Refuse Driver/Collector 7.5 tonne

Derby City Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Derby City Council is seeking a Refuse Driver/Collector to support the city’s waste collection operations. The role involves driving 7.5t refuse vehicles, managing a round, and supervising other collectors to ensure safe, timely collection from around 130,000 properties.

You will work 37 hours over Tue–Fri, 6:00–15:45, with potential overtime. Comprehensive induction and on-going support provided.

Qualifications

• LGV Class C License or C1 7.5t and a Driver CPC.
• GCSE English Grade C or above (or demonstratable equivalent).
• Physically fit and able to walk up to 20 miles per day in all weathers.
• Good IT skills and experience with in-cab technology and reporting.
• Some supervisory experience and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Be the chargehand for the round and supervise refuse collectors.
• Ensure safe working practices are followed and daily vehicle checks completed.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness inside the cab and on external surfaces.
• Drive refuse collection or related vehicles to collect domestic refuse and recycling.

Skills

Physical fitness

IT skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

GCSE English Grade C or above

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job title Refuse Driver/Collector 7.5 tonne Job reference 000012509 Date posted 25/09/2026 Application closing date 01/12/2026 Working Pattern Full time Salary Grade F, £31,015 - 33,673 a year Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Waste Management Attachments Blank Job description

Salary: £30,024 - £32,597 a year
Location: 15 Stores Road, Derby
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 06:00 – 15:45
Contract Type: Permanent
DBS Requirement: N/A
Market Rate Supplement N/A
Closing Date: 01.12.2026 – closed sooner if enough interest

The Opportunity

We are looking for a motivated individual to join the refuse team as a Refuse Driver/Collector; as a service we are committed to providing the City of Derby with a reliable and regular refuse collection operations.

As a Driver/Collector your role will be key to supporting the operational delivery of this service by driving any refuse collection or associated vehicles safely to facilitate the safe and efficient collection of domestic refuse and recycling waste, from approximately 130,000 properties.

Applicants will be required to work 37 hours over 4 days, Tuesday – Friday, 6.00 am – 15.45 pm, with the option of occasional overtime.

A full induction, training and support will be provided to the successful applicant.

What you’ll be doing

In the role of Refuse Driver/ Collector, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:

• You will be the chargehand for the round and responsible for refuse collectors including agency collectors
• Ensuring safe working practices are adhered to
• You will also be responsible for ensuring daily vehicle checks are completed and the vehicle is safe for operational use
• Maintaining the vehicle cleanliness’ inside the cab and external surfaces

About You

• LGV Class C License or C1 7.5t and a Driver CPC (GCSE English Grade C or above (or demonstratable equivalent)
• Being physically fit is a must as when collecting, the role requires working at a good pace and walking up to 20 miles per day in all weathers
• Good IT skills and experience in using in-cab technology and be able to provide reports both verbally and in written format
• Some supervisory experience and the ability to work as a team with minimal supervision
• Great communication skills and able to liaise effectively with members of the public, customers, and crew members, providing excellent customer service.
• Willing to wear corporate uniform and PPE which are provided. A full induction, training and support will be provided to the successful applicant.

Who We Are

At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

Why join Derby City Council?

At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people.

Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
• Team Derby Rewards – discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme – a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-Life Balance

• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
• Flexible retirement options, where eligible
• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities

Learning and Development

• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training

Community and Inclusion

• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year
• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.

Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.