About Oates Environmental
Oates Environmental is a Leeds-based industrial waste management business providing specialist solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Operating from its waste treatment and transfer facilities, the company supports customers across Yorkshire and the North with waste collection, recycling, treatment, recovery and compliant disposal services. Safety, environmental compliance and reliable customer service are central to the way the business operates.
Role Purpose
The Class 1 ADR Driver / Operative is responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient collection and delivery of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials. The role involves driving Class 1 curtain-side vehicles and, following appropriate training, vacuum tankers. The postholder will also support operational activities at customer sites and company facilities, ensuring work is completed safely, professionally and in line with transport, environmental and health and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely drive Class 1 HGV vehicles, including curtain-side vehicles and vacuum tankers once trained and authorised.
- Collect and deliver hazardous and non-hazardous waste in accordance with planned routes, customer instructions and operational requirements.
- Complete all vehicle, load and waste documentation accurately, including daily defect checks, delivery/collection paperwork and consignment documentation where required.
- Carry out pre-use and end-of-shift vehicle checks and report defects, damage or safety concerns promptly.
- Ensure loads are secured, segregated and transported safely and legally, in line with ADR, road transport and environmental requirements.
- Operate vehicle-mounted and site equipment safely following training, risk assessments, method statements and operating procedures.
- Assist with loading, unloading, pumping, transfer and general operative duties as required.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and cleanliness in vehicles, work areas and equipment.
- Provide a professional and helpful service to customers, representing Oates Environmental positively at all times.
- Work independently when required while maintaining effective communication with the Transport and Operations teams.
- Follow all company health, safety, environmental and quality procedures, including correct use of PPE.
- Report spills, incidents, near misses, non-conformances and customer concerns immediately and support any necessary follow-up action.
- Comply with drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive and tachograph requirements.
- Undertake relevant training and maintain the licences, qualifications and competence required for the role.
- Carry out other reasonable transport or operational duties consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Valid UK Class 1 (Category C+E) driving licence.
- Valid ADR licence appropriate to the work undertaken.
- Valid Driver CPC qualification card and digital tachograph card.
- Good knowledge of road safety, vehicle checks and drivers’ hours requirements.
- Ability to complete paperwork accurately and follow written procedures.
- Reliable, punctual and able to manage time effectively.
- Flexible approach to working hours and operational requirements.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- Physically able to undertake the practical and manual elements of the role.
Key Skills and Behaviours
- Safety focused – takes personal responsibility for safe working and challenges unsafe practices.
- