Waste Operative

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous NHS pension scheme

NHS terms of service and annual leave

Employee benefits platform discounts

Job summary

UHS Estates Ltd (UEL) is seeking a Waste Operative to join the Waste Management team at the Southampton hospital site. You will collect and transport waste from clinical and non-clinical areas, segregate it per policy, and operate waste handling equipment safely.

The role offers full training and development, with a 7am–8pm rota across seven days. You will work within an NHS framework, ensuring hygiene, safety, and compliance while supporting the wider Facilities team.

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: experience with Bailers/Compactors or similar waste equipment.
• Ability to follow routine procedures and use initiative to solve issues.
• On-the-job training to meet role requirements.
• Ability to interact with colleagues across the organisation.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and follow instructions.
• Experience meeting timetables and work schedules.
• Willingness to adopt new working practices within the department.

Responsibilities

• Collect and safely transport waste from clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Segregate waste in line with policies and regulations.
• Operate waste handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in waste storage areas.
• Support the wider Facilities team to provide a reliable, high-quality service.

Skills

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Teamwork

Independent work

Health & safety awareness

Tools

Bailers/Compactors

Waste handling equipment

Job description

Job Overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team at UHS Estates Ltd (UEL).

Job Overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team at UHS Estates Ltd (UEL). Please refer to the detailed job description below for more information about the role.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a Waste Operative to join our Waste Management team at UEL and play a key role in ensuring a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

As a Waste Operative, you’ll be part of a vital service responsible for the collection, segregation, storage, and removal of several categories of waste across our busy hospital site. You’ll help maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, ensuring all waste is handled in line with trust procedures and environmental regulations.

You’ll receive full training, development opportunities, and be part of a team that keeps the hospital running safely every single day. We provide services between 7am - 8pm from Monday - Sunday across 365 days a year,

Working for our organisation

UHS Estates Limited (UEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). The company is responsible for the design and construction of new buildings, and the ongoing provision of services, including estates maintenance, soft facilities management and the management of equipment, consumables and materials, in support of one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England.

Employee Benefits

• Generous NHS pension scheme
• NHS terms of service and annual leave
• Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more

Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.

What You’ll Do

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Collect and safely transport waste from clinical and non-clinical areas
• Segregate waste in accordance with UHS policies and national regulations
• Operate waste handling equipment safely and efficiently
• Maintain cleanliness and order in waste storage areas
• Support the wider Facilities team to provide a reliable, high-quality service

What We’re Looking For

• A positive, proactive attitude and strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Awareness of health & safety and infection control (training provided)
• Flexibility to work within a 7am–8pm rota, Monday to Sunday

Attached you will find the person specification document, which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application, as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role, please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail, please read the full job description document attached.

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Has previous experience of use of Bailers/Compactors or specialized waste equipment
• Ability to follow routine procedures and use own initiative to address issues which may require some problem solving
• Ability to undertake on the job training to meet the requirements of the role
• Ability to interact and build a rapport with colleagues around the organisation
• Ability to carry out repetitive tasks
• Ability to follow written & verbal instructions
• Experience in working to timetables & work schedules
• Willingness to accommodate and adopt new working practices within the department

Desirable criteria

• Working in a customer facing role
• Moving & Handling