Yard operative

Robert Hopkins Environmental; West Bromwich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert Hopkins Environmental is seeking a dedicated Yard Operative for our West Bromwich facility. You will support daily transfer and conditioning site operations, loading and unloading vehicles, sorting waste, and helping with basic inspections to maintain safe, compliant workflows.

We value reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying weather. The role offers full-time, on-site work with training in hazardous waste handling and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience in safe yard operations and adherence to safety procedures.
• Basic literacy and numeracy; ability to complete simple records.
• Experience in waste handling or industrial environments is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload vehicles and move waste materials within the yard.
• Prepare waste for processing or dispatch and assist with basic inspections.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the yard and monitor equipment.
• Report issues promptly and follow training and safety guidelines.
• Work with operations and transport teams to ensure efficient workflow.

Skills

Safety procedures

Manual handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork & communication

Outdoor work

Physically demanding tasks

Waste management experience (benefit)

Forklift certification (advantage)

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Company Description Robert Hopkins Environmental is one of the longest running authorised waste management service providers in the UK, known for delivering swift, effective and reliable collection and disposal of drummed, hazardous and special waste. Established as a family business in 1920, the company has grown into a nationwide operation supported by a dedicated fleet of collection vehicles. Based in West Bromwich, it serves organisations from small enterprises to multinational companies across many industries, offering waste collection, disposal and industrial cleaning services. The company operates a purpose-built 5-acre transfer and conditioning facility with a broad range of hazardous waste disposal and recycling options and convenient access to the M5 and M6. With ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and FORS accreditations, and a highly technical workforce, Robert Hopkins Environmental provides compliant, safe and cost-effective waste management solutions where waste minimisation and customer assurance are central.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Yard Operative role based at the West Bromwich facility. The Yard Operative will support daily operations within the transfer and conditioning site, including handling, sorting and moving various waste materials in line with safety and compliance procedures. Responsibilities include loading and unloading vehicles, preparing waste for processing or dispatch, maintaining cleanliness and order in the yard, and assisting with basic inspections or documentation as required. The role involves working closely with the operations and transport teams to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to environmental and health and safety standards. The Yard Operative will also help monitor equipment, report any issues promptly, and follow all training and guidelines related to hazardous waste handling.

Qualifications

• Ability to work safely in an industrial yard environment, including following health and safety procedures and using personal protective equipment.
• Experience in manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, and working with basic tools or machinery (e.g., pallet trucks, forklifts where licensed).
• Attention to detail and reliability in following instructions, completing basic records, and supporting compliant waste handling processes.
• Good teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with operations, transport and technical staff.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and to perform physically demanding tasks throughout the shift.
• Previous experience in waste management, industrial, logistics or warehouse environments is beneficial but not essential.
• Forklift or similar equipment certification is an advantage; training may be provided for suitable candidates.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills; willingness to undertake further training in hazardous waste handling and compliance.