Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the public, maintain site safety, and operate plant machinery at our Recycling Centre.
- Company: Join Essex Waste Partnership in our mission for 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 environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 29000 £ per year.
Overview
Recycling Centre Site Operative – Pitsea. Fixed Term, Full Time. Location: Basildon. Working Style: Fixed-base worker. Closing Date: 24th September 2025. Please note this vacancy is a full time position 5 days per week including weekends. This is a 12 month fixed term with an opportunity.
Essex Waste Partnership aspires 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’re recruiting a full time Site Operative to join our team at our Recycling Centre in Basildon. 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?
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 + option 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.
To read more about our recycling centres and Waste Strategy please visit: Love Essex
Interviews
Interview will be taking place face to face at Pitsea.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. We are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We welcome reasonable adjustments during the process and are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, please join The Essex Talent Community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Recycling Centre Site Operative – Pitsea employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recycling Centre Site Operative – Pitsea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Essex Waste Partnership and their goals. Understanding their mission to become a zero-waste county will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions related to customer service and teamwork, and rehearse your answers. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience and how it relates to being a Site Operative.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this is a hands-on role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you care about the opportunity and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Recycling Centre Site Operative – Pitsea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer-facing roles and any manual handling tasks. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of a Recycling Centre Site Operative.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for recycling and environmental conservation. Let us know why you want to join our team and how you can contribute to our zero-waste goals.
Show Off Your Team Spirit: Since teamwork is key in this role, mention any experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team. We love seeing candidates who can collaborate effectively while also being self-sufficient.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Recycling Centre Site Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like assisting the public, maintaining site cleanliness, and operating plant machinery. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since this position involves interacting with the public, be prepared to discuss your experience in customer-facing roles. Think of examples where you've handled queries or complaints effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain a positive environment at the recycling centre.
✨Safety First!
Safety is crucial in this role, so brush up on relevant safety standards and any training you've completed, like First Aid or IOSH Working Safely. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work, especially when operating machinery or managing waste.
✨Ask Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the recycling strategies they employ. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
