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- Tasks: Respond to waste issues, remove fly-tipping, and patrol hotspot areas.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council's Environmental Enforcement team for a cleaner community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days leave, training opportunities, and all necessary equipment provided.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth in environmental enforcement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs, driving licence, and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting 3 Environmental Rapid Response Operatives to join our Environmental Enforcement team. This frontline role focuses on responding quickly to waste-related issues, supporting enforcement activity, and ensuring Sandwell remains a clean and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.
About you
We are looking for a committed and proactive individual who can work independently and as part of a team to resolve environmental issues across the borough. You will need:
- Good literacy skills and GCSEs (or equivalent)
- A full, current driving licence with C1
- Experience of correct waste disposal and recycling practices
- Experience working in a team environment and engaging with members of the public
- A willingness to work flexibly, including early mornings and occasional weekends
- A good understanding of health and safety at work and safe working practices
- The ability to maintain accurate records, work outdoors in all weather, and handle items requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness
You will be dependable, professional, and able to interact confidently with residents, businesses, partners, and council officers. You should also be able to work with minimal supervision and take responsibility for your own actions. You will be expected to uphold Sandwell Council’s values: One Team, Customer Focussed, Inclusive, Ambitious, and Accountable. Uniforms must be worn on duty.
The Role
As an Environmental Rapid Response Operative, you will:
- Respond to waste-related issues where residents or businesses have disposed of waste incorrectly
- Remove fly-tipping and waste accumulations as required
- Patrol known hotspot areas to identify and prevent environmental issues
- Gather and record evidence of incorrect waste disposal to support enforcement action
- Provide written witness statements for enforcement processes and investigations
- Respond to enquiries and complaints from residents, councillors, and MPs
- Work closely with Environmental Enforcement Officers, the council’s waste partner, and other departments to resolve issues
- Maintain accurate manual and electronic records
- Support the delivery of Sandwell’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) values
This is a highly visible, public-facing role that plays a vital part in keeping Sandwell clean, safe, and well-maintained.
The Team
You will be part of the wider Environmental Enforcement service, working alongside Enforcement Officers and other partners to manage waste-related issues and contribute to borough-wide cleanliness and environmental standards. The role involves partnership working with:
- Other council services
- Our waste contractor
- Community groups and voluntary organisations
- Emergency services and wider stakeholders
This is a supportive and collaborative team environment with opportunities to gain further experience in environmental enforcement and community safety work.
What We Offer
- Flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after 5 years
- Additional concessionary days at Christmas
- Family friendly policies
- Training and development opportunities
- All necessary uniform and equipment
- A stable, friendly, and inclusive working environment
For an informal conversation please contact Mark Smith, Senior Environmental Enforcement Officer, Email mark1_smith@sandwell.gov.uk or Telephone: 07387 065599
Closing date: 02 April 2026
Rapid Response Environmental Officer employer: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rapid Response Environmental Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sandwell Council's values. This will help you align your answers with their focus on teamwork, customer service, and inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experience with waste disposal and recycling practices can benefit the team. We want to hear how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! As this role involves engaging with the public, be ready to demonstrate how you can interact confidently with residents and businesses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our Environmental Enforcement team.
We think you need these skills to ace Rapid Response Environmental Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your literacy skills and any relevant qualifications, like GCSEs. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, especially in waste disposal and recycling practices.
Be Personable: Since this is a public-facing role, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to engage with residents and businesses. Share examples of how you've successfully interacted with the public in previous roles.
Flexibility is Key: Let us know about your willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends. This shows that you’re committed to tackling environmental issues whenever they arise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board as part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Waste!
Familiarise yourself with waste disposal and recycling practices before the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've handled waste-related issues or your understanding of local regulations will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Prepare to share experiences where you worked effectively in a team. Highlight instances where you engaged with the public or resolved conflicts, as this role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the job involves early mornings and occasional weekends, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Share any past experiences where you had to adjust your schedule or work under varying conditions, showcasing your commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Brush up on health and safety practices relevant to outdoor work. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your previous roles, especially when handling waste or working in public spaces. This will demonstrate your professionalism and accountability.