Refuse Driver

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead and support waste and recycling collection crews while safely operating Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) across designated collection routes. The role is responsible for ensuring refuse, recycling, food waste, glass, and garden waste collections are completed efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with health and safety requirements. As a Team Leader, you will supervise collection operatives, maintain service standards, and act as the primary point of contact between crews and supervisors during daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) and other HGVs for the collection of waste and recycling materials.
• Lead collection crews on daily rounds, ensuring work is completed efficiently, safely, and to agreed service standards.
• Oversee the collection of all waste streams, including residual waste, food waste, garden waste, glass, dry recycling, and trade waste.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and report defects, incidents, accidents, or near misses promptly.
• Ensure all crew members follow health and safety procedures, including the correct use of PPE, safe reversing practices, and adherence to route risk assessments.
• Monitor collection quality, identify contamination issues, and ensure correct waste management procedures are followed.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors regarding operational issues, service disruptions, route hazards, or customer concerns.
• Ensure vehicles are kept clean, fuelled, and maintained in accordance with operational requirements.
• Complete all required documentation, records, and technology-based reporting accurately and on time.
• Promote excellent customer service and represent the Council professionally when interacting with residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Support route optimisation and service improvement initiatives by providing operational feedback and recommendations.
• Act as the safeguarding lead for the crew and report any concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Provide cover for supervisory duties when required and support wider environmental services operations during emergencies or severe weather events.
• Undertake loading, cleansing, and other operational duties as required to meet service needs.

Requirements

• Valid Category C LGV (HGV) driving licence.
• Current Driver CPC qualification.
• Previous experience operating HGVs within waste management, recycling, environmental services, logistics, or a similar operational environment.
• Experience leading, supervising, or coordinating teams in a frontline operational setting.
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Good communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support colleagues.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and maintaining professional standards.
• Ability to identify operational improvements and contribute to service efficiency initiatives.
• Flexible approach to work, including occasional evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and emergency response duties.
• Welsh language skills are desirable but not essential.

Additional Information

Location: Monmouthshire, Working out of Caldicot Depot,  NP26 4YY

Hours: 37 hours per week

Pay: Bi-weekly payments available