MTR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER in Cardiff

The Material Transfer and Recovery (MTR) service plays a vital role in the Council’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility. Operating across multiple facilities—including Domestic and Commercial Recycling Centres, a Waste Transfer Station, and a Material Processing & Baling Facility—the service ensures the efficient recovery of materials and maximises their value through high-quality processing and compliance with environmental standards.

About the job

We are looking for reliable and proactive Traffic Controllers to support the safe and efficient operation of our MTR facilities.

This frontline, operational role, will be responsible for managing vehicle movements, controlling access and egress to site, and ensuring that all users follow site rules and disposal requirements. The role will engage directly with customers, providing clear instructions and maintaining calm, professional control in a busy environment.

Traffic Controllers will be responsible for accurate recording of vehicle and waste information, completing both paper-based and digital documentation to meet legal, audit, and Duty of Care requirements. Alongside this, the role includes general site housekeeping, manual handling of waste (including bulky and special waste streams), and supporting overall site compliance with environmental permits.

The role involves working across multiple MTR locations, outdoors in all weather conditions, and operating/maintaining plant machinery where trained and authorised. Shift patterns vary and cover every day with early, late, and core shifts including weekend, bank holiday, and overtime working in line with service needs.

What We Are Looking For From You

We’re looking for someone who is calm, safety-focused and confident working with people, who can maintain control of a busy site while delivering a professional and courteous service. You will have:

• Experience of working in a waste, construction, engineering, or similar operational environment, or a strong understanding of health and safety in a practical setting.
• The ability to manage traffic and customer interactions safely, clearly, and politely — even in challenging situations.
• Confidence in completing paper and digital records accurately.
• A willingness and physical capability to carry out manual handling and outdoor work as part of a team.
• A reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Desirable experience and training include:

• Accredited Vehicle Marshalling (e.g. NPORS).
• Recognised training in manual handling operations.
• Experience of mobile plant use within the waste industry.

Full training will be provided where required, and you’ll be expected to engage positively with ongoing development, health & safety requirements, equality commitments, and safeguarding responsibilities.

Additional information

These vacancies are suitable for post share.

These roles are not suitable for flexible or agile working due to its operational nature.

The posts are based at Lamby Way & Bessemer Close Depots however you will be expected to work from various locations and may be required to work overtime during peak periods.

The successful candidates will play a key role in ensuring our waste management services are safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Job Category Environmental / Waste / Recycling

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent

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