Transfer Station Operative, Smugglers Way

Transfer Station Operative, Smugglers Way

Full-Time 24000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Thames Skills Academy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a hands-on team keeping London clean and moving at our Transfer Station.
  • Company: Cory, a key player in London's waste management with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Gain new skills, work outdoors, and enjoy a flexible schedule.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while learning valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.

Looking for a practical, hands-on role where your work genuinely keeps London moving and clean? If you enjoy being part of a close-knit team, working outdoors and learning new skills, this is for you.

Cory operates the Transfer Station at Smugglers Way in addition to its existing Transfer Stations operated on behalf of the Western Riverside Waste Authority (Cringle Dock), City of London (Walbrook Wharf), Tower Hamlets (Northumberland Wharf) and Barking. As a Transfer Station Operative at Smugglers Way, you’ll play a vital part in keeping one of London’s key waste facilities running safely, efficiently and smoothly. Every day is different, and your contribution directly supports the communities and businesses we serve across the capital. You’ll work alongside experienced operatives, processing household and commercial waste and ensuring the site operates to the highest standards.

This is a role where teamwork matters — everyone relies on one another to keep operations flowing and the site safe and tidy. Health and safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be trusted to follow site procedures, contractual requirements and safe systems of work, helping to create an environment where colleagues, contractors and visitors feel safe and respected.

At Cory, we believe in developing our people. If you’re keen to learn, you’ll have the opportunity to operate machinery and work towards new skills on mobile and fixed plant, including cranes — with full support and training from the team.

Job requirements:

  • You don’t need to have worked at a Transfer Station before — previous experience is helpful but not essential.
  • What matters most is your attitude, reliability and willingness to learn.
  • We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work and wants to make a positive contribution every day.
  • You’ll need to be comfortable working shifts and be willing to work alternate weekends.
  • Good communication skills are important, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues and helping to prevent complaints by maintaining high standards on site.
  • A flexible, team-focused approach will help you succeed in this role.
  • Above all, we’re looking for someone dependable, safety-conscious and motivated — someone who understands the importance of keeping the Transfer Station clean, organised and running efficiently.

Cory is an inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we actively encourage job applications from veterans and reservists, to whom we will provide additional assistance when needed.

You may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because you don’t match every single bullet point. We welcome your application if you feel you could make a positive impact in the role. We don’t use AI to screen, score or select candidates — our recruitment is 100% human-led.

Transfer Station Operative, Smugglers Way employer: Thames Skills Academy

Cory is an exceptional employer that values teamwork, safety, and personal development, making it a fantastic place for those looking to contribute meaningfully to London's waste management. At our Smugglers Way Transfer Station, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture with opportunities to learn new skills and operate machinery, all while working outdoors in a close-knit team. We prioritise inclusivity and offer flexible shifts, ensuring that every employee feels respected and valued in their role.

Thames Skills Academy

Contact Details:

Thames Skills Academy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Transfer Station Operative, Smugglers Way

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Cory and understand their values, especially around teamwork and safety. This will help you connect with the team during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.

Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with others, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.

Tip Number 3

Show off your willingness to learn! During interviews, share examples of times you've picked up new skills or adapted to changes. This will highlight your positive attitude and reliability, which are super important for this role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Smugglers Way.

We think you need these skills to ace Transfer Station Operative, Smugglers Way

Teamwork
Health and Safety Awareness
Reliability
Willingness to Learn
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Motivation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Enthusiasm:Let us see your passion for the role! In your application, mention why you’re excited about working outdoors and being part of a team that keeps London clean. A bit of personality goes a long way!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since teamwork is key in this role, make sure to share any experiences where you’ve worked closely with others. We want to know how you contribute to a positive team environment!

Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:We love candidates who are eager to develop new skills. Mention any past experiences where you’ve picked up new abilities or tackled challenges head-on. It shows you’re ready to grow with us!

Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Skills Academy

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand what a Transfer Station Operative does. Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks, health and safety protocols, and the importance of teamwork in keeping operations smooth. This will show your genuine interest in the role.

Show Your Team Spirit

Since teamwork is crucial for this position, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive work environment. This will demonstrate that you're a dependable team player.

Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn

Cory values individuals who are eager to learn new skills. Be prepared to discuss your motivation for personal development and any relevant experiences where you've picked up new skills quickly. This will align with their commitment to developing their people.

Be Safety-Conscious

Health and safety are paramount in this role. Make sure to express your understanding of safety procedures and your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. You could even mention any previous experiences where you prioritised safety in your work.