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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 sustainability in West Suffolk.
- 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 environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for recycling and waste management.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 32597 £ per year.
Job reference: R1806
Date posted: 28/04/2026
Application closing date: 10/05/2026
Location: West Suffolk
Salary: Starting salary £29,540 - £32,597 per annum plus excellent employee benefits package. Pay award pending.
Contract type: Temporary (18 months)
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Department: Waste Management
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?
- 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.
Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer in Suffolk employer: West Suffolk
Contact Detail:
West Suffolk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on West Suffolk's waste management initiatives. This will help you connect your passion for recycling with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with residents, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to persuade and educate. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with discussing recycling behaviours.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've handled conflicts or challenges in the past. This will highlight your empathy and conflict resolution abilities, which are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Recycling Engagement Officer. We want to see how you can engage with our community and promote recycling effectively!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with diverse audiences, be sure to showcase your strong verbal and written communication skills in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've persuaded others or resolved conflicts in the past.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability: Let us know why you're passionate about environmental sustainability and waste management. Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about recycling practices and legislation that could make you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Suffolk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key aspects of waste management and recycling, especially the 'Simpler Recycling' initiative. Brush up on local policies and how they impact the community. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Engage with Empathy
Since this role involves direct engagement with residents, practice your conflict resolution and communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully persuaded someone to change their behaviour or resolved a disagreement. This will demonstrate your ability to handle doorstep interactions effectively.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different situations and work independently. Highlight any past experiences where you had to be flexible or take the initiative. This is crucial for a role that requires working across various council depots and engaging with diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Public Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential public engagement scenarios you might face in this role. Prepare responses for common questions or concerns residents may have about recycling. This will not only help you feel more prepared but also show your proactive approach to community engagement.