Operational Support Assistant

Durham County Council; Peterlee; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (where applicable)

Job summary

Durham County Council in Peterlee is seeking an Operational Support Assistant to join the Business Services Team supporting the Refuse & Recycling Service at Hackworth Road Depot. The role provides varied administrative and operational support to help ensure the smooth delivery of waste and recycling services across County Durham.

You will work with colleagues to deliver high-quality customer service, maintain records, handle enquiries, and support continuous improvement, with a temporary

Qualifications

• Experience in an office or administrative environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Confident using ICT systems and digital processes.
• Works well as part of a team and can adapt to changing priorities.
• Positive and proactive approach to service delivery.
• Five GCSEs (Grade A-C/Grade 4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Refuse & Recycling Service.
• Respond to customer enquiries and service requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and filing systems.
• Support the processing of service information and documentation.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and the development of efficient ways of working.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Support business continuity by providing cover across a range of administrative functions when required.

Skills

Office administration

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

ICT / digital skills

Team player

Proactive attitude

Education

GCSEs A-C / 4+

Tools

ICT systems

Job description

Are you an organised and customer-focused individual looking for an opportunity to support a busy frontline service?

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operational Support Assistant to join the Business Services Team supporting our Refuse & Recycling Service based at Hackworth Road Depot, Peterlee.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will provide essential administrative and operational support to help ensure the smooth delivery of waste and recycling services across County Durham.

Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will liaise with colleagues across the service and play an important role in delivering high-quality customer service and business support.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

As an Operational Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide administrative support to the Refuse & Recycling Service.
• Respond to customer enquiries and service requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and filing systems.
• Support the processing of service information and documentation.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and the development of efficient ways of working.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Support business continuity by providing cover across a range of administrative functions when required.

This post is a temporary maternity cover position for up to 12 months or until the return of the substantive post holder, whichever is sooner.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a motivated and enthusiastic individual to our team.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

We are seeking someone who:

• Has experience working in an office or administrative environment.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Can prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Is confident using ICT systems and digital processes.
• Works well as part of a team and can adapt to changing priorities.
• Has a positive and proactive approach to service delivery.
• Applicants should hold 5 GCSEs (Grade A-C/Grade 4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 30 November 2026

Weoperatea guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and haveindicatedthey have a disability, are a looked after young person, careleaveror a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefitson ourwebsite.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.