full-time, working 38 ordinary hours per week. Standard hours are Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. You will also be required to complete approximately one week of on-call duties each month. Outside of this, drivers can take a tow truck home and choose to undertake additional smash towing work.
 
Work Rights and Visa Eligibility:
Applicants must already have unrestricted legal rights to work in Australia for the requirements of the position. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
 
Benefits, Training and Career Opportunities:

• Comprehensive in-house training covering tow truck operation, loading and securing vehicles, load restraint, winching, recovery techniques, accident/smash towing procedures, roadside assistance, customer service, job documentation, fatigue management and remote/Cape recovery procedures
• Assistance with obtaining a Blue Card and the relevant race/event accreditation required to participate in Supercars recovery work after successfully completing the initial trial period
• Uniforms provided
• Company tow truck can be taken home where appropriate, with reasonable personal use permitted (you cover your personal fuel use)
• Dinner and breakfast reimbursed for Cape York and other away jobs (receipts submitted weekly)
• Accommodation for away jobs provided by the company
• Cheaper/discounted vehicle maintenance through the company workshop
• Opportunity to progress into a Senior Driver position
• Opportunity to learn basic mechanical and maintenance skills through the company’s large mechanical workshop