Recycling Officer

South Hams District Council; Totnes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

South Hams District Council is hiring a Recycling Officer on a fixed-term basis in Totnes. The role focuses on monitoring recycling services and encouraging residents to recycle more, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and delivering service improvements.

The post requires excellent communication and negotiation skills, a proactive approach to problem solving, and the ability to work in a busy environment. The contract is temporary for 12 months with on-site, full-time hours.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience engaging with residents by phone and in person.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in recycling and environment policy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor recycling collection services and drive improvements.
• Develop relationships with residents and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Devon local authorities as appropriate.
• Research recycling initiatives in line with Environment Act 2021.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Public engagement

Job description

Recycling Officer

CAPTION:

Company: South Hams District Council

Salary: from £29,542 a year, pro rata

Hours: Full-time

Location: Totnes

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Temporary

Posting date: 12 Oct 2026

Closing date: 30 Oct 2026

Summary

Fixed Term Contract - 12 months

Are you looking for an exciting challenge with the ability to increase recycling?

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced, busy and dynamic environment with multiple workstreams?

The waste and recycling industry is undergoing the most significant change in a generation with the aim of increasing recycling rates, reducing household waste, and lowering carbon emissions to provide more sustainable services.

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and organised self-starter to join us as a Recycling Officer.

The key aspects of the role include:

• Participation monitoring across collection services and delivering interventions to encourage residents to recycle more and increasing recycling rates.
• Develop, manage, and maintain excellent relationships with residents, colleagues, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Working with other Devon local authorities where appropriate.
• Researching Recycling initiatives in line with the Environment Act 2021.

The postholder will be responsible for proactive Recycling monitoring, problem solving, engaging with residents both over the telephone and face-to-face to manage complaints and service failures with the aim of driving service improvements.

You will be able to demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills; a passion for recycling and the ability to prioritise work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. A proactive approach to problem solving and tackling challenges is fundamental to identifying and acting upon opportunities to improve service delivery.

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Simon Bruford, Head of Waste by email with any questions or queries: [e-mail]

Important Dates

• Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026
• Interviews will be held on: Monday 9 November 2026