At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team collecting waste and recycling, keeping Walsall clean and green.
- Company: Walsall Council, dedicated to community service and environmental care.
- Benefits: Flexible casual hours, competitive pay, and outdoor work experience.
- Other info: Perfect for those seeking flexible work with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying varied work outdoors.
- Qualifications: Reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude are key; experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: G4 (SCP 7) £26,403 pro-rata to hours worked. Casual hours – Monday to Sunday working (annualised hours), in line with the Clean & Green Services Local Agreement.
Are you reliable, practical, and happy working outdoors as part of a busy crew? Join our Waste Collections team and help keep Walsall’s waste and recycling services running smoothly.
About the Role
As a Waste Collections Operative, you will work as part of a collection crew delivering essential services across the borough. Duties will vary, but typically include:
- Collecting household waste, recycling, and seasonal garden waste.
- Supporting assisted collections for residents who need extra help.
- Collecting commercial waste and recycling from local businesses where required.
- Loading and unloading waste safely and efficiently, keeping the round moving.
- Returning bins neatly and treating residents and colleagues with respect.
- Reporting issues such as contamination, damaged bins, missed collections, or access problems, following local procedures.
You’ll be working outdoors in all weathers, in a role that involves regular walking, lifting, pulling, pushing, and working to set times. Health and safety is central to the job, including safe working around vehicles, traffic, and members of the public.
Casual Hours – How It Works
This is a casual role, so your hours are flexible and offered based on service need. Work can be offered any day Monday to Sunday, including early starts, weekends, and Bank Holidays. Shifts may change week to week and can be offered at short notice to cover sickness and annual leave, peak periods and seasonal demand, service pressures where extra crews are needed. There is no guaranteed set pattern of hours, but you’ll be contacted when shifts are available. This suits someone who can be flexible and is keen to pick up work when it comes up.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is reliable, punctual, and ready to work as part of a team.
- Can follow instructions and work safely at pace.
- Understands the importance of customer service and representing the Council positively.
- Can carry out physical outdoor work and manual handling safely.
- Has good awareness of health and safety, including working near vehicles and on the highway.
Experience in waste collection, street cleansing, grounds maintenance, or other outdoor/manual work is helpful, but not essential if you have the right attitude.
If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Thomas Evans: Thomas.Evans@walsall.gov.uk
Closing Date: 22nd March 2026
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your ‘Supporting Information’ – reflects your own voice.
Waste Collections Operative - Casual - Ref: EE15425 in Brownhills employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a flexible and rewarding role as a Waste Collections Operative. With a strong commitment to health and safety, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for personal growth, employees can take pride in contributing to the community while enjoying the benefits of casual hours that fit their lifestyle. Join our dedicated team and make a meaningful impact in Walsall's waste and recycling services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waste Collections Operative - Casual - Ref: EE15425 in Brownhills
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Walsall Council through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Waste Collections Operative - Casual - Ref: EE15425 in Brownhills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Walsall Council. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Walsall Council. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
