Shovel Driver Plant Operative -Braintree Waste Transfer Station

Essex County Council; Braintree; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority seeks a dedicated Shovel Driver Plant Operative to manage waste operations at the Braintree Waste Transfer Station. This full-time role involves operating plant machinery, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and maintaining site cleanliness. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a valid driving license, with opportunities for further training provided. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to delivering high-quality public services and supporting career development in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Career Development Opportunities

Support for Unpaid Carers

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant machinery, preferably in the waste industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant to manage waste and ensure site cleanliness.
• Conduct pre-use inspections of plant and equipment.

Skills

Plant Machinery Operation

Communication Skills

Self-motivation

Understanding of Waste Operations

Education

Full Valid Driving License

Tools

Loading Shovel

360-degree Wheeled Materials Handler

Job description

Shovel Driver Plant Operative - Braintree Waste Transfer Station

Position: Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £25,081 to £28,033 per annum

Location: Braintree

In addition to an annual salary, you will receive a 6% flat rate allowance for participating in a weekend rota.

The Opportunity

This multi-task role involves managing tipping hall operations, ensuring safe loading of articulated vehicles according to KPIs within the Essex County Council Waste service, and overseeing site traffic management for various local district councils and third parties to meet contractual tipping arrangements safely.

You will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of site vehicles, liaising with supervisors for repairs and scheduling to minimize service impact. Operating front-loading shovels and 360-degree wheeled materials handlers to move and transport waste safely will be key duties.

You will lead in ensuring all site users adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures, and enforce site rules through training and induction.

Accountabilities

• Operate mobile plant to manage waste from RCVs, including pushing waste with the loading shovel and loading lorries.
• Follow site-specific rules at all Essex County Council waste facilities.
• Manage and train site users to comply with rules.
• Conduct pre-use inspections of plant and equipment, report defects, and undertake maintenance activities.
• Assist with site inspections, paperwork, and other duties like weighbridge operations when not operating plant.
• Maintain site cleanliness and manage spillages.
• Ensure resources are kept safe and in good condition.
• Report contamination, non-conforming waste, accidents, incidents, and hazards immediately.
• Perform other duties as required to meet service needs.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Full valid driving license; material handler and loading shovel qualifications are desirable but not essential (training provided).
• Understanding of waste operations and mechanical knowledge is desirable.
• Experience operating plant machinery, preferably in waste industry; manual handling experience is also beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to understand instructions.
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake further training, able to work outdoors in all weather conditions with appropriate PPE.
• Based at a council Waste Transfer Station, with flexibility to work at other locations as needed.

Additional Information

Visit Climate, Environment and Customer Services to learn more about us. The role requires mobility across operational areas, so a driving license and access to a vehicle or other means to meet mobility needs are essential.

Why Essex?

Essex is one of the largest UK local authorities, covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents. We are committed to innovation, flexible working, and delivering high-quality public services. Our recent inclusion in the Government's devolution programme aims to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority by 2026.

Equality and Safeguarding

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and are committed to inclusive hiring practices, including interviews for disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers who meet minimum requirements. We prioritize safeguarding and expect all employees to uphold our standards and principles, including completing necessary DBS checks and safeguarding training.

Employee Benefits

We offer various benefits, including support for unpaid carers, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career development.

For questions or further information, please contact [e-mail].

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