Join Our Growing Waste & Recycling Team
We’re expanding our waste services and looking for a dedicated Waste and Recycling Operative to help us deliver this vital service to our communities. If you’re passionate about the environment and want to be part of a transformative moment in local waste collection, we’d love to hear from you!
Love the Outdoors? Care About the Planet?
Our operatives are the frontline heroes in protecting both our local and global environment. Without them, over 1,000 tonnes of waste could pile up in just one week across our beautiful district.
You’ll be the first to handle residents’ recycling and waste, identifying contamination and ensuring materials are properly sorted for recycling or energy recovery. It’s physical, sometimes messy work—but it’s meaningful, active, and outdoors.
If you’re looking for a role that offers work-life balance, keeps you fit, and makes a real difference, this could be the perfect fit.
#WasteMatters
Important Information
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This role is subject to pre-employment health screening
- A basic DBS check isrequired
What’s in it for you:
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Up to a maximum of £26,476 per annum (pay award pending) including bank holiday payments
- 23 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week’s leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service
- Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
- Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
- Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
- A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
- Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
- A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Women’s Network
- Early Careers Network
- Neurodiversity Network
About us
At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‑based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.
We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.
We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.
If you’re interested
Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.
If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.
For an informal chat about the role please contact Dave Wheeler-Osman (Waste and Recycling Senior Supervisor) on023 8028 5408 or Will Hersey (Waste and Recycling Supervisor) on 023 8028 5406
We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with completing their application. Please bear in mind it’s important that your application remains an accurate and honest reflection of your own skills, experience, and achievements. Please ensure that any content generated or supported by AI truly represents you and your capabilities, as this will form the basis of our assessment throughout the recruitment process
Closing Date: 11pm Sunday 30th August 2026
Interview Date: Monday 7th September 2026
