Refuse Driver – EK in Harrogate

Refuse Driver – North Yorkshire Council

Job Purpose

You will be responsible for safely driving and operating a refuse collection vehicle and supporting the collection of household waste and recycling across North Yorkshire. You will work as part of a team to provide a reliable, efficient and professional waste collection service to residents.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• You will safely drive and operate the council’s refuse collection vehicle.
• You will carry out daily vehicle safety checks and report any defects or maintenance issues.
• You will follow allocated routes and collection schedules.
• You will work closely with refuse collectors to complete daily collections safely and efficiently.
• You will ensure all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety procedures.
• You will take care when driving around residential streets, pedestrians, parked vehicles and other road users.
• You will assist with the collection of household waste and recycling where required.
• You will report missed collections, access problems, damaged bins and other issues to the appropriate person.
• You will maintain a professional and courteous attitude when dealing with residents and members of the public.
• You will keep the vehicle clean, tidy and in a safe working condition.
• You will follow council policies, waste-management procedures and environmental requirements.
• You will work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• You will work flexibly and support colleagues to ensure the daily collection service is completed.
• You will maintain high standards of punctuality, reliability and safety at all times.

Skills and Experience

You will ideally have:

• A suitable driving licence for the vehicle being operated.
• Experience of driving larger vehicles, ideally refuse, HGV or similar vehicles.
• Good knowledge of road safety and safe vehicle operation.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and customer-service skills.
• A reliable, punctual and responsible approach to work.
• The ability to undertake physically demanding outdoor work.
• The ability to follow instructions, procedures and health and safety requirements.
• A professional attitude when representing North Yorkshire Council.
• The ability to work independently and use initiative when required.

Personal Qualities

You will be expected to be:

• Reliable and punctual.
• Safety-conscious.
• Hardworking and physically capable.
• Team-oriented and cooperative.
• Respectful and professional towards residents and colleagues.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to changing operational requirements.
• Committed to providing a high-quality public service.