INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Specialist Plant Operator

Salary: B3 (*GBP*25,584-*GBP*27,269) plus weekend and bank holiday enhancements

Hours: 32.15 on average per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Various recycling centres in Leeds (Kirkstall, Seacroft, Wetherby, Middleton, Meanwood, Pudsey, Otley and Yeadon.

As a Specialist Plant Operator you must thrive on interacting with members of the public and the team working within a busy Recycling facility. You will play a key role within in a very fast paced team that continues to increase recycling and helps the Authority to achieve their waste strategy commitment.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Recycling Assistant:

• You must operate waste/plant/vehicles/machinery safely and be responsible for any allocated resources.
• You must be able to carry out daily vehicles checks and be able to complete all associated paperwork.
• You must be committed to provide a high-quality customer service and be an excellent communicator.
• You must have the ability to work as a team, whilst being able to use your own initiative.
• You must have the ability to work with a range of partners, contractors, agencies, and other teams from within the council to ensure our sites are responsive to customer needs and reuse/recycling is maximised to the full.

About the role

This is a vital role working in a fast paced team with a high demand for the service. You must be motivated and hardworking with a passion to make a positive contribution to improving the environment. You can help by ensuring that all waste that is presented is segregated into the correct waste/recycle stream. This assists in minimising the costs of transporting and disposing of non-recyclable waste which can be more expensive.

The eight Household Recycling Centres (HWRC) accept items that are no longer wanted or needed by residents of Leeds. The council collects approximately 333,000 tonnes of waste per year from around 340,000 households with emphasis on reducing non recyclable waste.

We work in partnership with various charities including REVIVE. There are two reuse shops located at Kirkstall HWRC and Seacroft HWRC. This enables residents to donate reusable items like furniture, working electrical items, clothing, bikes and bric a brac. The councils reuse partner REVIVE has supported Leeds journey towards achieving net zero emissions citywide by 2030 by helping to divert 935 tonnes of Co2 equivalent in 2022/2023 that otherwise would have been disposed of. This is the equivalent of taking over 458 typical UK cars off the road for a whole year.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• a clear career pathway of development opportunities.
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
• accredited training and ongoing development.

Hours of Work:

The hours of work are an overall average of 32.15 hours per week, over 7 days per week (Monday to Sunday inclusive). The service is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

There will be a seasonal variation to hours of work, following the British Summer Time calendar.

2 week rota repeating rota pattern

• Week 1 Mon Tues Sat Sun
• Week 2 Wed Thurs Fri

Hours

• Summer (Apr-Oct) : 7.45am 6.15pm (average weekly hours of 35)
• Winter (Nov-Mar) : 7.45am 4.15pm (average weekly hours of 28)
• The normal working day will include a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

How to apply

Please apply via the now button and complete the application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Leeds Waste Team on 0113 3784695 or email leeds.waste@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least *GBP*38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Leeds City Council Job Profile

Job Purpose:

To support the HWRC in the disposal of waste streams. To drive all plant machinery that is used in the storage and transportation of waste, recyclables and any other product as deemed appropriate by HWRC management. To support teams in the collection / sorting and disposal of waste streams as and when required.

Responsibilities:

