Recycling Operative

Main purpose of job

To be responsible through the Recycling Centre Supervisor to the Area Recycling Officer. The post holder will undertake, usually as part of a small team, duties associated with the operation of a recycling centre.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1.          To advise, direct and assist members of the public with the segregation and disposal of recyclable materials both non-hazardous and hazardous in nature and in doing so deliver high levels of customer care and promote recycling initiatives.

2.          To ensure that only waste types permitted under the waste management licence are accepted on site and that they are stored in an appropriate manner.

3.          To take appropriate action, under the direction of the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer, where non-permitted waste is detected.

4.          To control access and ensure that members of the public are not exposed to risk when using the facilities.

5.          To ensure that the site including open areas, buildings and the area immediately outside the site are kept clean and to participate in routine and special cleaning programmes as required, and ensure all spillages and leaks are cleaned and/or contained as a matter of urgency.

6.          To assist contractors on site in the delivery of their services, ensure that all contractors comply with the site operational plan and adopt safe systems of work as per risk assessments and report any non-compliance to the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer.

7.          To inspect and record the quantities and types of all waste removed from the site, to ensure that there is no unauthorized removal of waste and input the necessary data into the council’s IT systems.

8.          To file copies of waste transfer documents and other information as required by similar senior management.

9.          To record all relevant activities at the site in the official site diary.

10.      To manage the use of all waste containers, in the absence of the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer and ensure that they are emptied sufficiently frequently.

11.      To operate mobile compaction/skip moving equipment and any other plant and equipment provided on site.

12.      In the absence of on-site supervision, ensure that safe systems of work are employed and that all work activities are carried out in compliance with health and safety legislation and the waste management site licence.

13.      To carry out daily health and safety checks at the site including the inspection of plant and equipment prior to operation, conduct inspection and record maintenance logs and to report any contraventions or defects to the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer.

14.      To carry out fire safety inspections, maintain site fire log and implement the fire action plan in the event of a fire breaking out in any part of the site.

15.      To distribute salt or grit within the site and around the entrance and exit during periods of frost, ice or snow and take any other actions as instructed by the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer or above to reduce the likelihood of accident or injury.

16.      To take all actions necessary to control dust, odour, noise, pests and litter emanating from the site and to minimize the effects of the site overall.

17.      To open, close and work in the recycling centre and civic amenity site at appropriate times as instructed by management and if necessary, in the absence of the Recycling Centre Supervisor/Area Recycling Officer to act as primary key holder for the site and respond to out-of-hours emergencies.

18.      To participate in any educational initiatives at the site and liaise as necessary with the enforcement authorities and visitors.

19.      To keep up to date with best practice in waste management and to participate in any relevant training programme or initiatives as identified or required.

20.      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 policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.

21.      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.

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

23.      To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

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 they 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:

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

a)     working in a similar capacity within a waste management environment; and

b)     providing advice and guidance to customers on a daily basis in a face-to-face environment.

Special skills and attributes

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

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 members of the public.

Customer care skills: an understanding of the importance of responding appropriately to the needs of internal and external customers. The ability to apply customer care procedures and deal with the public in a helpful and positive manner.

Health and safety awareness: an understanding of health and safety procedures and compliance.

Team working skills: the ability to work as an effective team member who contributes to the success of the team and achievement of objectives by making contributions and building on the contributions made by others.

Written communication skills: a good standard of literacy with the ability to create and maintain records and write about issues with clarity.

Work planning and prioritisation skills: the ability to plan and prioritise work to ensure that tasks are completed within appropriate timescales.

Desirable criteria

In addition to the above essential criteria, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms,

(a)   have at least two GCSEs (grades A-C) including English, or equivalent qualifications

(b)   have at least two years’ relevant experience in areas (a) and (b),