4 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Waste & Recycling Officer

Job Purpose

To support the effective delivery of the Council's waste, recycling, and environmental services by monitoring operational performance, investigating service issues, promoting waste reduction initiatives, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies. The post holder will work closely with operational teams, contractors, residents, businesses, and partner organisations to deliver efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused waste management services.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Monitor the performance of waste collection, recycling, garden waste, and related environmental services.
  
• Investigate missed collections, service complaints, and operational issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
  
• Conduct service inspections, audits, and site visits to ensure service standards are maintained.
  
• Support the management, monitoring, and performance review of waste collection contracts and service providers.
  
• Work closely with operational teams to address service challenges and improve efficiency.
  

Service Improvement

• Analyse operational data, service performance indicators, and customer feedback to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  
• Support the development and implementation of recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
  
• Assist in the introduction of new waste services, operational processes, and legislative changes.
  
• Recommend improvements to service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  

Customer and Community Engagement

• Respond to customer enquiries, complaints, and service requests in a professional and timely manner.
  
• Liaise with residents, businesses, elected members, community groups, and external stakeholders regarding waste management matters.
  
• Promote recycling, waste minimisation, and environmental awareness through education campaigns and community engagement activities.
  
• Provide advice and guidance on waste and recycling services.
  

Compliance and Enforcement

• Ensure services operate in compliance with environmental legislation, waste regulations, Council policies, and health and safety requirements.
  
• Support investigations into fly-tipping, waste contamination, abandoned waste, and other environmental offences.
  
• Collect evidence and prepare reports to support enforcement activities where required.
  
• Maintain awareness of legislative changes affecting waste management services.
  

Health and Safety

• Promote a strong health and safety culture across waste operations.
  
• Undertake risk assessments, inspections, and audits as required.
  
• Monitor contractor and operational compliance with health and safety procedures.
  
• Report and investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses where necessary.
  

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records, databases, and management information systems.
  
• Prepare reports, statistics, performance dashboards, and briefing papers for management and elected members.
  
• Support budget monitoring, procurement activities, and contract administration where required.
  
• Ensure all documentation is maintained in accordance with Council procedures.
  

Experience

Essential

• Experience working within waste management, recycling, environmental services, or a related operational environment.
  
• Experience of investigating customer complaints and resolving service-related issues.
  
• Experience of monitoring performance and analysing service data.
  
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including customers, contractors, and external partners.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a local authority environment.
  
• Experience of contract management and performance monitoring.
  
• Experience supporting environmental enforcement activities.
  
• Experience delivering community engagement or behaviour change campaigns.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in Waste Management, Environmental Services, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
  
• Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC) or relevant industry qualification.
  
• Health and Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH Certificate).
  
• Environmental enforcement or waste legislation training.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Knowledge

• Understanding of waste collection, recycling, and environmental services.
  
• Knowledge of waste legislation, environmental regulations, and health and safety requirements.
  
• Understanding of local authority waste service delivery and performance frameworks.
  

Skills

• Strong communication and customer service skills.
  
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
  
• Analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and produce meaningful reports.
  
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making capability.
  
• Strong IT skills and experience using management information systems.
  

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  
• Professional and customer-focused approach.
  
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
  

Additional Information

• Pay Rate: £25.90 per hour
  
• Hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Location: Wyre Forest House, Bewdley
  
• Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, subject to operational requirements
  
• Travel Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence required; travel within the district may be necessary.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

·         Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged