Assistant Chargehand / Driver in Leeds

Salary: B2 £25,989 - £26,403

Hours: 35pw over 4x3 shift

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Location: Various

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.

The Assistant Chargehand / 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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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 (for example a path sweeper), 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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods on any land as directed.
• 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, bin yards and other land as directed.
• Remove fly-tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcases, 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.
• Record and report environmental issues as required.
• Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• To flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with its 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 fly-tipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal.
• 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.
• 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, including pruning and cutting back hedges, mowing, removal of waste, etc.

LOCATION: The post holder will spend the majority of their working day in the field. The post holder will be expected to report for work at an agreed meeting point in the area in which they are working. There will be identified local comfort break facilities within the local area of work.

WORK HOURS AND PATTERNS: The shift pattern (4x3) is: Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday. Start and finish times to be confirmed. The hours will average 35 hours per week on the above shift pattern. The working day will be 10.5 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (including a 30 minute unpaid lunch break). Where shift and/or weekend working forms part of the contractual pattern of hours then an additional allowance will be paid. You may be required to work bank holidays rostered and this is factored into leave entitlement. There may be occasional variation in hours to assist with service needs, with reasonable notice. Overtime may be required and will be compensated per NJC terms. In exceptional circumstances you may be called outside hours with possible pay adjustments.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION: ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the candidate can demonstrate the following criteria. Shortlisting requires meeting all essential requirements. Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following: Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post, e.g. C1 or C category licences. Basic numeracy and literacy.

SKILLS: 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 protective clothing/equipment. Able to carry out heavy physical work. Able to work as part of a team. Able to provide a community based service and understand accountability to local people. Able to collect and collate evidence for enforcement. Able to undertake daily fleet maintenance and ensure safe operation.

OTHER: Knowledge of and commitment to delivering high quality public services.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: EXPERIENCE: Experience using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the role. Experience in environmental maintenance tasks. Experience working in area-based teams with initiative. Experience working alone with minimal supervision.

SKILLS: Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors. Able to supervise a small group of operational staff as required.

OTHER: Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterial routes.