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- Tasks: Assist the public, maintain site safety, and operate plant machinery at our Recycling Centre.
- Company: Join Essex Waste Partnership in our mission to achieve a zero-waste county.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, health support, discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 25081 - 35000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£25,081 per annum
Location: South Woodham Ferrers
Closing Date: 20th February 2026
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. We are currently recruiting for a full time Site Operative to join our team at our Recycling Centre in South Woodham Ferrers. Please note as a site operative you will be required to work weekends, both Saturdays and Sundays. You will receive a 6% flat rate allowance for any Sundays worked.
What will you be doing?
- 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.
RCHW Site Operative employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RCHW Site Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Essex Waste Partnership and their zero-waste goals. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your conversations to show how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, run through common questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it relates to the Site Operative role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to waste management. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Recycling Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace RCHW Site Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Recycling: When you're writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in the recycling sector. Share any personal experiences or interests that connect you to our mission of reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Highlight Customer Service Skills: Since you'll be assisting the public, make sure to emphasise your experience in customer-facing roles. We want to see how you've handled queries or complaints in the past, so share specific examples that showcase your communication skills.
Be Clear About Your Availability: As this role requires weekend work, it's important to mention your availability upfront. Let us know if you're flexible with your hours and ready to jump in on Saturdays and Sundays, as this will show your commitment to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Site Operative. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like assisting the public and operating plant machinery. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this position involves interacting with the public, be prepared to discuss your experience in customer-facing roles. Think of specific examples where you've handled queries or complaints effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain a positive environment at the Recycling Centre.
✨Highlight Your Safety Awareness
Safety is crucial in this role, so be ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have, like First Aid or IOSH Working Safely. If you have experience operating machinery, mention it! Showing that you prioritise safety will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. You could inquire about the team dynamics or the training opportunities available. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within the company.
