Assistant Chargehand/Driver - REQ001608

Job title: Assistant Chargehand/Driver

Salary: £25,183 - £25,584 pro rata + Shift Enhancements

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Multiple locations across Leeds

The Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team currently deliver street cleansing across the city. We currently have around 320 staff working across Leeds picking up litter, emptying litter bins, removing fly tipped waste and using street cleansing vehicles.

Staff work in particular areas & are encouraged to get to know residents and businesses to work with them to make less mess and to help us clean up. There’s a close connection between cleansing and environmental enforcement work in the service & the two sit together well in achieving the goal of cleaner neighbourhoods.

A lot of what we do involves cleaning up our streets and neighbourhoods, but it’s not just about that. We work with residents, businesses and visitors to show what they need to do to help. We’re also ready to step in when people disrespect our environment by fly tipping or dropping litter for example.

We now have a number of operational vacancies, based in various locations across Leeds. We would particularly welcome staff with fresh ideas as well as transferable experiences and skills; to work as part of a team committed to delivering the best environmental service possible. This is an exciting opportunity to be part a service that affects every resident and visitor to Leeds.

MUST HAVE DRIVING LICENCE UP TO 7.5T

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.

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 and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

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

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

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, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying.â€¯To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

To work as part of a multi-skilled local operational team providing a range of environmental services to local communities. To show initiative, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and working with residents and local businesses to keep their neighbourhood clean and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly. As part of that team to drive and take responsibility for the daily upkeep and safe working of fleet vehicles as required (for example a pathsweeper), including the transportation of staff. The post-holder will also be required to supervise onsite operational staff as required by the charge-hand and/or Team Leader.

Responsibilities

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods on any land as directed, including:-

CLEANING

Lift and remove all detritus from all land as directed that can be achieved by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment. To include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals.
Empty/re-bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners
Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re-growth is prevented.
Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture
Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required.
Effectively clean public conveniences as required.
Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed

FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL

Remove fly-tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcases, large items, gas bottles etc and safely load these onto the collection vehicle where required.
Report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land e.g. asbestos, chemicals etc

COUNCIL HOUSING – GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS

Record and report environmental issues as required.
Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required

SEASONAL

Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required
Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required.
Actively supporting the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand. For example, this may include the supervision of a small number of operational staff working together on a coordinated clean up.
To carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community based tasks that support actions to encourage behavioural change within communities to the management of waste; and to help monitor the effectiveness of our service, including:-
Play an effective role in a local team of staff that provide a responsive service to the local community which both engages with and works alongside residents, businesses and local groups to maintain clean environments.
Communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked.
Assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required
Deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required
Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles to transport collected waste to waste disposal sites (category B/C1 licence up to 3.5 tonnes)
Effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads (category C1 licence up to 7.5 tonnes or C category over 7.5 tonnes) subject to licence.
To deliver work of a high quality, with an understanding of its impact on the quality of life of local residents and visitors alike, carried out safely and professionally, to enhance the reputation of the Council.
To work effectively with Council and other public service colleagues in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and quality within local environments as is possible.
To maintain an awareness and understanding of other issues that affect the environmental appearance and condition of neighbourhoods and report any defects identified e.g. graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly-posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc.
Undergo relevant training and development e.g. on the job or training courses. This will include training relating to the use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues.
Undertake all work in accordance in line with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
To carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council. In particular, to respond courteously and professionally to contact with and requests from our customers (i.e. members of the public and Elected Members).
To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post e.g. timesheets, job requests, safety documents etc. are completed fully, promptly and accurately. This may be written or electronic (for example using hand-held devices).
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 checks, to keep any vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out.
To flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with it’s level of responsibility as required by the Council .
To comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Quality Assurance procedures, Health and Safety Regulations and to abide by the councils Equality and Diversity policy.
Remove and dispose of needles through agreed protocols.
Removal of graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment as required.
To support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
Ability to use a range of specialist tools, such as those requiring accredited training.
To reactively and proactively investigate instances of flytipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal by searching for evidence that may show where/who the waste has come from and to ensure the evidence is appropriately recorded/gathered and referred for further investigation and action by enforcement staff.
Ability to allocate and co-ordinate local activities in the absence of the charge-hand so that staff and resources are being safely and effectively used.
Actively support the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand.
Supervise the work of sub-teams within a zone as part of day to day duties.
Support the Charge-hand in co-ordinating and transporting the deployment of resources (equipment and people) throughout the zone.
Supporting the Charge-hand to check work is undertaken in a safe and effective way and to correct standards.
To carry out horticultural and garden clearance work including:
The clearance and tidying up of gardens of properties that have become void/empty in preparation for the new council tenant
To assist a vulnerable tenant where garden maintenance work is required
To improve the appearance of a neighbourhood and to prevent obstructions to pathways, ginnels and other publicly accessible walkways/roads. This will include horticultural work; e.g. pruning and cutting back of hedges, bushes, overhanging braches etc, cutting/mowing of grass and removal and control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).
Note: Whilst staff are expected to show flexibility with regard to the above tasks they will only be carried out following provision of any required training and within agreed risk assessments and health and safety procedures

