Refuse and Recycling Chargehand HGV Driver

Environment Services are looking for a Refuse and Recycling Collection Chargehand Driver to join the Refuse and Recycling Team at the Peterlee Depot

WHAT IS INVOLVED? 

Driving a refuse collection vehicle and being chargehand for the refuse collection crew working with your vehicle and for the collection of refuse and recyclable materials. 

Other duties include:-

• To carry out the instructions of the line manager in a safe, competent and proper manner. 
• To drive a refuse collection vehicle within designated collection areas.  A variety of types of vehicles may be used depending on circumstances up to a 26 tonne refuse collection vehicle. 
• Ensure that all relevant safety checks and operating procedures are followed.  Report any defects or unsafe working associated with the vehicle and arrange remedial action in accordance with procedures.  Ensure that the crew maintain the vehicle in a clean and tidy condition.  Ensure that the refuse hopper is cleaned and routine greasing carried out in accordance with procedures. 

We encourage you to contact Sarah Veitch via email at View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk& nbsp; to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  

WHAT WILL I NEED? 

• HGV Category C Licence.
• Relevant training in an associated discipline 
• Experience of driving an HGV vehicle and good working knowledge of Road and Traffic Regulations.
• Proven experience of working in an operational-related area.
• Knowledge of waste and/or environmental services.
• Experience of working with the public. 

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. 

If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed. 

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 10 August 2026

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk, (option 4) or via email View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk . Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

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Anyone currently listed on the Redeployment Register who would like to be considered for this vacancy should contact the Resourcing team via email View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk