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- Tasks: Engage with residents to promote new recycling services and reduce waste contamination.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous pension, flexible working, and unique employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for environmental issues required.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 32597 £ per year.
About the role: We are about to see the biggest changes to waste and recycling which will impact our 80,000 households in West Suffolk and also all of our businesses. Under the government’s Better Recycling policy, new collections will be introduced to include weekly food waste; dry recycling and changes to separating commercial waste. This role is responsible for direct engagement with residents in supporting the delivery of new mandatory food waste and recycling collection services. You will work with frontline staff in reducing levels of non-recycling waste and recycling contamination, whilst assisting officers in raising awareness of recycling and waste minimisation with schools and other community-based groups. This role will also assist in designing and promoting waste and recycling campaigns to raise awareness and promote services, as well as attend and assist with organising public promotional events. This post reports to the Enforcement and Education Manager and delivers customer focused engagement and educational activities relating to the council’s waste and recycling services. You will be required to work at all council depots. You may reasonably be required to work at any other of the council’s premises as required to meet the needs of the service and be flexible in this approach.
What you will need:
- Strong verbal and written skills for persuading diverse audiences to change waste and recycling behaviours.
- Proven ability in conflict resolution, empathy, and compassion when handling doorstep interactions and public engagement.
- An understanding of "Simpler Recycling," environmental sustainability, waste legislation, and the "waste hierarchy."
- Ability to work on your own initiative and flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
- Understanding of the importance of delivering high-quality customer service.
- Awareness of the importance of confidentiality and data protection (GDPR).
- Knowledge of the West Suffolk area.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and back-office software packages.
- General understanding of Health, Safety, and Welfare policies and procedures.
- Full driving licence.
Why work for us? Our benefits include:
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval)
- Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 16.4%
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
- Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary)
- Rail and bus staff discounts
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
- Modern office accommodation
For more information: For an informal discussion and further information please contact Andrew Harvey, Enforcement & Education Manager on 01284 757687 or email Andrew.Harvey@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Please note, we are unable to accept CVs, please follow the online application process to apply. Closing date: 10 May 2026. Applications will be reviewed on submission so please apply without delay. Previous applicants need not apply. Interview date: to be confirmed.
Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer employer: West Suffolk
Contact Detail:
West Suffolk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on West Suffolk and their waste management initiatives. This will help you connect your passion for recycling with their goals, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with diverse audiences, try role-playing scenarios where you explain recycling concepts or resolve conflicts. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in real situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your initiative! Think of examples from your past experiences where you took charge of a project or campaign related to recycling or community engagement. This will demonstrate your ability to work independently and creatively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. Plus, applying early can give you an edge since applications are reviewed on submission. So, get that application in ASAP!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Recycling: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for recycling and waste management shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the community and how you can engage others in this important cause.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for strong verbal and written communication skills, so give us examples of how you've successfully persuaded others or resolved conflicts in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re following our process, which is something we value.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Suffolk
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, especially around waste management and recycling policies. Understand the 'Simpler Recycling' concept and be ready to discuss how you can engage residents effectively.
✨Show Your People Skills
This role involves a lot of public engagement, so be prepared to demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully persuaded others or resolved conflicts, as these will showcase your ability to connect with diverse audiences.
✨Be Flexible and Proactive
Highlight your ability to work independently and adapt to changing needs. Share experiences where you've taken the initiative in previous roles, especially in community engagement or educational activities related to sustainability.
✨Research West Suffolk
Having knowledge about the West Suffolk area will give you an edge. Be ready to discuss local issues related to waste and recycling, and think about how you can tailor campaigns to resonate with the community's specific needs.