Waste Operative

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking a Waste Operative to join their Waste Team. This role involves the efficient collection and transport of various waste streams, including hazardous and clinical waste, to support the Trust's sustainability goals. Training will be provided, making it ideal for individuals passionate about making a difference. The position requires working 37.5 hours per week across shifts, including weekends and public holidays.

Qualifications

• No prior experience necessary; training will be provided.
• Passion for sustainability and helping the Trust achieve its goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide an efficient collection service for various waste streams.
• Handle, transport, and decant waste following regulations.
• Conduct daily vehicle maintenance checks and report defects.

Job description

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services extend to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist, and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across various settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and people's homes. We also offer primary care, specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies, and strong links to local universities position us at the forefront of research and innovation, enabling us to provide world-class care to our communities.

Our values are at the core of everything we do. Click here to find out more.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help shape our services during our ongoing integration journey.

Role Summary

The Waste department at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a Waste Operative. We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are passionate about helping the Trust achieve its sustainability goals. The Trust prides itself on developing staff and promoting personal and professional growth.

• To provide an efficient and effective collection service for hazardous, clinical, domestic, and recycling waste streams within the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Wonford and associated external sites.
• Provide a collection service for used and soiled linens for the Linen Services Department.

About the Role

We offer an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Waste Team at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Below are more details about the team’s responsibilities:

• Learn routine work procedures through a combination of instruction, practice, and training sessions, guided by Waste Supervisors and Line Managers.
• Proficiently handle, transport, and decant all waste streams following departmental and statutory regulations.
• Keep ward and department disposal cupboards clear and ensure waste remains segregated during transportation to outside collection points.
• Operate relevant vehicles and trailers safely within the hospital environment and external sites.
• Conduct daily vehicle maintenance checks and report any defects.
• Perform weekly cleaning of electric vehicles, trailers, and vans.
• Ensure clinical waste containers are locked and correctly tagged with waste stream colors.
• Clean domestic waste bins as needed.
• Collect, transport, and decant soiled linen according to regulations and policies.
• Sort and prepare waste for collection by contractors.
• Participate in personal development and training activities.

No prior experience is necessary as training will be provided. For more information, please refer to the full Job Description and Responsibilities via the provided link.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours/week, shifts from 06:00 – 14:00, 08:00 – 16:00, or 14:00 – 22:00, including weekends and public holidays (enhancements paid).

Interview Dates: 03.09.25 / 04.09.25

For further information, contact Garth Saunders, Portering Manager, at 07770692677 or [e-mail].

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. We prioritize applications from staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status, including NHS At Risk staff across Devon.

The Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, combining the expertise of the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.