At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support waste collection and recycling operations while ensuring safety standards.
- Company: OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, digital learning opportunities, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental sustainability while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for teamwork and the environment.
About The Role:
Shift Pattern: 7 on, 4 off & 7 on, 3 off - early & lates
Key Responsibilities:
We are seeking a reliable and motivated Environmental Operative to join our Recycling Department. The successful candidate will support waste collection, recycling operations, and site housekeeping while ensuring full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. This is a hands‑on role requiring attention to detail, teamwork, and safe use of equipment and vehicles.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Work in full compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and company procedural requirements
- Wear issued PPE correctly at all times and report any defects immediately
- Operate vehicles in accordance with UK road traffic legislation
- Report hazards, defects, and reactive issues that could lead to accidents
- Support site emergency procedures, including fire evacuations
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements and report to supervisors
- Maintain awareness of recycling best practices and environmental responsibilities
Waste & Recycling Operations
- Collect general waste and dry mixed recyclables from designated areas at scheduled times
- Collect bulk recycling materials (cardboard and soft plastics) throughout the day or upon request
- Ensure waste is correctly segregated and not mixed
- Remove bulk refuse and place in correct skips or containers
- Sort waste manually or using machinery and inspect for contamination
- Ensure glass and food waste bins are placed in designated service road areas daily
- Store cardboard and plastic waste neatly, stack on pallets, and move to holding areas
- Ensure hazardous and specialist waste (e.g., WEEE, bulbs, aerosols, oils, cartridges) is stored correctly
- Keep service roads and loading bays clear of refuse at all times
Equipment & Machinery Use
- Operate compacting and waste handling equipment (baler, compactor, bin lift)
- Use lifting and moving equipment such as pump trucks and forklifts
- Drive forklifts in loading bay areas (training can be provided if required)
- Use mobile devices to record completed work and patrols
- Use two‑way radios to communicate with Control and site teams
Housekeeping & Site Standards
- Maintain loading bays and waste areas in a clean and tidy condition
- Remove spillages promptly
- Carry out machine washing and deep cleaning of designated areas as scheduled
- Steam clean waste bins and floors weekly using jet washing equipment
- Ensure each unit has the correct number of bins in line with fire safety guidance
Working Arrangements
- Work outdoors and in varying weather conditions
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Occasional shift changes may be required to meet operational needs (minimum 24 hours’ notice provided)
- Carry out other reasonable duties as required to support the business
Qualifications
Essential Hiring Criteria (Qualifications, Experience & Skills etc)
- Ability to work safely with machinery and waste handling equipment
- Understanding of recycling processes and safety practices
- Good awareness of Health & Safety requirements
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Reliable, practical, and detail-focused
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
Desirable
- Forklift licence (training can be provided)
- First Aid certification or willingness to attend training
- Previous experience in recycling, waste, cleaning, or facilities environments
- Experience working in operational or industrial setting
About The Company:
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.
Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
Why Work for OCS?
- Award-Winning Employer : Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
- Digital Learning : The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
- Retail Perks : With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
- Professional Growth : 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
- Flexible Pay : Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Environmental Operative (Recycling) employer: OCS
OCS is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Bristol. With opportunities for personal growth and development, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises customer satisfaction and teamwork, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Operative (Recycling)
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like OCS.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like OCS and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Operative (Recycling)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at OCS.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. OCS will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Environmental Operative (Recycling) at OCS. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at OCS, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show OCS that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
