Recycling Assistant - Req24190

Household Waste Recycling Site Assistant 2023

32.17 hour per week includes weekend working with shift enhancement.

The Council collects approximately 330,000 tonnes of waste a year from around 340,000 households. Last year we recycled household waste through a combination of our eight Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s), kerbside collections, and Recycling Banks.

Are you interested in saving the planet and reducing our carbon footprint?

Are you passionate about re-using, recycling and reducing waste?

Do you enjoy working outdoors in all weathers come rain or shine?

We’re looking to recruit men and women to be part of our team, working at any of our 8 HWRC’s across the city. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated and hardworking individual who would like to make a positive contribution to improving the environment and the quality of recycling services in Leeds. We particularly welcome applications from women and ethnic minority groups who are currently under represented in this section of our workforce.  As a Recycling Site Assistant it is essential you are flexible and able to get to and from any of our 8 centres across the city.  

Your primary duties will include:

• Operating a 360 degree wheeled compactor (JCB Type compactor / excavator) [ training will be provided] – This is a key essential skill require for the role.
• Providing physical assistance to less able customers.
• Processing credit/debit card payments for certain waste types.
• Proactively separating waste materials & maximise reuse and recycling rates at the site.
• Adhering to customer service standards applicable to operations on site.
• Following site procedures, method statements and all health and safety requirements. 

The Job Description and Specification will provide you with more detail about the job, but what we are looking for are people who have the following skills and attributes:

• An aptitude and enthusiasm for operating heavy plant with training.
• Ensure that all work is conducted in a safe and effective manner.
• Have an approachable manner and good communication skills.
• Deal effectively with people in a positive and engaging manner.
• Have basic numeracy and literacy skills to complete transactions and complete paperwork.
• Can work effectively as part of a small team, able to work on own initiative and have a very good work ethic.
• Can solve problems where and possess a 'can-do' attitude.
• Enthusiastic about your own personal development in the role

The location of the post is unknown at this time but will be at any one of our eight HWRC’s across the city and is likely to change periodically subject to service and operational pressures. 

The hours are 32.17 hours per week averaged out on a rota pattern which includes working every other weekend and bank holidays.

Week 1     Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday

Week 2     Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

There are seasonal variances in the shift which starts at 7:45 am, with 18:15pm finishes through summer, and 16:15pm finishes through winter months. 

The sites are open seven days per week including all bank holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Leeds City Council offers great training and development opportunities and career progression. The posts are subject to a 6 months probationary period. 

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period. 

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK  - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job purpose 

To work as part of a multi-skilled household waste site team responsible for encouraging the public to maximise the separation of their waste to increase recycling and help the Council achieve its Waste Strategy objectives. To show initiative, commitment, and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and advising residents how to recycle their waste and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly

Responsibilities 

Managing Waste

• Positively undertake the segregation of recyclable material, to extract as much recyclables as possible.
• Utilising Reuse facilities available on site, to positively separate waste for reuse: e.g. Paint, WEEE and furniture.
• To actively deter trade/commercial waste visitors from using the sites, complying with individual site procedures and current permit restrictions.
• Contribute to new initiatives to manage waste aimed to improve recycling and reuse on site.
• Control chargeable waste and facilitate revenue collection using appropriate payment technology.

Customer Care

• To proactively meet and greet visitors to the site and assist members of the public in separating/ recycling and disposing of waste as appropriate. Offer physical assistance to less able customers.
• To adhere to customer service standards applicable to operations on site. 
• Assist with surveys, leafleting and customer feedback.
• To respond to customer enquiries regarding recycling facilities both on site and offered at kerbside/bring and to direct the public to where further information can be obtained. 

