Waste Operative

Salary         – £24,404-£25,183

Hours         – 37 hours – on-site working

The role

We are currently looking to appoint a Waste Operative to join the Operations Service.  The main duties of this role will be to support the collection of waste and recycling materials, including food waste within the Borough

Qualifications

Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent

Category C, C1 or B Driving Licence or equivalent, desirable

Hold a valid Driver Qualification card (DQC), desirable

Hold a valid Digital Tacho Card, desirable

 

Duties and responsibilities

  • Support the waste and recycling collection service by collecting, inspecting, and returning containers, rejecting contaminated bins as per council policies, and keeping streets clean by removing waste or reporting larger items.
  • Deliver bins, leaflets, letters, and attach information stickers as required
  • Maintain Health and Safety standards by following procedures, using PPE, and promptly reporting incidents.
  • Assist the Driver/Team Leader with daily vehicle checks, familiarisation with routes and lists, safe vehicle manoeuvring, and maintaining vehicle cleanliness.
  • Assist Driver/Team Leader with all necessary paperwork and electronic records (e.g., crew sheets, incident reports, in cab system such as Bartec) as appropriate during the course of the shift
  • Assist Driver/Team Leader to train new or temporary staff after induction.
  • Act professionally and represent the Council when assisting or advising the public, resolving queries where possible or escalating when necessary
  • Complete daily tasks efficiently and to a high standard, showing flexibility to support additional activities like street sweeping, litter picking, fly-tip clearance, and other  reasonable instructions by your supervisor/manager
  • Support wider Operations Team functions as needed, including grounds maintenance, cemetery tasks, and town centre cleansing, within your role’s grade and competence.

Person Specification

  • Proven experience delivering services to deadlines, with experience in waste or recycling collections, street sweeping, or similar operational work being an advantage.
  • Strong literacy, numeracy, and communication skills, with the ability to follow instructions accurately
  • Confident in using mobile electronic devices, such as tablets, to support daily operations
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Committed to achieving daily targets and delivering work to a high standard first time
  • Polite, professional, and friendly when interacting with customers and the public.
  • Capable of identifying and correctly segregating different types of waste
  • A team player who can also work independently when required
  • Flexible and willing to support a range of activities across the service
  • Physically fit, able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform manual work.
  • Willing to work overtime, including Bank Holidays and weekends, when needed
  • Takes personal responsibility for Health & Safety—for themselves, colleagues, and the public
  • Demonstrates the council’s values and behaviours at all times

Benefits

  • Family friendly policies
  • On-site free parking
  • Up to 31 days' annual leave
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
  • Savings and loan scheme
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Additional voluntary contribution to AVC
  • Staff reward scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee forums (Your Voice, Health & Wellbeing)

General Statement

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:

  • Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

 

How to apply

Download and complete the application form at https://www.rossendale.gov.uk

Application forms should be returned to: recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk OR

Rossendale Borough Council, People & Policy, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BB

Alternatively, email your name and address, quoting reference number XR1005 to recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk or telephone People and Policy on 01706 252513.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.  To qualify, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Closing Date         – Tuesday 27th May 2025 at 10am

Interview Date      – Week commencing 2nd June 2025