• Operate waste plant/vehicles/machinery safely and be responsible for any of these allocated resources.
• Be responsible for providing a safe, efficient, and reliable waste and recycling service, which includes following any instructions by your Team Leader/ Manager.
• Ensure you abide by and work within the values and behaviours expected by the Service and the Council. Be kind and courteous to colleagues and members of the public at all times.
• Duties will include vehicle/plant checks, required routine maintenance (for example oil and water checks) and cleaning of the cab. You must report any plant/vehicle defects noticed throughout the course of the day.
• Be responsible for the safe use of the plant/vehicle, oversight of the operational work and safety of self, other staff and customers.
• Control chargeable waste and facilitate revenue collection using appropriate payment technology.
• Undergo relevant training and development (e.g. on the job or training courses). This will include training relating to the use of power tools, customer service, handling of hazardous waste, health and safety issues, weighbridge software etc.
• When not operating plant/vehicles, assist HWRC Recycling Assistantsin the collection and sorting of materials handled at HWRC and transfer stations.
• To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post (e.g. waste movements, duty of care, consignment notes, safety documents, etc.) are completed fully, promptly and accurately. This may be written or electronic.
• Report any issues to management using the available systems and technology. Be responsible for the correct use of any technology used for recording purposes, including in-cab units and mobile phones, following related procedures. Complete training as expected. Input data in the accepted manner and ensure any issues with technology are reported as soon as possible.
• Ensure delivery of a customer focused service. Answer queries from the public in a polite manner, using customer care principles.
• Work in partnership with internal and external partners. Including the operational office team, development and contact centre to ensure a high quality service is delivered. Respond in a positive way to queries from Management/other partners.
• At all times operate safely following site rules and traffic instruction and ensure that all relevant Health and Safety regulations are observed and complied with.
• To use a range of specialist tools, where necessary having received relevant training. This includes the ability to undertake horticultural work (e.g. pruning and cutting back shrubs, hedges, overhanging branches, mowing / strimming of grass and removal of weeds).
• Undertake any ancillary labouring, cleaning and maintenance duties as directed, relative to the site you are working at and the Service needs. Undertake or ensure that grounds maintenance of sites is completed on a regular schedule as applicable to the site.
• Operate the weighbridge if required.
• Attend training courses as necessary and demonstrate a commitment to keeping up to date with skills and knowledge through self-development.
• Wear protective clothing, boots, gloves, high visibility jackets, etc. as required by Health and Safety procedures of the Service. Ensure that requests for new equipment are made where essential and in a timely manner.
• Report suggestions for improvements to your Managers/Supervisor to help improve the delivery of a more efficient and quality service.
• Work with colleagues as part of a Team for Leeds and adopt a One Councilapproach.
• Positively undertake the segregation of recyclable material, to extract as many recyclables as possible and utilising reuse facilities available on site to positively separate waste for reuse (e.g. paint, WEEE and furniture).
• To actively deter trade/commercial waste visitors from using the household waste facilities, complying with individual site procedures and current permit restrictions.
• To ensure that all resources used (e.g. equipment, machinery and buildings, etc.) are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft. In addition to the vehicle/plant checks, to keep any plant/vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out.
• Be prepared to be flexible and adaptable to change.

It should be noted that this job description is subject to occasional changes to incorporate other commensurate duties and responsibilities in response to organisational change/review and to assist flexibility. The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties appropriate to grade.

A flexible approach to way of working will be required which on occasion may include the provision of a a similar provision across others of the council.

Relationships:

The postholder will be required to communicate with all levels of staff, members of the public, external agencies, and on occasions ward councillrs. The post holder will be expected to work positively and flexibly with the team members upholding the values of the Council.

Employee Specification:

Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on their application form that they meet all the essential requirements for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:

Method Of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Essential skills required:

• To understand and acknowledge the importance of Health & Safety relative to the role you are applying for.
• To have an interest and desire to operate heavy plant.
• To have an understanding of the basic fundamentals of recycling.
• To have excellent verbal communication skills.
• To enjoy engaging with people and able to resolve conflict.
• To have a high degree of organisational ability and be able to guide others effectively to deliver high quality work.
• To be comfortable with working outdoors for long periods in all weather conditions.
• To be physically fit and able to lift, pull, twist, carry objects of varying weights safely.
• Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions.
• Able to take a leadership role and work as part of a team & work to deadlines.
• Able to interpret, understand and complete any required paperwork clearly.
• Able to follow / understand instructions both verbal and written.
• Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.

Knowledge/ Qualifications

• Good numeracy & literacy
• Knowledge of basic health & Safety on site.
• Knowledge of driving regulations and the highway code.
• Recognition of the council values and behaviours and a commitment to work within them.
• A general knowledge of the HWRC Service, its sites, locations and services offered.
• Awareness of waste industry guidance for operation of Civic Amenity sites

Experience

• Experience of using heavy plant, powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
• Experience of dealing with members of the public and customer care
• Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
• Working alone and with minimal supervision.

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

• Understand and embraceLeeds City Council Values and Behavioursand codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering theBest City Ambitionof Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desireable skills required:

Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Knowledge/ Qualifications

• Possession of appropriate competency to operate plant and machinery e.g. NPORS (National Plant Operators Registartion Scheme) certificate or equivalent.
• West Yorkshire Trading Standards Weighbridge Operator Certificate.

Experience:

• Operating heavy plant, machinery, counterbalance fork lift.

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