Road Rescue Officer

Role Overview

You will be the first response for motorists whose journeys have been interrupted by a breakdown, collision, or mechanical failure. Working as part of a dedicated roadside assistance team, your primary focus is to reach stranded drivers quickly, make the immediate situation safe, and carry out on-the-spot repairs or arrange a secure tow when a vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside. This work directly reduces traffic disruption, keeps highways clear, and makes sure every customer gets home or reaches a repair centre without further distress.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive dispatch instructions and travel promptly to breakdown and accident scenes, following the most efficient route while respecting traffic laws.
• Carry out an initial safety assessment at every incident, positioning your service vehicle, deploying warning equipment, and protecting the scene to prevent secondary accidents.
• Diagnose common mechanical, electrical, fuel, and tyre-related issues using on-board diagnostic tools, visual inspection, and your own working knowledge of vehicle systems.
• Perform temporary roadside repairs such as fitting spare wheels, jump-starting batteries, clearing blocked fuel lines, replacing fuses, and resolving electronic lockout or key-in-car situations.
• For non-repairable vehicles, prepare the car or motorcycle for lifting and towing, select the correct recovery method, and secure the load using straps, chains, and winching systems.
• Stay in continuous contact with the control centre to provide status updates, request additional support when needed, and confirm each incident is resolved.
• Provide clear, calm communication with every customer, explaining the situation, offering realistic next steps, and ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.
• Complete accurate job documentation, including incident reports, vehicle condition notes, and photographic records, before moving on to the next call.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical qualification covering vehicle systems, chassis, engine, and electrical principles.
• Hands-on experience in a role involving vehicle diagnosis, repair, maintenance, roadside assistance, towing, or recovery operations.
• Working knowledge of passenger car and light commercial vehicle components, including braking systems, suspension, cooling systems, and modern electronics.
• A valid driving licence appropriate for the class of service vehicle used, with a clean record and a high standard of defensive driving skill.
• Ability to handle heavy equipment, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and carry out physically demanding tasks such as lifting, bending, and winching.
• A methodical approach to fault-finding and problem-solving, especially when working under time pressure at the side of a busy road.
• Strong customer-facing communication skills, with the patience and empathy to reassure anxious or frustrated motorists.
• Willingness to work a shift pattern that may include evenings, weekends, and public holidays, because vehicle breakdowns can happen at any hour.