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Hertfordshire County Council; Rickmansworth; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Progression opportunities

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council in Rickmansworth is seeking a lead on-site Recycling Centre operative to support day-to-day operations and waste-stream management.

You will supervise a small team, advise residents on disposal, and ensure safe opening/closing with a clean site. Training is provided, and there are opportunities to contribute to service development.

Qualifications

• Proven customer service experience.
• Ability to advise residents on waste disposal.
• Calm under pressure and committed to safety procedures.
• Maintain high service standards in all weather conditions.
• Experience of supervising a team of operatives.
• Willing to act as First Aider and Fire Marshal (training provided).
• Willing to operate onsite machinery including JCB (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supervise and mentor operatives on site.
• Manage site documentation and permits (paper and digital).
• Advise residents on how to dispose of waste correctly.
• Ensure safe opening/closing and a clean, well-organised site.
• Operate compactors and JCB safely and effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve the service and support trials of new waste streams.

Skills

Customer service

Resident guidance

Team supervision

Safety procedures

Machinery operation

Physical endurance

First aid

Education

Level 7 qualification

Tools

JCB equipment

Compactors

Job description

Starting Salary: £30,932 progressing to £34,649 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours:40

Location:Rickmansworth

Contract Type:Permanent

Directorate:Growth & Environment

About the team

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Recycling Centre service team as we work towards our vision of increasing recycling rates and diverting waste from landfill. You’ll be part of a supportive, hands‑on team that prides itself on delivering excellent customer service, maintaining safe and efficient sites, and constantly looking for ways to improve. You’ll also have the chance to get involved in wider service development through staff engagement groups and new waste‑stream trials.

About the role

As the lead responsible operative on site, you’ll play a key role in keeping the Recycling Centre running smoothly day‑to‑day.You’ll supervise, support and mentor operatives, ensuring safe opening and closing of the site and maintaining a clean, well‑organised environment.

Your responsibilities will include managing all site documentation (both paper and digital), advising residents on how to dispose of their waste correctly, checking permits for vans and trailers, and making sure waste streams remain separated. With training provided, you’ll also operate compactors and JCB equipment safely and effectively.

This role offers variety every day—from helping residents recycle more, to identifying ways to improve the service, to supporting trials of new waste streams. It’s a practical, physical job where your decisions and actions make a visible difference to the community.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service
• Can confidently advise residents on where and how to dispose of their waste
• Stays calm under pressure and follows safety procedures at all times
• Can maintain a high standard of service in all weather conditions
• Has experience of working under prolonged periods of physical effort
• Can support and manage a team of operatives effectively
• Is able to act as the site First Aider and Fire Marshal (training provided)
• Is willing to operate onsite machinery including the JCB (training provided)

If you’re enthusiastic, safety‑focused, and keen to help improve recycling in your community, this could be the perfect role for you.We’ll provide all the training you need—from First Aid and Fire Marshal qualifications to manual handling and plant operation—and there are real opportunities to progress within the team.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of strong applications.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

This job role is Level 7.

Interview Date: TBC

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employerand guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).

Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme