Assistant Chargehand / Driver

Overview

Job title: Assistant Chargehand / Driver

Salary: B2 £25,989 – £26,403

Hours: 35 hours per week over a 4×3 shift

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Location: Various

As an Assistant Chargehand you’ll thrive on helping keep our streets clean and tidy. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About You

As an Assistant Chargehand / Driver, you will bring to the role:

• Driving Licence up to 7.5t (C1)
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment
• Able to undertake basic supervision of a small group of operational staff as required/directed
• Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully

About The Role

The Assistant Charge-hand / Driver role at Leeds City Council is a hands-on, community-focused position within the Environmental Action Locality Teams. It involves working as part of a multi-skilled crew to deliver a wide range of environmental services aimed at improving the cleanliness and appearance of neighbourhoods. Key responsibilities include litter removal, fly-tip clearance, basic gardening, graffiti removal, and operating fleet vehicles such as path sweepers.

The role also includes supervisory duties, supporting the Charge-hand in coordinating teams and resources, and occasionally deputising in their absence. A strong emphasis is placed on engaging with residents and businesses to promote responsible waste disposal and environmental stewardship. The postholder must be physically fit, able to work outdoors in all conditions, and committed to maintaining high standards of service and conduct.

This position is vital in enhancing the quality of life for Leeds residents, contributing to safer, cleaner, and more attractive communities. It requires flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with opportunities for career progression within the Council.

What We Offer You

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Stuart Brown, Area Manager by email stuart.brown@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

Additional Information

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Purpose of Job: To work as part of a multi-skilled local operational team providing a range of environmental services to local communities. To show initiative, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and working with residents and local businesses to keep their neighbourhood clean and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly. As part of that team to drive and take responsibility for the daily upkeep and safe working of fleet vehicles as required, including the transportation of staff. The post-holder will also be required to supervise onsite operational staff as required by the charge-hand and/or Team Leader.

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities include a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods, including:

• CLEANING – Lift and remove detritus by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment; include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals. Empty/re-bag litter bins and liners; weed removal; clean pavements and street furniture; fit litter bins; clean public loos; clear waste from gardens, binyards and other land.
• FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL – Remove fly-tipped material and bulky items; report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land.
• COUNCIL HOUSING – GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS – Record and report environmental issues; carry out basic clearing and gardening.
• SEASONAL – Remove snow/ice, leaves, and assist with gritting; supervise and coordinate zonal teams; undertake community engagement tasks; drive and operate fleet vehicles safely; deliver information leaflets; support safety and environmental campaigns; complete records and reports; ensure resources are kept safe and well-maintained.

Additional duties include training, health and safety compliance, and flexibility to carry out other duties in line with the general character of the post and council policies.

Location and Hours

The post holder will spend the majority of their working day in the field in a geographically defined area. There will be a local meeting point and comfort break facilities. The shift pattern is a 4×3 shift with a 35-hour week, and start/finish times to be confirmed. Overtime and bank holiday working may be required and will be compensated as per relevant terms. notice will be provided for changes.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications – Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the post, e.g. C1 (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne); basic numeracy and literacy.

Skills – Able to learn quickly, follow instructions, use hand tools safely, work to deadlines, work outdoors in all weather, perform physical tasks, work as part of a team, provide community-based service, collect and collate evidence for enforcement, maintain fleet vehicles.

Other – Knowledge of delivering high-quality services and standards when dealing with the public.

Desirable Requirements

Experience using powered and mechanical equipment; experience in environmental maintenance; ability to work in area-based teams; ability to work alone with minimal supervision.

Additional sections cover communications with customers/councillors and awareness of safety on high-speed road networks.

Notes

Staff may be required to train and work within risk assessments and safety procedures. There is no requirement to translate or alter the content beyond formatting for clarity.

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