At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the waste team with finance, admin tasks, and resident interactions.
- Company: Join a friendly team at West Northamptonshire Council focused on community and sustainability.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we empower every team member to thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience; strong communication and IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
West Northamptonshire Council's Waste team look after a diverse range of waste services including collecting resident's waste and recycling from the kerbside, providing household waste recycling centres, and making arrangements for the safe treatment, recycling and disposal of all materials collected.
The waste team also manages a number of closed landfill sites and is responsible for street cleansing throughout the area.
We are a friendly and supportive team with a positive 'can do' culture.
We are recruiting for two roles within the waste management team to provide finance and admin support as part of the Business Support team.
This position is fixed term for a minimum of 9 months, up to 12 months.
What will you be doing?
- Working alongside our colleagues within the waste team, you will support the team by assisting with setting up suppliers, purchase orders and help pay invoices using our finance system (ERP).
- You will also be interacting with residents by phone to help solve problems and queries, and supporting the team responding to resident's complaints.
Your work will also include keeping address data up to date on Bartec, as well as general administrative work around the office.
You will be educated to a minimum of NVQ Level 4 or have the equivalent experience.
You will also have experience of managing business improvements, analysing and solving complex process, and helping customers.
A recognised finance or business qualification will be an advantage as well as experience of working in a local authority waste team, ideally working with data.
You will be an excellent communicator both verbally and in writing and have good IT skills including databases and spreadsheets.
At West Northants Council, it's about our people.
People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge.
Our culture is a gateway for new experiences.
A place to forge new opportunities.
To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'.
We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality.
Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.
We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner
The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain.
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
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Business Support Officer (Waste) in Towcester employer: West Northants Council
West Northamptonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. As a Pensions Officer, you'll benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while ensuring compliance with pension regulations. Located in a vibrant area, the council promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer (Waste) in Towcester
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer (Waste) in Towcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from West Northants Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show West Northants Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
