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- Tasks: Help residents recycle correctly and maintain a clean environment at our recycling centres.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire County Council, dedicated to sustainability and community service.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £27,231, training provided, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors and staying active.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a passion for excellent customer service.
- Other info: Flexible hours, teamwork, and a chance to contribute to a greener future.
The predicted salary is between 27231 - 27661 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £27,231 progressing to £27,661
Hours: 40
Location: Hertfordshire
This role will include working every weekend.
About The Team
Hertfordshire County Council is made up of over 8,500 talented, passionate, and caring individuals across various services. At HCC we are committed to working towards:
- A cleaner Greener Environment for all
- Providing Healthy and Fulfilling lives for ALL of our residents
- Sustainable, responsible growth in our county
- Excellent council services for all
Our Recycling Centre service team are looking for self-motivated individuals to work alongside us to achieve our vision to increase recycling rates and divert waste from landfill in Hertfordshire.
About The Role
All training is provided including but not limited to First Aid, Fire Marshall, Manual Handling and Plant. You could progress within the team if that is something that you strive to do. The duties include:
- Show and help service users put their waste in the correct areas as appropriate.
- Check permits for vans and trailers and check for certain types of waste.
- Ensure that the waste streams do not get mixed up.
- Maintain a clean and tidy work environment.
- Look for ways to improve customer service and recycling rates.
- Compaction of waste through use of JCBs and compactors (training provided).
We are also looking to recruit flexible and motivated Flexi Recycling Operatives to support the delivery of Hertfordshire County Council’s essential waste and recycling services. You will be based at a designated recycling site but will also be required to provide cover at other Council sites across Hertfordshire to meet service needs. Duties will include the safe sorting and handling of recyclable materials, maintaining site cleanliness, and assisting with the operation of equipment where trained, in line with health, safety, and environmental legislation and Council procedures. The role requires flexibility in working hours and locations. You must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a vehicle to travel between sites, and approved mileage expenses will be paid in accordance with Council policy. This role makes an important contribution to the Council’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality public service delivery for residents.
About You
Are you an enthusiastic team player, who wants to join an established team to ensure site operations exceed the standards required? Do you have a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service with the ability to remain calm under pressure? You will be tasked with advising residents on how to dispose of their waste, whilst working safely. This role involves working in all types of weather conditions and experience of working under prolonged periods of sustained physical effort would be advantageous. As well as the above you must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a vehicle to travel between sites to be considered for our Flexi Recycling Operatives vacancies.
This job role is within the Operational Services, level OPS4 job profile.
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Lorna.stump@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role. Please be aware this is an ongoing advert; interviews will be arranged as and when.
Benefits & How to Apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Recycling Centre Operative/Flexi Recycling Centre Operative employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recycling Centre Operative/Flexi Recycling Centre Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hertfordshire County Council and their recycling initiatives. Showing that you understand their goals will make you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve excelled in these areas, as they’ll be key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though this is a hands-on job, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are ready to take on the responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Recycling Centre Operative/Flexi Recycling Centre Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Updated: Make sure your CV is bang up to date! Include all your employment history, training, and qualifications. We want to see what you've been up to, so don’t leave out any gaps or important details.
Show Off Your Skills: When you apply, highlight specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the job criteria. We love seeing real-life experiences that showcase your skills and abilities, so don’t be shy!
Craft a Personal Covering Paragraph: Use the opportunity to add a short covering paragraph in your application. This is your chance to tell us more about yourself and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Make it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Recycling Centre Operative. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like sorting waste and maintaining site cleanliness. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves advising residents on waste disposal, be prepared to discuss your experience in customer service. Think of examples where you've helped customers or resolved issues, especially under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to stay calm and effective in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
The job requires flexibility in working hours and locations, so be ready to talk about your availability. If you have experience working in different environments or adapting to changing schedules, share those stories. It shows you're a team player who can meet the needs of the service.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to health and safety, especially since you'll be handling waste and operating equipment. Brush up on basic safety protocols and be ready to discuss how you would maintain a safe working environment. This will show that you take safety seriously and are prepared for the physical demands of the job.
