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- Tasks: Engage with residents and promote food waste recycling in the community.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £15.56 per hour with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, customer service experience, and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Temporary role until June 2026 with potential for impactful community projects.
Location: PL4, Plymouth
Contract: Temporary role / December 2025 – June 2026 (depending on departmental needs)
Hours: 37 per week
Pay Rate: £15.56 per hour
Pertemps are currently recruiting on behalf of one of our clients for a Recycling Officer to support the rollout of a new Food Waste Collection project. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high‑profile initiative that must be delivered by Spring 2026.
You’ll play a key role in engaging with residents, explaining the benefits of food waste recycling, and ensuring a smooth transition to the new service. This is a public‑facing role, so confidence, professionalism, and strong communication skills are essential.
Duties will include:
- Resident Engagement: Visiting households to explain the new food waste collection service, answering questions, resolving issues on‑site, and encouraging participation. You’ll act as the public face of the project, ensuring residents feel supported and informed.
- Community Outreach: Attending schools, community groups, and local events to promote recycling and environmental awareness. You’ll deliver talks, workshops, and interactive sessions to inspire positive behaviour change.
- Event Planning & Delivery: Organising and supporting community clean‑ups, recycling campaigns, and environmental events. This includes liaising with partners, preparing risk assessments, ensuring Health & Safety compliance, and supervising staff and volunteers.
- Enforcement & Compliance: Working alongside enforcement teams to address waste‑related issues such as fly‑tipping, contamination, or misuse of containers. You’ll help ensure standards are upheld and take appropriate action when required.
- Customer Service: Acting as a first point of contact for queries and complaints, providing clear information and solutions in line with Council policy. You’ll monitor feedback to improve service delivery and reduce complaints.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Carrying out daily site visits to check standards, recording findings, and reporting issues. You’ll also assist with maintaining records, inventories, and budget monitoring for projects up to £75k.
- Partnership Working: Liaising with Councillors, voluntary groups, and external organisations to develop collaborative projects that enhance recycling participation and improve community environments.
- Education Projects: Designing and delivering initiatives aimed at children and young people, helping them understand the importance of recycling and empowering them to take ownership of their local environment.
- Operational Support: Assisting operational staff when required, including moving equipment, coordinating service requests, and ensuring smooth delivery of waste services.
Skills/Experience
Essential:
- GCSEs in Maths and English (A*–C / 9–4) or equivalent.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience in customer service, community engagement, and problem solving.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and risk assessments.
- Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
Desirable:
- Experience working within a local authority.
- Funding or grant sourcing for community projects.
- Supervisory experience.
- PACE training.
Click apply to apply now or alternatively call Emily for more information. Please note: Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't heard from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion - but do keep an eye out for future roles with Pertemps.
Refuse in Plymouth employer: Pertemps Plymouth
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Plymouth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuse in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation's recycling initiatives and community projects. This will help you connect your passion for sustainability with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about engaging with residents, try role-playing common scenarios with a friend. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your ideas clearly during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved issues or improved processes. Be ready to share these stories to demonstrate your capability in handling challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Refuse in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Before you dive into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight any relevant experience in customer service or community engagement that aligns with the Recycling Officer role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, don’t just repeat your CV. Use this space to showcase your passion for recycling and community outreach. Mention specific skills that match the job description, like your communication prowess!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it’s resolving customer complaints or engaging with the community, we want to see how you can bring those skills to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Plymouth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of food waste recycling. Familiarise yourself with the benefits of the new collection service and be ready to discuss how you can engage residents effectively. This shows your passion for the role and helps you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role is all about engaging with the public, practice your communication skills before the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues or explained complex topics in a simple way. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with residents and promote positive behaviour change.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that might ask how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with a disgruntled resident or planning a community event. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show how you can think on your feet.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This role involves working with various stakeholders, so be sure to share your experiences of collaboration. Talk about any community projects you've been involved in and how you contributed to their success. This will show that you're a team player who can work well with others to achieve common goals.
