Chargehand - West

Somerset County Council; Wellington; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

LGPS

Flexible & hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council in Wellington is seeking a Chargehand to lead frontline street cleansing or grounds maintenance teams. The role blends hands-on operational work with day-to-day team leadership to deliver high-quality, safe services across Somerset.

You'll coach colleagues, resolve issues on site, and help improve ways of working while maintaining strong health and safety standards. A full driving licence and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading frontline teams in a hands-on environment.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and health and safety standards.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities to prioritise work.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontline street cleansing or grounds maintenance teams to deliver high-quality services.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring safe working practices and standards are followed.
• Act as first point of contact on site, resolving issues quickly to keep services running smoothly.
• Coach and develop team members, sharing knowledge and encouraging excellent service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working to increase efficiency and responsiveness.

Skills

Team leadership

Health & safety

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Communication

Job description

Salary: Grade 13 - £26,847 to £29,071 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 25th October 2026

About the Role

Our Operations service helps keep Somerset's communities clean, safe and welcoming by delivering essential street cleansing and grounds maintenance services across the county. Working at the heart of our frontline environmental services, the team plays a vital role in maintaining the places where people live, work and visit. As a Chargehand, you'll combine hands-on operational work with day-to-day team leadership, helping to ensure high-quality services are delivered efficiently and safely across Somerset. You'll support and guide frontline colleagues, solve problems as they arise, and help maintain the standards that residents and communities rely on. Working closely with supervisors and operational teams, you'll have the opportunity to shape how services are delivered, encourage best practice, and make a visible difference in local neighbourhoods every day.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead and support frontline street cleansing or grounds maintenance teams to deliver high-quality services across Somerset.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring safe working practices and operational standards are followed.
• Act as the first point of contact on site, resolving issues quickly to keep services running smoothly.
• Coach and develop team members, sharing knowledge and encouraging excellent service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working, helping the service become more efficient and responsive to customers.

What You'll Bring

• Experience leading, supporting or supervising teams in a practical, hands‑on working environment.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and a commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritise work and respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and customers.
• Experience of delivering frontline operational or customer‑focused services, along with a full driving licence and confidence using workplace technology.

Why Join Us?

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

This role is based in Wellington with travel across Somerset as required by the service.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0143 Chargehand (1).pdf

Job Ref:1514/TC