Assistant Chargehand/Driver

Overview

Job title: Assistant Chargehand/Driver

Salary: £25,989 – £26,403 pro rata

Hours: 35

Contract: Permanent

Location: Knowthorpe Way

MUST HAVE DRIVING LICENCE UP TO 7.5T (C1)

The Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team currently deliver street cleansing across the city. We have around 320 staff in Leeds picking up litter, emptying litter bins, removing fly tipped waste and using street cleansing vehicles. Staff work in particular areas and are encouraged to get to know residents and businesses to work with them to keep areas cleaner. There’s a close connection between cleansing and environmental enforcement work in the service and the two sit together to achieve cleaner neighbourhoods.

We now have a number of operational vacancies, based in various locations across Leeds. We welcome staff with fresh ideas and transferable experiences to work as part of a team committed to delivering the best environmental service possible.

Job Description and Specification provide more detail; we are looking for people who are:

• Customer and people focused;
• Able to work outdoors for long periods in all weather with protective clothing/equipment;
• Willing to challenge and propose alternative solutions to problems;
• Committed to helping change culture and behaviour to reflect Council values;
• Able to work cooperatively with others to deliver high quality work and cleanliness;
• Flexible with a strong work ethic;
• Able to undertake operational duties as part of the role, including driving if licensed.

We are keen to receive applications from women and other underrepresented groups within our service. We operate a 7 day service with various working patterns, including shift work between 6am and 5pm. Flexible and part-time hours may be considered; please specify availability on your application.

Why not also email a short video saying why you’d be a great addition to the team. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures.

This role is based in the UK. You must evidence your right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, consider sponsorship options before applying.

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 and enthusiasm to keep neighbourhoods clean and improve waste disposal behaviours. To drive and manage the daily upkeep and safe operation of fleet vehicles as required and supervise onsite operational staff as required by the charge-hand and/or Team Leader.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Carry out a range of physical tasks to improve environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods, including cleaning, litter bin maintenance, weed removal, street cleaning, and public conveniences as required.
• Remove fly-tipped material and bulky items; report hazardous materials for enforcement as required.
• Record and report environmental issues; carry out basic clearing and gardening as required.
• Seasonal duties: manually remove snow/ice, assist with gritting, supervise zonal teams as required, and support community engagement to promote waste management.
• Drive and operate fleet vehicles safely (license categories as appropriate) and supervise staff as needed.
• Deliver high-quality work that enhances the Council’s reputation and maintains cleanliness standards.
• Maintain records (timesheets, safety documents) and ensure resources are kept safe and in good order.
• Flexibly carry out other duties aligned with the post’s responsibilities and comply with relevant policies and regulations.

Note: Staff may be required to train and work within risk assessments and health and safety procedures.

Location and Hours: Majority field-based in a defined area, reporting to a meeting point. 4×3 shift pattern with varying start times; average 35 hours per week. Overtime and bank holidays may be required as per terms and conditions with appropriate notice.

Essential Requirements: Ability to demonstrate the essential criteria in the context of the role; assessment through application, tests, interviews, or certificates. Licences/qualifications relevant to the post (e.g., C1 up to 7.5t or C over 7.5t) and basic numeracy/literacy. Skills include rapid learning, safe tool use, outdoor work, teamwork, data collection for enforcement, and routine fleet maintenance.

Desirable Requirements: Experience with powered/mechanical equipment and environmental maintenance tasks; ability to supervise small teams; awareness of Highway Code and safe working on high-speed networks; strong customer communication.

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics: Understanding and alignment with Leeds City Council values, commitment to continuous improvement, health and safety, equality and diversity, and willingness to participate in training and adapt to change.

LOCATION: The post holder will work in the field in a defined locality, with potential changes as service needs dictate. Work hours and patterns may vary with reasonable notice.

WORK HOURS AND PATTERNS: 4×3 shift pattern with 35 hours on average; 06:00–17:30 day, 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Bank holidays may be required. Occasional evenings or weekends may be needed with notice. Extra hours may be paid per local terms.

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Note: This description preserves core content but has been reformatted to comply with formatting standards. Ref: Leeds City Council job posting.