Recycling Officer (Customer Services)

Neway International Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental services provider is seeking a Recycling Officer to work with Plymouth City Council on a Food Waste Collection project. This role involves engaging with the community to promote food waste recycling while ensuring Health and Safety compliance. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, experience in community projects, and a full driving licence. With a commitment to sustainability, this position offers an opportunity to make a real impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to engage with community and provide information.
• Experience in planning and organising community projects.
• Understanding of Health & Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Engage with residents to promote food waste recycling.
• Liaise with community groups and partners.
• Plan and deliver environmental awareness events.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Education

2 GCSEs Grade A*-C in Maths and English or equivalent

Full driving licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Recycling Officer – Facilities & Environment to join our client Plymouth City Council.

Location: Prince Rock Depot, Macadam Road, Prince Rock, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0RZ
Hours: 37 per week
Start Date: 22 December 2025
Duration: 6 months +
Pay Rates: PAYE £15.56 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £20.29 per hour

About the Client

Plymouth City Council is committed to delivering high-quality services that support the community and protect the environment. Their Street Scene and Waste Services team is leading a Food Waste Collection project, a time‑critical initiative that must be delivered by Spring 2026. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on sustainability and community engagement.

The Role

As Recycling Officer, you will play a key part in supporting the Council’s Food Waste Collection project. This is a public‑facing role requiring strong communication skills to engage with residents, explain the benefits of food waste recycling, and ensure a smooth transition to the new service. You will also liaise with schools, community groups, and partners to promote environmental initiatives and oversee events.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with residents and partners to deliver excellent customer service.
• Promote environmental awareness in schools and develop community projects.
• Liaise with groups to plan and deliver events, ensuring Health & Safety compliance.
• Undertake enforcement action in collaboration with enforcement services.
• Supervise staff and volunteers at events, preparing risk assessments and ensuring wellbeing.
• Act as lead officer for community engagement in street scene and waste services.
• Organise meetings and events, ensuring appropriate resourcing.
• Manage budgets up to £75k, ensuring accurate monitoring and reporting.
• Handle customer complaints in line with Council policy, maintaining high standards of care.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Qualifications/Knowledge

• 2 GCSEs Grade A*–C (9–4) in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Full driving licence.
• Knowledge of budgets, quoting for works, and Microsoft packages.
• Understanding of Street Scene & Waste Services.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety, including risk assessments.

Desirable Qualifications/Knowledge

• Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Training.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in planning, organising, and problem solving.
• Experience dealing with the public, community groups, and volunteers.
• Strong customer care skills, including conflict resolution.
• Office‑based experience.
• Supervisory experience (limited).
• Experience in Health & Safety regulations and risk assessments.

Desirable Experience

• Sourcing funding for community projects.
• Local authority or community‑based work.
• Supervisory experience.

Essential Skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and organisational skills.
• ICT proficiency.
• Ability to react to ad‑hoc situations under tight deadlines.
• Supervisory skills.
• Effective written and oral communication.