Assistant Chargehand / Driver in Leeds

Job title

Assistant Chargehand / Driver

Salary

Hours

35pw over 4x3 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

• 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• CLEANING
• Lift and remove all detritus from all land as directed that can be achieved by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment.

To include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals.

• Empty/re‑bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners
• Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re‑growth is prevented.
• Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture
• Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required.
• Effectively clean public conveniences as required.
• Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed
• FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL
• Remove fly‑tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcasses, large items, gas bottles etc and safely load these onto the collection vehicle where required.
• Report hazardous material fly‑tipped on the highway or other land e. g. asbestos, chemicals etc
• COUNCIL HOUSING – GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS
• Record and report environmental issues as required.
• Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required
• SEASONAL
• Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required
• Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required.
• Actively supporting the Environmental Action Charge‑hand to supervise and co‑ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge‑hand.

For example, this may include the supervision of a small number of operational staff working together on a coordinated clean up.

• To carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community based tasks that support actions to encourage behavioural change within communities to the management of waste; and to help monitor the effectiveness of our service, including:
• Play an effective role in a local team of staff that provide a responsive service to the local community which both engages with and works alongside residents, businesses and local groups to maintain clean environments.
• Communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked.
• Assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required
• Deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required
• Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles to transport collected waste to waste disposal sites (category B/C1 licence up to 3.5 tonnes)
• Effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads (category C1 licence up to 7.5 tonnes or C category over 7.5 tonnes) subject to licence.
• To deliver work of a high quality, with an understanding of its impact on the quality of life of local residents and visitors alike, carried out safely and professionally, to enhance the reputation of the Council.
• To work effectively with Council and other public service colleagues in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and quality within local environments as is possible.
• To maintain an awareness and understanding of other issues that affect the environmental appearance and condition of neighbourhoods and report any defects identified e. g. graffiti, pot‑holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly‑posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc.
• Undergo relevant training and development e. g. on the job or training courses.

This will include training relating to the use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues.

• Undertake all work in accordance in line with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
• To carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council.

In particular, to respond courteously and professionally to contact with and requests from our customers (i. e. members of the public and Elected Members).

• To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post e. g. timesheets, job requests, safety documents etc. are completed fully, promptly and accurately.

This may be written or electronic (for example using hand‑held devices).

• To ensure that all resources used e. g. equipment, machinery and buildings etc. are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft.

In addition to the vehicle checks, to keep any vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out.

• To flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with it’s level of responsibility as required by the Council .
• To comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Quality Assurance procedures, Health and Safety Regulations and to abide by the councils Equality and Diversity policy.
• Remove and dispose of needles through agreed protocols.
• Removal of graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment as required.
• To support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
• Ability to use a range of specialist tools, such as those requiring accredited training.
• To reactively and proactively investigate instances of flytipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal by searching for evidence that may show where/who the waste has come from and to ensure the evidence is appropriately recorded/gathered and referred for further investigation and action by enforcement staff.
• Ability to allocate and co‑ordinate local activities in the absence of the charge‑hand so that staff and resources are being safely and effectively used.
• Actively support the Environmental Action Charge‑hand to supervise and co‑ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge‑hand.
• Supervise the work of sub‑teams within a zone as part of day to day duties.
• Support the Charge‑hand in co‑ordinating and transporting the deployment of resources (equipment and people) throughout the zone.
• Supporting the Charge‑hand to check work is undertaken in a safe and effective way and to correct standards.

• To carry out horticultural and garden clearance work including

• The clearance and tidying up of gardens of properties that have become void/empty in preparation for the new council tenant
• To assist a vulnerable tenant where garden maintenance work is required
• To improve the appearance of a neighbourhood and to prevent obstructions to pathways, ginnels and other publicly accessible walkways/roads.

This will include horticultural work; e. g. pruning and cutting back of hedges, bushes, overhanging braches etc, cutting/mowing of grass and removal and control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Qualifications

• Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post and needs of the service, e. g. C1 category licence (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne).
• Basic numeracy and literacy.

Experience

• Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
• Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post.
• Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
• Working alone and with minimal supervision.

Skills

• Able to undertake daily maintenance of fleet vehicles and ensure the safe working and operation of the vehicles.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors
• Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets.
• Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
• Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality
• Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
• Able to carry out work which requires on going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Able to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people.
• Able to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions.
• Able to undertake basic supervision of a small group of operational staff as required/directed.
• Other
• Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public.
• Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes.
• Behavioural And Other Characteristics Required
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

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

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.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr