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- Tasks: Join our team as a Waste Operative, collecting and managing waste across Exeter.
- Company: Exeter City Council is dedicated to creating a cleaner, greener city for all residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy job security, generous leave, training opportunities, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while staying fit and working outdoors with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must be physically fit, self-motivated, and a team player with a positive attitude.
- Other info: Full PPE provided; flexible hours with potential for overtime.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
About you
Exeter City Council is committed to recruiting a talented workforce that reflects all the communities we serve. We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you share our ambitions, visions and values to make Exeter a safer, cleaner, greener and more vibrant place to live, work and visit, then this role is definitely for you. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals who are looking to make a difference with a “can do” approach. Working as part of a team is a rewarding part of the job. Within the Waste Operative duties, you could be picking up bulky items on one day or delivering bins the next day. You could be part of a bigger team on the waste collection vehicles and be part of our team task and finish ethos or assisting in other areas within the waste teams.
This is a physical role and requires moving bulky items, full wheeled bins, and handling sacks, so it will definitely keep you fit!
We are seeking applications for full time positions. We offer on the job training and instruction on the various vehicles and machines we operate in our fleet as well as our in cab technology, so your experience as a Waste Operative will be utilised and your skills and knowledge base will increase with the benefit of job progression.
About the role
Reporting to the Supervisors / Managers, you will be required to start and finish at Oakwood House in Marsh Barton. Working as part of a highly skilled team your main role will be as a Waste Operative using modern collection vehicles on various collection rounds including the new food waste collection rounds that are being rolled out throughout the expanding city.
You will be expected to play your part in ensuring the city is kept clean and tidy in a sustainable way for its residents on a daily basis and doing your part for the environment. You will have regular working hours starting at 6am or 7am, primarily collecting various wastes types on a mainly ‘Group Team Task & Finish’ basis.
Hours are on average, 37 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7 including catch up Saturdays after Bank Holidays, Good Friday and Christmas including adverse weather disruptions with the availability of further overtime throughout the year.
You must be self-motivated, flexible, have the ability to move heavy objects using manual handling techniques and prepared to work to exacting standards.
High levels of physical fitness are required, along with good visual and hearing abilities. If you like working outside and being part of a team, then this is the job for you. Full PPE will be supplied for this all-weather role which must be worn correctly at all times.
You must be a team player and demonstrate a ‘can do’ attitude, flexible and willing to undertake all requirements as a Waste Operative and be able to work as part of a team or on your own in all sectors within the waste, recycling and fleet department.
Exeter City Council can offer you job security and some incredible employment benefits which include a generous contributory pension scheme, up to 29 days paid leave (service related), fully supported training opportunities to upskill yourself and provision of occupational health, wellbeing and employee assistance programs. In addition, you will have access to refreshment facilities, showers/toilet facilities. Parking on site is free but limited.
About the team
Waste, Recycling and Fleet is a very busy service that reaches over 61,500 households in the city. We also provide services to many businesses within the city as well. The service conducts over 120,000 collections a week, with our professional drivers playing a crucial role not only through their driving skills, navigating Exeter’s busy roads, but also being the key to ensuring that our waste operative loaders operate safely. Exeter City Council are looking for self-motivated individuals that will be willing to participate in training to further their career progression.
We have a highly skilled team of staff who are proud to work for the City Council and put the residents of Exeter at the heart of everything we do. As part of our continued commitment to reduce and recycle more waste streams from the doorstep we have introduced the collection of food waste within the city.
What next?
If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please click on the Apply button at the bottom of this page.
Alternatively if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Laurance George, Waste Operations Supervisor.
We reserve the right to close any vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.
Our commitment
At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.
To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason.
We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
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Waste Operative employer: Exeter City Council
Contact Detail:
Exeter City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waste Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and the specific waste management practices of Exeter City Council. Understanding the community's needs and the council's initiatives, such as the new food waste collection rounds, will show your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your physical fitness and ability to handle heavy objects during any informal discussions or interviews. You might want to mention any previous experience in physically demanding roles or activities that showcase your strength and stamina.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your teamwork skills and 'can do' attitude when networking or speaking with current employees. Sharing examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before can help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team-oriented culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to various tasks within the waste management sector. Highlighting your readiness to take on different roles, whether it's collecting refuse or assisting in recycling, will demonstrate your versatility and commitment to the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Waste Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Waste Operative. Highlight your enthusiasm for working outdoors and being part of a team in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, especially any physical roles or teamwork experiences. Emphasise your ability to handle heavy objects and your commitment to maintaining high standards.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for making Exeter a cleaner and greener place. Mention your 'can do' attitude and flexibility, as these are key traits the council is looking for.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since teamwork is essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. This could be from previous jobs, volunteer work, or even group projects during your studies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeter City Council
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Exeter City Council. Highlight your commitment to making the city cleaner and greener, as this aligns with their mission.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in teamwork. Share examples of how you contributed to a team’s success and how you can bring that spirit to the Waste Operative position.
✨Highlight Physical Fitness
Given the physical nature of the job, it’s important to convey your fitness level and ability to handle heavy items. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience or activities that demonstrate your physical capabilities.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions or scenarios related to the daily tasks of a Waste Operative. Familiarise yourself with manual handling techniques and be ready to explain how you would approach various situations on the job.
