At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to dig graves and collect waste, ensuring a clean environment.
- Company: Orkney Council, dedicated to community service and environmental care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and training provided.
- Other info: Opportunities for overtime and career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 16.06 - 16.06 £ per hour.
Various Locations, Orkney
37 hours per week
Permanent
£30,758 - £30,989
£15.94 - £16.06 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance. You will be reporting to the Team Manager Environmental Services Operations. Your working pattern is 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am - 3.30pm on Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to be a member of a service concerned with gravedigging duties and the collection, disposal and recycling of waste. You will be required to work either individually or as part of a team to ensure the efficient operation of the service.
Duties will include:
- Preparation and digging of graves
- Maintenance of grounds
- Removal of household and commercial refuse from a variety of locations including special collections and refuse for recycling
- Street sweeping
- Litter collection
- Any other duties associated with this service function and commensurate with this grade
Generally working as a member of a team, you will require a flexible attitude to work and a willingness to undertake a variety of duties. You must also have a positive approach to health and safety. Previous experience of this type of work would be an advantage, but not essential, as training will be given where required.
In addition to the normal range of duties you must be able to undertake standby duties and winter maintenance works as required and also other out of hours working will be required for weekends and evenings. An appropriate overtime or standby payment will be made for out of hours working, and may be on either a planned rota or relief basis, to cover for sickness and holidays.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post involves a contractual requirement to participate in a standby rota covering out of hours. This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Applications close at 23.59 on Sunday 28 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 29 June 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 06 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Robert Thomson, Team Manager Environmental Services Operations at robert.thomson@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856 873535.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Gravedigger/Refuse Collector - ORK10417 employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join our dedicated team in Orkney, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and offer flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. As a Gravedigger/Refuse Collector, you will benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth within a community-focused environment that values your contributions to public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gravedigger/Refuse Collector - ORK10417
✨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 Orkney Islands Council.
✨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 Orkney Islands Council and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Gravedigger/Refuse Collector - ORK10417
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 Orkney Islands Council.
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. Orkney Islands Council 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 Gravedigger/Refuse Collector - ORK10417 at Orkney Islands Council. 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 Orkney Islands Council
✨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 Orkney Islands Council, 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 Orkney Islands Council 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.
