Waste Operative

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension scheme

27–33 days annual leave

Cycle to work

Car lease schemes

Staff discounts

Job summary

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Waste Operative to join our Linen Services and Waste teams at Wonford and satellite sites. You will collect and segregate clinical, domestic and recycling waste, and assist with linen collection, under supervision to learn on the job.

We offer flexible working patterns, NHS-wide benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience is not essential; on-the-job training provided.
• 37.5 hours per week, shifts 06:00–14:00, 08:00–16:00 or 14:00–22:00, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Based at Royal Devon Exeter Hospital Wonford with external sites covered by the Trust.
• Role involves operation of waste collection vehicles and adherence to Trust policies and statutory regulations.

Responsibilities

• Collect hazardous, clinical, domestic and recycling waste streams efficiently.
• Provide linen collection for Linen Services Department.
• Transport and decant waste while keeping containers securely closed.
• Maintain vehicle checks and report defects to Waste Supervisor/Line Manager.
• Ensure waste containers are colour-coded and locked.
• Sort and consolidate waste at collection points for contractors.
• Participate in training and personal development.

Skills

Waste handling

Vehicle operation

Safety compliance

Linen handling

Job description

Enthusiastic, motivated people who are passionate in helping the Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust work towards our sustainability goals, the Trust prides Itself on its ability to develop our staff and promote personal and professional development

• To provide an efficient and effective service for the collection of hazardous, clinical, domestic and recycling waste streams within the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Wonford and the external sites that are covered by the Trust.
• Provide a collection service for used and soiled linens for the Linen Services Department, To understand a range of routine work procedures that will be learned on the job through a combination of instruction and practice and by attending short training sessions, with guidance from Waste Supervisor and or Line Managers including:
• To be proficient in the collection, safe handling, transportation and decanting of all waste streams in accordance with departmental and Trust policies, procedures and statutory regulations.
• Keep ward and department disposal cupboards clear of all waste at all times and move to outside collection points, ensuring that all waste remains segregated during transportation.
• To be proficient in driving/using the relevant vehicles/trailers within the hospital environment and when collecting from the external sites that are covered by the Trust.
• Conduct daily tug/van maintenance checks to ensure, lights, horn, tyres etc., are all in working order and health and safety compliant. Report all defects with tugs/equipment/van to Waste supervisor/Line manager
• To undertake a weekly cleaning of electric vehicles trailers and Van.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are kept locked at all times.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are tagged with the correct colour coded waste stream.
• Cleaning of Domestic Waste Bins with pressure washer, as requested.
• The collection, transportation and decanting of bags of soiled linen in accordance with any statutory regulations and Trust/Departmental policies and procedures.
• To sort and consolidate waste at the collection points and prepare for collection by waste contractors.
• To participate actively in all relevant personal development and training.

Experience for the role is not essential as you will train, earn and learn whilst you work. Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, (06:00 - 14:00 / 08:00 - 16:00 / 14:00 - 22:00) Including weekends and public bank holidays.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust., 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 cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as 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 a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there. Salary is not the only financial benefit You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available - if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.