Litter Warden

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the Assistant City Protection Manager/Senior Enforcement Officer, through the Enforcement Officer for the effective and efficient performance of the duties of the post including, in particular:

·       Implementation of The Litter (NI) Order 1994, The Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 and any other relevant legislation, in accordance with the council’s policies and departmental procedures and arrangements;

·       Implementation, as required, of Cleansing Services educational and information programme concerning littering and local environmental quality issues affecting the cleanliness and attractiveness of the city; and

·       To perform all duties in accordance with specified time and quality targets.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1.          To have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the litter and waste legislation and the skills necessary to deliver effective enforcement of the legislation.

2.          To undertake the full range of duties in connection with the litter and waste legislation by patrolling the street and public places, detecting offences which culminate in the issue of a fixed penalty notice, investigating complaints and preparing statements and reports of evidence, for the same, for attendance at court and giving evidence as required.

3.          To have a detailed knowledge of the roles, service and functions undertaken by Cleansing Services as well as other council departments who have a role to play in maintaining the cleanliness of the streets.

4.          To liaise with other council officers and relevant bodies, including statutory bodies such as the PSNI, on matters which affect the cleanliness of the streets and Environmental Health Officers regarding public health and health and safety issues.

5.          To carry out all duties and make decisions in a fair and equitable manner, having regard to the section’s Enforcement Policy and any other factors which could affect the ability of an individual/business to comply with the legislation.

6.          To use initiative in the identification and monitoring of litter dumping hotspots and to report the problematic areas to the Enforcement Officer.

7.          To identify and/or respond to requests for service from business, statutory agencies and members of the public and others to ensure that the requests are logged for follow up action.

8.          To identify fly-posting and graffiti incidents and report them to the Enforcement Officer.

9.          To liaise with the Commercial Waste Marketing Officer, to monitor waste presentation and to give advice to businesses regarding the presence of commercial waste presented in public places and to ensure that unsolicited waste is dealt with under the Litter (NI) Order 1994 where appropriate.

10.       To participate in any training programmes of newly inducted or other staff relating to Litter Warden duties.

11.       To identify and monitor the erection of litter signs and assist the replacement of signs as required.

12.       To identify litter bin provision and monitor litter bin cleaning/emptying and report maintenance issues where detected.

13.       To be aware of the anti-litter projects being undertaken by Cleansing Services and to promote the anti-litter message through advice and the dissemination of information as well as participating in educational and promotional activities as requested.

14.       To assist the Enforcement Officers in the education and enforcement of the provisions of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

15.       To use any technology and equipment such as digital cameras, communication systems and information systems, as and when required, that will enhance the post holder’s ability to undertake their duties effectively and efficiently.

16.       To ensure all duties are carried out in accordance with the Department’s Workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures and report all potential and actual incidents or violence to the Enforcement Officer.

17.       The post holder will be required to perform their duties in all types of weather conditions wearing council issued uniforms and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

18.       To participate as directed in the council’s selection interview procedure.

19.       To undertake such other relevant duties, as from time to time may be required, and to work outside the council’s normal core working hours as required.

20.       To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care; equal opportunities; health and safety; safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

21.       To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management procedures as appropriate.

22.       To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that s/he may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

·       have at least five GCSEs (grades A – C) including English, or equivalent qualifications

and

·       be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have at least one year’s relevant experience in each of the following areas:

(a)  dealing with members of the public whilst working in an enforcement or legislative role, for example, litter enforcement, dog control orders and/or alcohol enforcement; and

(b)   administration work which includes producing written reports and maintaining records.

Desirable criterion

In addition to the above experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those candidates who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years’ relevant experience in both areas outlined above (a) and (b).

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

Written communication skills

The ability to draft letters, statements and memos ensuring attention to detail at all times.

Oral communication skills

The ability to communicate effectively and deal with confrontational situations in a professional manner. The ability to give clear oral instructions and information to other team members and managers including operational information and educational communications.

Work planning and prioritisation skills

The ability to plan and prioritise work to ensure that tasks are completed within appropriate timescales.

Customer care skills

An awareness of the importance of responding to the needs of both internal and external customers whilst enhancing the reputation of Belfast City Council.

Health and safety knowledge

An understanding of the importance of personal responsibility for health and safety compliance.

Team working skills

The ability to work as part of a team, contributing to the success of the team and achievement of objectives.

Analysis and decision-making skills

The ability to make decisions about individual working.

Supervisory skills

The ability to assist with induction and training of new employees.

Partnership working skills

A basic awareness of other council departments, and the ability to establish and maintain necessary contacts.

Technical knowledge

A knowledge and understanding of litter and waste legislation and an awareness of enforcement policy and procedures.