HWRC and Plant Operatives

Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities

You'll deliver a courteous, efficient, and environmentally responsible service to the public at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). In this role you'll support the safe and effective disposal of waste, maximises recycling and reuse opportunities, and ensures compliance with all relevant legislation, permits, and council procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service and Public Engagement

• Provide friendly, professional assistance to members of the public, helping them dispose of waste correctly and safely.
• Promote and encourage recycling and reuse by advising site users on correct waste segregation.

Operational Compliance and Site Management

• Ensure all waste is managed in accordance with the Environmental Permit, Planning Permission, and Council procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections of site containers to monitor capacity and inform haulage requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised site environment, including the site office and external areas.

Health, Safety and Environmental Standards

• Adhere to all Health and Safety regulations, reporting accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Prevent unauthorised access to waste and ensure public safety through effective traffic management and site supervision.
• Operate mobile plant and equipment safely, completing daily checks and reporting defects to the HWRC Supervisor.

Waste Quality and Documentation

• Monitor the quality of recyclable materials, removing contaminants to improve recycling outcomes.
• Complete and maintain accurate records, including Duty of Care and Consignment Notes, as required by legislation.
• Support income recovery by correctly administering payments for trade waste and chargeable items.

Contractor and Haulage Support

• Assist waste collection drivers and contractors to ensure safe and efficient removal of waste from site.
• Ensure all loads are prepared and dispatched in a manner that maintains safety on the public highway.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience

• Experience working in a customer-facing role
• Previous experience in waste management, recycling, or a similar operational environment

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Capable of following procedures and instructions accurately
• Able to carry out manual handling tasks and operate equipment safely
• Basic IT skills for record-keeping and documentation

Knowledge

• Understanding of recycling and waste segregation practices
• Awareness of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices
• Knowledge of Environmental Permits and Duty of Care requirements (training can be provided)- Qualifications:
• Full UK driving licence (desirable for mobile plant operation)
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g. mobile plant operation, manual handling, health & safety)

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to high standards of service
• Positive attitude towards environmental sustainability
• Able to remain calm and professional when dealing with the public
• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and bank holidays- Experience:
• Experience operating mobile plant (e.g. telehandler, forklift)
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Able to complete all manual handling duties.

Interviews will be held during the week starting 8th December.

Please note: This is a floating position. The post holder will be required to cover multiple recycling centres across the network to ensure facilities are fully staffed.

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.