Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver

Plymouth City Council; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Plymouth City Council is seeking a Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver to operate specialist vehicles across the city, contributing to clean streets and safe public spaces. The role is frontline, outdoor, and requires accuracy in documentation and safety compliance.

You will join the Cleansing Service team, hold a Category C1 Licence with Driver CPC, and work 37-hour or part-time patterns with flexibility. Apply by 1 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Hold a Category C1 Driving Licence and Driver CPC qualification.
• Experience operating specialist vehicles and equipment.
• Understand health and safety legislation, safe systems of work and customer service standards.
• Be physically capable of manual handling outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• As a Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver, operate and maintain specialist vehicles and equipment.
• Carry out street cleansing activities and respond to operational requirements across Plymouth.
• Complete daily vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance checks.
• Safely remove hazardous and clinical waste per procedures and keep records accurate.

Skills

Cat C1 Driving Licence

Driver CPC

Experience with specialist vehicles

Health and safety knowledge

Manual handling

Teamwork

Job description

Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver – (Cleansing)

Grade D | Plymouth City Council | Frontline Mobile Worker

3 x 37 Hours Monday – Thursday

2 x 18.5 Hours (1 x Mon/Tues & 1 x Wednes/Thurs)

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

“Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.”

“Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.”

Are you an experienced driver who enjoys working outdoors, operating specialist vehicles, and making a visible difference to your city?

We are looking for a committed and professional Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver to join our dedicated Cleansing Service team.

This is a hands-on frontline role where you will operate specialist vehicles and equipment across the city, helping to maintain clean streets, public spaces and highways for residents and visitors alike. As part of a team that takes pride in improving Plymouth's environment, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality cleansing services and promoting a cleaner, safer city.

Responsibilities

As a Waste & Cleansing Specialist Driver, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining a range of specialist vehicles and equipment, including:

• Small mechanical sweepers
• 7.5-tonne tail-lift vehicles
• Hot wash units
• Trailers and associated equipment

You will undertake a variety of cleansing and environmental maintenance duties, responding to operational requirements across Plymouth while ensuring the highest standards of health and safety, customer care and environmental compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate specialist cleansing vehicles and equipment.
• Carry out street cleansing activities across the city.
• Complete daily vehicle safety inspections and routine maintenance checks.
• Respond to incidents including spillages, flooding and environmental hazards.
• Safely remove hazardous and clinical waste in accordance with procedures.
• Complete waste transfer documentation and digital records accurately.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure locations are left clean, safe and tidy.
• Communicate professionally and positively with members of the public and stakeholders.
• Support the training and assessment of colleagues on specialist vehicles where required.

You Will

• Hold a Category C1 Driving Licence and Driver CPC qualification.
• Have experience operating specialist vehicles and equipment.
• Understand health and safety legislation, safe systems of work and customer service standards.
• Be physically capable of undertaking manual handling duties and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Be dependable, safety-conscious and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Take pride in delivering a high-quality service that helps keep Plymouth clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Sam Crowley by email [e-mail].

Closing Date - Sunday 1 November 2026