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

Job title: Driver/Labourer

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

Hours:  35.89 on average per week

Contract: Permanent

Location:  Various recycling centres in Leeds

           (Kirkstall, Seacroft, Wetherby, Middleton, Meanwood, Pudsey, Otley and Yeadon)

As a Driver/labourer you must thrive on interacting with members of a busy Recycling facility.  You will play a key role within in a very fast paced team that continues to increase recycling and help 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 Driver Labourer: 

• You will hold a minimum of a LGV Class C licence and an up-to-date Driver CPC card. You will be an experienced LGV Class 2 driver with a demonstrable driving history.
• You must also hold a driver digital tachograph card.
• An ability to keep accurate records using varying methods including written records.
• Committed to helping change culture and behaviours and lead by example to enable us all to live everyday our Council values in all we do.
• 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. 

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.

Hours of Work:

The hours of work are an overall average of 35.89 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:

Week 1 -  Mon-Tues-Wed-Sat-Sun – 5 days

Week 2 -  Mon-Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun – 4 days

Week 3 -  Tues-Wed-Thurs-Fri – 4 days

Summer hours - 8 hours every day worked

Winter hours – 8 hours Monday Tuesday, 7 hours Wed, Thu, Fri Sat & Sun

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

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.  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 service remains largely underrepresented.  We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from women and ethnically diverse groups.

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 visa route before applying. 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. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

• To be responsible for the safe, compliant and responsible driving and operation of appropriate Class 2 vehicles and the removal and transportation of waste from Leeds Household Waste Recycling Sites to a variety of disposal locations.
• To comply with all Health and Safety procedures of the service and all driving regulations.
• You will be responsible for completing all vehicle paperwork and waste disposal/collection.
• To support the HWRC in the disposal of waste streams.
• To drive and be responsible for vehicles used in the transportation of waste, recyclables and any other product as deemed appropriate by HWRC’s management.
• To support teams in the collection / sorting and disposal of waste streams as and when required.

Responsibilities:

• Undertake the transport of waste/recyclables from Leeds City Council civic amenity/recycling sites or transfer loading stations to disposal sites. Complete the necessary paperwork relevant for the day’s task.
• Drive and be responsible for any allocated vehicle. Duties will include daily vehicle & ancillary equipment checks, required routine maintenance, eg oil and water checks and keeping the vehicle clean. Operate any power or manual mechanism which may be fitted.
• Ensure at all times that all Health & Safety regulations are observed and complied with. Wear appropriate protective clothing, eg gloves, high-visibility clothing, boots, etc., as required. Report any equipment or PPE which is missing, damaged or no longer serviceable to your manager immediately.
• Ensure that specific tasks are completed in accordance with the programme of work. Report any failure or deviations which affects completing the programme of work to a manager immediately or at least at the end of the working day.   Be prepared to respond to emergency requests which could include working out of hours and/or weekend work.
• Report in person, by telephone or radio, if applicable, any problem associated with the service to a manager immediately or as soon as possible.
• Complete the relevant paperwork and pass to your manager at the end of the shift.
• Transport waste/recyclables or any other product on and off the public highway or any site in an appropriate manner.
• Drive any vehicle providing ancillary services (e.g. Rolonof’s, Tanker, Refuse vehicle etc. to the transport of waste/recyclables or other product.
• Undertake any ancillary labouring, cleaning and maintenance duties as directed.
• Attend training courses as necessary.
• Assist in the loading and unloading of the vehicle, including the use of mechanical aids.
• Report suggestions for improvements to the service to a manager to increase quality and efficiency in service delivery.
• Comply with any quality management systems.
• Positively undertake the segregation of recyclable material, to extract as much recyclables as possible. Utilising Reuse facilities available on site, to positively separate waste for reuse: e.g. Paint, WEEE and furniture.
• To proactively meet and greet visitors to the site and assist members of the public in separating/ recycling and disposing of waste as appropriate. Offer physical assistance to less able customers.
• To respond to customer enquiries regarding recycling facilities on site and to direct the public to where further information can be obtained.

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 within the spirit of the post as specified by the appropriate manager.

Hours of work:

The hours of work are an overall average of 35.89 hours per week, over 7 days per week (Mon-Sun inclusive) working a 3 week repeating rota pattern, 52 weeks per year expect Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

3 week rota pattern

Wk 1 Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun

Wk 2 Mon-Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun

Wk 3 Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri

There are seasonal variation to hours of work: -  Summer hours (Apr-Oct) 8 hours each day

Winter hours (Nov – Mar) 8 hours each day Mon,Tue,7 hours hours Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat & Sun

The normal working day will include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.

Fixed payments to reflect weekend and Bank Holiday working will be made in accordance with the National Joint Council for the Local Government Service as adopted or amended by the Council.

Flexitime, not applicable

A flexible approach to ways of working will be required which on occasion may include the provision of a similar service across other areas of the council.

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

Essential Requirements:

• To hold a LGV Licence Class C (equivalent of HGV Class 2)
• To hold an up to date Driver CPC card (DCPD). You will be an experienced LGV Class 2 driver with a demonstrable driving history.
• Have knowledge and experience in TACHO regulations
• Ability to understand verbal instructions and written instructions.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.
• Able to carry out work with a range of partners, agencies, teams to ensure Aites are responsive to customer needs and reuse/recycling is maximised.
• Ability to carry out which requires occasioansl lifting/pulling and carrying heavy objects.
• Ability to work in all weathers.
• Able to complete all paperwork required.
• Ability to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality.
• Ability to engage effectively with others to deliver high quality work.

Essential Knowledge Required:

• Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected  when dealing with members of the public
• Basic numeracy and literacy.

Essential Behavioural and 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 equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s 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 and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies 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.

Desirable requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Desirable knowledge/qualifications

• Awareness of waste industry guidance for operation of sites

Desirable experience required

• Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
• Experience of dealing with members of the public and customer care
• 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.

Desirable skills required

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and ward members
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Ability to inform customers on the services we offer for recycling and understand the end use for materials we collect on site.

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