Chargehand - West

Somerset Council; Wellington; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council in Wellington is seeking a Chargehand to lead frontline street cleansing and grounds maintenance teams, ensuring high-quality services across Somerset. You will combine hands-on work with day-to-day team leadership to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The role requires strong leadership, safety focus, and excellent communication with colleagues, contractors and customers. A full driving licence and ability to use workplace tech are essential, with a flexible, hybrid

Qualifications

• Experience leading, supporting or supervising frontline teams in a hands-on environment.
• Commitment to health and safety standards.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Full driving licence and ability to use workplace technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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 standards.
• Act as the first on-site contact to resolve issues and keep services running smoothly.
• Coach and develop team members and share knowledge.
• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and increase efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety culture

Problem solving

Communication

Driving licence

Job description

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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?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 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.

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.