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- Tasks: Drive various vehicles and assist with waste collection duties in a supportive team.
- Company: Join Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and travel compensation for your commute.
- Other info: Casual/relief positions available until May 2026; part-time options considered.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience and training.
- Qualifications: Must have a good standard of education and a current Category C driving licence.
Location: Easter Langlee Cleansing Depot, Easter Langlee, Galashiels, Selkirkshire, TD1 2NU
Rate: £12.76 - £13.12 per hour
Contract Type: Supply/Casual/Relief
Position Type: Supply/Casual/Relief
Hours: 0 hours per week
Grade: 2H
Contract Duration: Casual / Relief Cover is only required up until 28/05/2026
Role Purpose:
We are looking for candidates who would like to work full time but if we cannot recruit to a Relief Driver position, we will consider those who would like part-time opportunities – please state on your application if you wished to be considered for part-time roles. We are looking to recruit to a Relief HGV cover driving post.
You will be joining a busy, skilled, and supportive local team delivering a critical public service. The roles will be driving a mixture of vehicles on a variety of routes around the region.
Although the main duty is driving, part of the role involves working with the crew to empty bins, and in periods of low service sickness levels you may be asked to carry out other duties including bag and bin deliveries and loading.
We are looking for drivers that can make the difference, always looking to get the job done. You will be a good team worker with the ability to work within your own crew, but also happy to help others in meeting the service’s daily frontline duties.
We will provide a full induction and vehicle familiarisation as well as all relevant training before being introduced to the Waste Collection Routes. With Health and Safety as the main priority, the driver will meet the different challenges of Waste Collections across the Scottish Borders, in a safe but progressive manner.
Location of Posts:
Please note that for each of the location arrangements below you will be allocated a base to work out of which will be the location you are most likely to be working from. If you travel to another base to start work and this is further than your travel to your ‘standard’ base you will be compensated for both travel time and mileage.
- Based at Galashiels Depot with some travel to other Depots to cover Holidays, Sickness or Operational Needs
A good standard of education (numeracy & literacy).
A current driving licence - Category C*
If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.
Informal Enquiries:
Informal enquiries may be made to Miroslaw Butryn at miroslaw.butryn@scotborders.gov.uk
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Relief Waste Collections Operative - Galashiels employer: Scottish Borders Council
Contact Detail:
Scottish Borders Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Waste Collections Operative - Galashiels
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and waste collection routes in Galashiels. Understanding the geography will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in driving or working in a team environment. Being able to showcase your teamwork skills and driving proficiency can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your approach to health and safety, especially in relation to driving and manual handling. Showing that you prioritise safety will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
If you're interested in part-time opportunities, make sure to clearly state this in your application. Being flexible can increase your chances of being considered for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Waste Collections Operative - Galashiels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Relief Waste Collections Operative position. Highlight key skills such as teamwork, driving experience, and flexibility in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, particularly any driving roles or teamwork experiences. Emphasise your ability to work in a busy environment and your commitment to health and safety.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the importance of waste collection services. Mention your willingness to work full-time or part-time, as specified in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Relief Waste Collections Operative. Familiarise yourself with the driving requirements, bin emptying duties, and the importance of teamwork in this role.
✨Highlight Your Driving Experience
Since a current Category C driving licence is essential, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Share any relevant examples that demonstrate your ability to handle different vehicles and routes safely.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
This role requires working closely with a crew, so be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs or projects.
✨Show Commitment to Health and Safety
Health and safety is a top priority in waste collection. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.