At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the public, maintain site cleanliness, and operate plant machinery at recycling centres.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's Waste Service in a mission to achieve zero waste.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, health support, and discounts through Essex Rewards.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills, ability to work independently, and willingness to learn.
Recycling Centre Site Operative - Kirby le Soken Recycling Centre
Permanent, Part Time (annualised hours)
£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)
Location: Kirby
Working Style: Operational field-based worker
Essex Waste Partnership aspire to be a zero‑waste county. By working together, we are working to reduce waste to help protect the environment and conserve resources. Help us to achieve our goals by joining one of our Recycling Centre Teams.
Role Overview
We’re currently recruiting for a Site Operative to join our Waste Service on a flexible basis providing support across different Recycling Centres across Essex County Council. These roles will be offered on an annualised hour contract where you will be required to work a minimum of 7.4 hours (one shift) per year with the opportunity to pick up additional shifts as and when they become available. Please note our recycling centres are open seven days a week.
If successful, your base recycling centre will be Kirby, but you will also be required to travel within a 20‑mile radius of your recycling centre base to support at our other sites as and when needed.
As this role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area, you 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.
What will you be doing?
As a Recycling Centre Site Operative, your responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Assisting the public with any questions, queries, or complaints.
- Maintaining a clean, tidy, and risk‑free site.
- Assisting in providing clear instructions to subcontractors / hauliers.
- Operating plant machinery and overseeing waste movements.
- Ensuring proper storage of materials for optimal recycling.
- Ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Contributing to safe and efficient site operations.
- Supporting the team with administrative tasks as and when required.
- To assist with operations, on occasions you may be required to work at an alternative Recycling Centre.
What's in it for you?
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + choice to buy extra
- Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme
- Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards
- Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with Vita Health Group
- Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- 6% Salary uplift for Sunday working
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential
- Able to work on foot for lengthy periods of time.
- Ability to work without supervision as well as part of a team.
- Experience within a customer facing position.
- Able to complete manual handling tasks.
- Able to complete basic reading and writing tasks.
- A willingness to learn new systems.
- Willing to complete training necessary to fulfil the role, i.e. First Aid, Plant Operator, Fire Marshall
Desirable
- Full Driving License
- Computer literate (especially Microsoft Excel and Outlook) with good administration skills.
- IOSH Working Safely or equivalent safety accreditation.
- NPORS or similar Plant Operators Licence/Qualification on Material Handler, with previous experience operating plant machinery preferably within the waste industry.
Additional Information
To read more about our recycling centre and Waste Strategy please visit: Love Essex
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) if your role requires 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.
Recycling Centre Site Operative - Kirby le Soken in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recycling Centre Site Operative - Kirby le Soken in Essex
✨Get Involved in Local Sustainability Projects
Join community initiatives or volunteer for local environmental organisations. It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and connect with like-minded people. Plus, you might find out about part-time opportunities at these events that aren't even advertised!
✨Tap Into Sustainability Networks and Forums
Engage with online platforms and groups specifically focused on sustainability and environmental management. Think about joining LinkedIn groups or forums where professionals discuss the latest trends. You never know when a part-time role, like the one at Essex County Council, might pop up!
✨Attend Sustainability Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on events, workshops, and webinars related to sustainability in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking and you might even meet someone from Essex County Council! Collect business cards, chat with speakers, and make a memorable impression.
✨Showcase Your Passion on Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share your thoughts on environmental issues that matter to you. Tag organisations you’re interested in, like Essex County Council. It’s a great way to catch their eye while proving your commitment to the field—and who doesn’t love a good social media stalk before hiring?
We think you need these skills to ace Recycling Centre Site Operative - Kirby le Soken in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sustainability Passion:In your CV and cover letter, let your enthusiasm for environmental management shine through. Talk about any projects or initiatives you've been involved in, whether they're from university, previous jobs, or personal passion projects. We want to see that you've got the heart and drive for sustainability!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure to emphasise any specific skills or certifications that relate to sustainability and environmental management. Whether it's knowledge of environmental legislation, sustainability reporting, or experience with specific tools and software - make those qualifications front and centre in your application!
Show Your Flexibility and Availability:Since this role is part-time, be clear about your availability in your application. Share how many hours you can commit and any specific days you're free. This shows us you're organised and ready to jump in without hesitation.
Keep it Concise and Relevant:Part-time roles often receive a lot of applications, so keep your application focused! Stick to the key experiences and skills that are most relevant to the role. Remember, the goal is to make a strong impression quickly, so get to the point while still showing your personality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Showcase Your Passion
We need to convey our genuine interest in sustainability. During the interview, share specific projects or initiatives you've been part of—whether that’s volunteering for environmental causes or studying relevant topics. Let them see that you're not just looking for any part-time gig, but that this is a cause you genuinely care about.
✨Know Your Environmental Policies
Make sure to brush up on current environmental policies and sustainable practices. We should be ready to discuss recent legislation or renewable technologies that impact our field. This shows not just that we know our stuff, but that we’re proactive about staying up-to-date in the sustainability arena.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
Since we’re aiming for a part-time role, having a solid portfolio can really set us apart. Include any reports, presentations, or projects that highlight our skills in environmental management. This will not only showcase our expertise but also demonstrate our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
✨Expect Scenario-Based Questions
We might face scenario-based questions that test our problem-solving skills in real-world environmental issues. Think through potential scenarios beforehand—like how to improve waste management in a community or implement a green policy at a workplace. This will help us come across as strategic thinkers during the interview.