Site Operation

• Undertake all work in accordance with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
• Ensure that Health and Safety Regulations, site procedures and risk assessments are observed and complied with, especially in-relation to Asbestos, unknown chemicals and gas cylinders.  Wear appropriate P.P.E. issued by the Service , eg gloves, high-visibility clothing, boots, goggles etc., as required.
• To ensure that all essential records relating to the operation of the site are completed fully and promptly (e.g. transfer notes, duty of care, hazardous waste notes, site log, health and safety documents, and plant usage sheets).
• To operate and ensure the safe use of heavy plant and machinery, such as waste compactors on household waste sites in accordance with training and site procedures and to report any issues to a manager immediately or at the latest at the end of the working day.
• Ensure the timely opening and closing of the HWSS and that all site security systems are activated, as appropriate.
• Follow site procedures and method statements, to ensure that specific tasks are completed in accordance with the programme of work and ensure that any problems undertaking/completing work is reported.
• To rectify routine problems /issues in accordance with programme of work. To report any outstanding problem associated with the service, or any failure to complete the programme of work, to a manager immediately or at the end of the working day at the latest and complete appropriate paperwork as required.
• To use a range of specialist tools, where necessary having received relevant training. This includes the ability to undertake horticultural work e.g. pruning and cutting back shrubs, hedges, overhanging branches, mowing / strimming of grass and removal of weeds.
• Undertake any ancillary labouring, cleaning and maintenance duties as directed, relative to the site you are working at and the service needs. Undertake or ensure that grounds maintenance of sites is completed on a regular schedule as applicable to the site.
• Ensure that all resources used, equipment, machinery and buildings are kept safe, in good order and condition and are not exposed to the risk of loss damage or theft.
• Operate and utilise electronic monitoring devices supplied/ installed on site e.g. CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, hand held data collection devices, as required. Record and report on any issues as appropriate.
• Operate weighbridge if required.
• Ensure the site is kept clean and tidy, sweep and litter pick as required. Sweep, litter pick and remove any dumping from the external boundary.
• Comply with all relevant Leeds City Council Policies and Procedures.
• Undergo relevant training and development (e.g. on the job or training courses). This will include training relating to the use of power tools, customer service, handling of hazardous waste, health and safety issues, weighbridge software etc.
• To support educational campaigns or activities to support behaviour change to increase recycling/reuse and responsible management of waste.
• Carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council. In particular, to respond courteously and professionally.
• This is not an exhaustive list and the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties deemed to be within the scope of this role.

Hours of Work:

The hours of work are an overall average of 32.15 hours per week, over 7 days per week (Monday to Sunday inclusive), working 4 days one week 3 days the other week on a repeating cycle, 52 weeks per year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. 

There will be a seasonal variation to hours of work: 

Summer (Apr-Oct) : 7.45am – 6.15pm (average weekly hours of 35)   

Winter   (Nov-Mar) : 7.45am – 4.15pm (average weekly hours of 28)

The normal working day will include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.

Fixed payments to reflect weekend and Bank Holiday working will be made in accordance with the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services Terms & Conditions of Service.

In certain circumstances, in the interests of operational efficiency, rota cycles can be varied subject to appropriate consultation and with reasonable notice.

Flexitime, not applicable.

Other conditions in accordance with the provisions of the scheme of Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council for the Local Government Service as adopted or amended by the Council.

Physical conditions

Employees will be required to work flexibly and will be part of an operational service and may at short notice be deployed to any of the eight city wide household waste. This flexible approach to ways of working will be required which on occasion may include the provision of a similar service across other areas of the council.

Relationships 

The post holder will be required to communicate with all levels of staff, members of the public, external agencies and on occasions ward councillors. The post holder will be expected to work both positively and flexibly with team members upholding the values of the Council. 

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Essential Skills required

• Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions.
• Ability to understand simple written and verbal instructions.
• Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
• Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality
• Able to complete required paperwork
• Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
• Able to carry out work with requires occasional lifting/pulling and carrying heavy objects or equivalent physical 
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work with a range of partners, agencies and teams (including elected members) to ensure sites are responsive to customer needs and reuse/recycling is maximised
• Able to guide others effectively to deliver high quality work.
• Ability to encourage site users to reuse and recycle their waste

Essential knowledge required

• Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high-quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public
• Basic numeracy and literacy

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics 

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates. 

Desirable knowledge/qualifications

• Possession of appropriate competency to operate plant and machinery e.g. NPORS certificate.
• West Yorkshire Trading Standards Weighbridge Operator Certificate
• Awareness of waste industry guidance for operation of sites

Desirable experience required

• Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
• Experience of dealing with members of the public and customer care
• Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post.
• Work in an area-based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
• Working alone and with minimal supervision.

Desirable skills required

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and ward members
• Ability to resolve conflict 
• Ability to inform customers on the services we offer for recycling and understand the end use for materials we collect on site

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