Environmental Action Operative

Overview

As our next Environmental Action Operative, you’ll be a key member of a local Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team working across an area of the city. You will carry out street cleansing functions including litter picking, fly-tip removal and some basic grounds maintenance. You may also help empty litter bins and assist with the collection of unwanted bulky items from households. You will work in all weathers and contribute to the Team Leeds ethos by collaborating with the Council and other public service colleagues to maintain clean and safe streets and open spaces. You will support local communities, for example by helping Litter Free Leeds volunteers with litter collection, and you will receive training and development opportunities. All work will be undertaken in line with health and safety procedures and you will report defects or safety concerns to the supervisor/manager. As a front facing representative of the Council, you should be friendly, customer focused and align with the Council values.

Job purpose: To work as part of a multi-skilled local crew providing a range of environmental services to local communities, showing initiative and enthusiasm to support residents and local businesses in keeping their neighbourhood clean and improving waste disposal behaviours.

Duties / Responsibilities (A1)

• Carry out a range of physical tasks to improve environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods, including lifting/removing detritus by hand or with equipment, including offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals.
• Empty/re-bag and clean litter bins and liners; dispose of or collect full white litter bags/liners.
• Weed removal using manual and mechanical means; prevent weed regrowth.
• Clean pavements and paved areas; wash street furniture; clean public conveniences as required.
• Fit litter bins using electrical and manual tools as required.
• Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed.
• Fly tip and bulky item removal: remove fly-tipped material and bulky items; load onto collection vehicle when required; report hazardous materials as found.
• Record and report environmental issues; carry out basic clearing and gardening as required.
• Seasonal work: manually remove snow/ice, leaves, twigs and branches; assist with gritting of paths/pavements and other land.
• Work with Council and public service colleagues to maintain high standards of cleanliness and quality; report defects (graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, etc.); undertake relevant training and development; work in line with health and safety procedures; conduct yourself as an ambassador for the City and Council; respond courteously and professionally.
• Ensure problems undertaking/completing work are reported and responsibilities for reporting on work done are fulfilled; keep basic resources (litter grabbers, bags, mobile phones) safe and in good condition; be flexible to take on other duties within the post’s general character if required; comply with relevant LCC policies and procedures.

Progression (B1) and Core / Non-core Duties

Core duties (B1) are required to progress from A1 to B1:

• Ensure resources (equipment, machinery, buildings) are kept safe, in good order and not exposed to loss, damage or theft; help keep vehicles clean and tidy.
• Maintain essential records (timesheets, job requests, safety documents) fully and accurately (written or electronic).
• Carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community-based tasks to support behavioural change in waste management; work with residents, businesses and local groups; communicate effectively with the public and local representatives; assist in basic street/environmental audits; deliver local information leaflets and campaign material.
• Remove needles through agreed procedures and training.
• Remove graffiti via cleaning or painting over using required equipment and training.
• Support preventative interventions and educational campaigns to tackle root causes of environmental issues.

Non-core B1 duties (2 out of 5 required):

• Use specialist tools and undertake horticultural work (pruning, mowing, weed control) as trained.
• Drive and safely operate fleet vehicles to transport waste; operate vehicles for mechanical sweeping of pathways, paved areas and roads.
• Investigate fly-tipping and gather evidence for enforcement actions as required.
• Oversee local activities/tasks following instruction from supervisors to ensure safety and efficient use of resources.
• Flexibly perform other duties within the post’s scope as required, following training and risk assessments.

Location and Working Conditions

The postholder will spend most time in the field within a defined local area as part of a local crew. The locality may change based on service needs. You will report for work at an agreed meeting point and have access to local comfort break facilities. You will work with other staff and teams and may work alone at times. A flexible approach to working patterns is required, including potential work across other council areas and occasional bank holidays or call-outs.

Salary, Hours and Flexibility

Salary: basic A1/B1. Depending on shift/weekend working, an additional allowance may apply. Shift patterns (4×3) and hours are set locally with variations possible to support major events; bank holidays are included as part of entitlement. A non-shift week is typically 37 hours, Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm. Both roles may include occasional extra hours paid under NJC terms; an inclusive rate may be used in exceptional circumstances. Notice will be provided for changes. You may be required to work outside normal hours in emergencies with pay arrangements as per policy.

Essential Requirements

• Basic numeracy and literacy.
• Ability to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/route sheets.
• Ability to use basic hand tools safely and efficiently; work to deadlines to high standards.
• Ability to work outdoors for long periods in all weather and unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
• Ability to perform considerable physical effort, possibly with heavy lifting.
• Ability to work as part of a team; provide a community-based service and be accountable to local people.
• Knowledge of and commitment to High Quality public service delivery and standards when dealing with the public.

Desirable Requirements

• Licences/qualifications relevant to the post (e.g., driving licence).
• Experience with powered/mechanical equipment; environmental maintenance tasks.
• Experience working in area-based teams with initiative; ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors; ability to collect and collate evidence/data for enforcement.
• Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high-speed road networks.
• Other benefits: competitive salary, generous pension, flexible/hybrid working where possible, clear career pathway and ongoing professional development, wellbeing benefits, sponsorship eligibility considerations where applicable.

Note: Home Office guidance on right to work in the UK applies; progression from A1 to B1 is aligned with Leeds City Council appraisal. New appointments start on a grade based on recruitment assessment. Eligibility for sponsorship is subject to immigration rules and salary thresholds as applicable.