LOCATION:

The postholder will spend the majority of their working day in the field, and will predominantly work in and a geographically defined area in a locality as part of a local crew/team. The locality and/or area may change depending on the needs of the service and the postholder must expect to move around from time to time or to assist with a particular service issue.
The postholder will be expected to report for work at an agreed meeting point in the area in which they are working.
There will be identified local comfort break facilities within the local area of work.

SOCIAL CONDITIONS:

The post-holder will be required to communicate with all levels of staff, members of the public, external agencies and on occasions with ward councillors. The role is as part of a small local team as well as wider locality teams. The post holder will be expected to work both positively and flexibly with team members upholding the values of the council. A flexible approach to ways of working will be required which on occasion may include the provisions of a similar service across other areas of the council. There will be requirement to work alone at times whilst fulfilling some field tasks.

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS:

The basic salary of the post is B1. The post is paid at B2 due to hierarchy protocol. Where shift and/or weekend working forms part of the contractual pattern of hours then an additional allowance will be paid to recognise this. The postholder will be entitled to 21 days annual leave and 4 additional days after 5 years Local Government service (pro rata where applicable). You will also receive x days additional leave entitlement which represents time off in lieu due for working bank holidays.

WORK HOURS AND PATTERNS:

Your shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift) is:

Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday
Week 2 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Your hours of work will average 35 hours per week on the above shift pattern which will be agreed locally dependant on service needs. Your working day will be 10.5 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and other comfort breaks as reasonably required).

You will be required to work any bank holidays for which you are rostered (excluding Christmas Day Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). This is a requirement of the post and is factored into your additional leave entitlement and therefore no further payments or time in lieu will be applicable for those days.

There will be occasions when the hours of work need to be varied, for example to start and finish later in order to assist with clean up of a major event. You may also be occasionally required to switch days to assist with the needs of the service, for example to cover for another member of staff. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

There may be an occasional requirement for additional hours to be worked, through planned overtime, which will be recompensed in accordance with NJC for Local Government Service Terms and Conditions as adopted or amended by the Council or local agreement. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

There may also be occasions where you could be called upon at short notice and in exceptional circumstances to provide a proportionate response to an emergency situation out of office hours, if you are able to do so. In these situations the Council has the discretion to pay an allowance in accordance with the time worked, or apply an inclusive rate of pay to take into account all features of the job.

Other conditions in accordance with the provisions of the scheme of Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council for the Local Government Services as adopted or amended by the Council.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The post holder will maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.

PROSPECTS:

Whilst no guarantee can be given to subsequent promotion, there are currently a number of higher graded posts within the Council which potentially provide the opportunity for career progression within the Council. Any subsequent vacancies will be filled in compliance with agreed Council procedures.

Qualifications

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post and needs of the service, e.g. C1 category licence (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne).
Basic numeracy and literacy.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
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..
Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instruction/route sheets
Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality.
Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
Able to carry out work which requires ongoing considerate physical effort possibly with some haaevy lifting.
Able to work as part of a team.
Able to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people.
Able to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions.
Able to undertake daily maintenance of fleet vehicles and ensure the safe working and operation of the vehicles.

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

Able to undertake daily maintenance of fleet vehicles and ensure the safe working and operation of the vehicles.
Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes.

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