Job summaryThe Environmental Waste Operative is responsible for providing an efficient and reliable waste collection and portering service across the Trust. You will play a key role in maintaining a safe, clean and compliant healthcare environment through the collection, transportation and disposal of clinical and non-clinical waste.
Working as part of the Estates and Facilities team, you will support wards and departments across the hospital, operate waste handling equipment, drive waste collection vehicles, manage waste compounds and respond to urgent service requests. You will ensure that all waste is handled safely and in accordance with Trust policies, environmental legislation and infection prevention standards.
This is a physically active role that requires a flexible, reliable and customer-focused individual who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team, while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism and service delivery.
Main duties of the jobCollecting, transporting and disposing of clinical, non-clinical and recyclable waste across wards and departments.
Operating waste management equipment, including compactors, and carrying out daily vehicle safety checks on waste collection vehicles.
Responding to routine and urgent waste collection requests, including the delivery and collection of sharps and emergency waste containers.
Maintaining waste compounds, storage areas and external waste facilities to a high standard of cleanliness, safety and security.
Ensuring all waste is handled, segregated and disposed of in accordance with Trust policies, environmental legislation and infection prevention requirements.
Completing records, reporting incidents and communicating service issues to supervisors when required.
Providing a professional, courteous and customer-focused service to patients, visitors and staff at all times.
Participating in training and following all health and safety, waste management and operational procedures to maintain safe working practices.
About usThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
DetailsDate posted12 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 2Salary
25,272 a year
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference number001210Job locationsThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesAs an Environmental Waste Operative, you will play a vital role in supporting patient care by helping to maintain a safe, clean and compliant healthcare environment across The Princess Alexandra Hospital site. Working as part of the Estates and Facilities team, you will provide a responsive waste collection and Portering service to wards, departments and public areas, ensuring waste is managed safely, efficiently and in accordance with Trust procedures.
Your day-to-day duties will include collecting, transporting and disposing of clinical, non-clinical and recyclable waste, ensuring all waste streams are correctly segregated, handled and stored in line with infection prevention, health and safety and environmental requirements. You will regularly transport waste between hospital departments and designated waste compounds, supporting the smooth operation of essential clinical and non-clinical services. The role requires the operation of waste management equipment and vehicles, including waste collection tugs, trailers and compactors. You will be responsible for carrying out routine vehicle and equipment checks, reporting faults promptly and ensuring machinery is operated safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Trust procedures.
You will respond to routine and urgent service requests, including the supply and collection of clinical waste containers, sharps bins and emergency waste bins. The role requires flexibility and the ability to prioritise workloads to ensure service standards and response times are consistently achieved across the hospital site.
An important aspect of the role is maintaining waste storage compounds and external waste areas to a high standard of cleanliness, security and organisation. You will also empty public waste bins, monitor waste accumulation and help ensure the hospital environment remains safe and presentable for patients, visitors and staff. The post holder will be expected to complete records accurately, report incidents, defective equipment and operational issues, and communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues and service users. You will be required to participate in mandatory and role-specific training to maintain competence in waste management practices and operational procedures.
This is a physically active role involving regular walking across the hospital site, pushing and pulling waste containers, operating equipment and working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. A professional, courteous and respectful approach is essential at all times, as the role involves regular interaction with patients, visitors and staff. The post holder will be expected to uphold the Trust's values, maintain high standards of personal presentation and contribute positively to the delivery of a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible waste management service.
Job description
Job responsibilitiesAs an Environmental Waste Operative, you will play a vital role in supporting patient care by helping to maintain a safe, clean and compliant healthcare environment across The Princess Alexandra Hospital site. Working as part of the Estates and Facilities team, you will provide a responsive waste collection and Portering service to wards, departments and public areas, ensuring waste is managed safely, efficiently and in accordance with Trust procedures.
Your day-to-day duties will include collecting, transporting and disposing of clinical, non-clinical and recyclable waste, ensuring all waste streams are correctly segregated, handled and stored in line with infection prevention, health and safety and environmental requirements. You will regularly transport waste between hospital departments and designated waste compounds, supporting the smooth operation of essential clinical and non-clinical services. The role requires the operation of waste management equipment and vehicles, including waste collection tugs, trailers and compactors. You will be responsible for carrying out routine vehicle and equipment checks, reporting faults promptly and ensuring machinery is operated safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Trust procedures.
You will respond to routine and urgent service requests, including the supply and collection of clinical waste containers, sharps bins and emergency waste bins. The role requires flexibility and the ability to prioritise workloads to ensure service standards and response times are consistently achieved across the hospital site.
An important aspect of the role is maintaining waste storage compounds and external waste areas to a high standard of cleanliness, security and organisation. You will also empty public waste bins, monitor waste accumulation and help ensure the hospital environment remains safe and presentable for patients, visitors and staff. The post holder will be expected to complete records accurately, report incidents, defective equipment and operational issues, and communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues and service users. You will be required to participate in mandatory and role-specific training to maintain competence in waste management practices and operational procedures.
This is a physically active role involving regular walking across the hospital site, pushing and pulling waste containers, operating equipment and working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety, excellent customer service skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. A professional, courteous and respectful approach is essential at all times, as the role involves regular interaction with patients, visitors and staff. The post holder will be expected to uphold the Trust's values, maintain high standards of personal presentation and contribute positively to the delivery of a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible waste management service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialLevel 1 literacyLevel 3 numeracyFull driving licence
Experience
EssentialWorking with the publicDesirableExperience in waste servicesExperience in healthcare environmentPrevious experience in a similar setting
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialLevel 1 literacyLevel 3 numeracyFull driving licence
Experience
EssentialWorking with the publicDesirableExperience in waste servicesExperience in healthcare environmentPrevious experience in a similar settingDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer detailsEmployer nameThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS TrustAddressThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS TrustAddressThe Princess Alexandra HospitalHarlowEssexCM20 1QXUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Locations
Environmental operative in Essex, Harlow employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
