Shovel Driver/Plant Operative

Permanent, Full Time

£29,015 per annum plus 6% flat rate allowance

Location: Colchester

Working Style: Fixed-base worker

Closing Date: 30th June 2026

Please note in addition to an annual salary you will also receive a 6% flat rate allowance (£1681.98) for weekend working.

Full valid driving licence required. Material Handler and Loading Shovel Qualification desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. Weekend working required – average 37 hours per week.

The Opportunity

A multi-task role from managing and controlling all tipping hall operations to being accountable for ensuring articulated vehicles are loaded safely and in accordance with KPI’s within the Essex County Council Waste service. Managing on site traffic management for multiple local district councils and 3rd Parties to ensure contractual tipping arrangements are met and carried out safely. Directly responsible for the safe and proper operation and maintenance of any site vehicle under their use. This includes liaising with Site Supervisor/Operations Manager for repairs and servicing of all equipment on site including scheduling works/contractors to avoid impact on the service. Responsible for operating the front-loading shovel and 360-degree wheeled materials handler to move, load and transport waste safely and competently. Lead on ensuring all site users within the tipping hall operation are following site rules and in accordance with Health and Safety and Environmental policies and procedures.

Accountabilities

• Lead on all mobile plant operations as required to safely contain and manage waste tipped from RCVs, including pushing up waste using the loading shovel as well as loading lorries.
• Accountable for following the site-specific rules at all waste facilities operated by Essex County Council.
• Ensure all site users to comply with site rules and where required enforce site rules by inducting and training individuals.
• Accountable for the pre-use inspections of the plant or equipment assigned for operation, reporting any defects prior to shift start as well as undertaking general maintenance and preventive maintenance activities.
• When not operating plant/vehicles other duties may be required such as Weighbridge or assisting the site supervisor with site inspections/paperwork.
• Responsible for routine cleaning to ensure the site is free from litter and to contain and dispose of any spillages.
• To ensure that all resources used (e.g. equipment, machinery and buildings) are kept safe, in good order and condition and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft.
• To immediately report any contamination or non-conforming wastes delivered to site, accidents, incidents, near misses and environmental hazards to your line manager.
• To carry out any other duties commensurate with the post as required to meet the needs of the service.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Qualifications/Training – Full valid driving licence. Material Handler and Loading Shovel Qualification desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
• Previous experience of working within the waste industry is desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge – Understanding of waste operations is desirable. Mechanical knowledge.
• Experience – Previous experience operating plant machinery preferably within the waste industry. Experience working with the public is desirable. Manual handling experience.
• Skills – Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Able to understand written and verbal instruction.
• Character – Self-motivated with the willingness to undertake further training when required. Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
• Availability/Locality/Mobility – You will be largely based at a council Waste Transfer Station but may be required to work at any other location as required.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC), should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk