Environmental Action Chargehand - REQ004068

Job title: Chargehand

Salary: C1 £28,598 - £31,022 + Shift enhancements

Hours: Shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift)

Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Week 2 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

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)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Positions at Henshaw and Cross Green depots, However, our service covers the whole city and therefore your area of work may change depending on the needs of the service.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference on the front-line supporting residents and visitors and helping keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy. The Cleaner Neighbourhoods Teams provide a litter picking service, fly-tip removal and some basic grounds maintenance. The Team is also required to help empty litter bins and assist with the collection of unwanted bulky items from households.

As our next Chargehand you’ll work in a team where every day is different. You will be a key member of a local Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team working together across an area of the city. As part of that team, you will be expected to carry out a variety of functions including driving Council vehicles and utilising our mechanical fleet - the job description and specification will provide you with more detail about the role, but we want people who are able to carry out the types of physical work described above and enjoy the challenge of working outside and in all weathers!

About you (some key responsibilities):

As a Chargehand you will bring to the role:

An ability to supervise, support and coordinate a team of staff including the day-to-day allocation of tasks and ensuring all work is being carried out in a safe and effective manner.
An ability to keep accurate electronic and written records.
A friendly and customer focused approach.
Able and willing to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/route sheets whilst working outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions.

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.

We've built an inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcomed, feels valued and can truly be their authentic self at work. We want our people to be the best they can be, no matter who they are and where they come from. It is important we have a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We have made significant improvements within our management/supervisory posts, however our operational part remains largely unrepresentative. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from women and ethnically diverse groups.

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. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader. We've built an inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcomed, feels valued and can truly be their authentic self at work. We want our people to be the best they can be, no matter who they are and where they come from. It is important we have a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We have made significant improvements within our management/supervisory posts, however our operational part remains largely unrepresentative. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from women and ethnically diverse groups.

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. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - 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 and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidancefor 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 Connor Webb, Area Manager by email connor.webb@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 visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

To provide day to day on-site supervision and to work as part of a multi-skilled local crew 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. To provide cover for the Environmental Action Team Leader as required.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To supervise and co-ordinate a small team (typically 5-10 operatives) including the day to day allocation of tasks/duties and ensuring work is being conducted in a safe and effective manner.
To work under the guidance of an Environmental Action Team Leader in ensuring that the resources available are being deployed in the most effective way to deal with environmental issues facing the neighbourhoods in which the team is operating.
To carry out quality appraisal reviews and one-to-ones for a small team.
To work with other charge-hand colleagues across the locality at weekends to ensure an effective service is delivered that prioritises the emptying of litter bins, mechanical sweeping and other locally agreed weekend service priorities.
To be a local, front line point of contact for ward members and key partners who have a role in improving the environmental condition of neighbourhoods in which the team operates.
To attend meetings where required and provide updates on the work of the team.
To assist in the recording and collection of performance information that will help the service report to Area Committees on progress against its Annual Service Agreements and to ensure it is publicly accountable for the effective use of resources.

To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods (any publicly accessible or council owned land), 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
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.

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
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 & control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).

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
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:-

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.
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.
Support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
To ensure that work carried out by staff is of high quality, carried out safely and professionally and enhances the reputation of the service and the Council.
Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles (of up to 7.5 tonnes) as required, including path and road sweeper vehicles and the transport of collected waste to waste disposal sites.
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 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 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 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 its 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.

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

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.

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post e.g. driving licence.
Basic numeracy and literacy

EXPERIENCE

Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post.
Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
Working alone and with minimal supervision.
Experience of supervising and/or organising the work of others

SKILLS

Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors
Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets.
Able to show initiative to tackle new tasks quickly, effectively and with a high standard of workmanship.
Able to guide others effectively to deliver high quality work.
Able to work to deadlines and 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 on-going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting
Ability to work with a range of partners, agencies and teams (inc.elected members) to ensure neighbourhoods are clean and work is responsive to local need.
With guidance an ability to undertake and support educational/ information/enforcement activity to encourage improved behaviours & sustainability.
Ability to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people.
Ability to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions
Ability to get the best out of people
Ability to organise the deployment of staff to undertake tasks
Able to use hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
Able to carry out staff appraisal reviews and one-to-ones.
Basic skills in the use of office equipment eg basic computer literacy, photo copier

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.

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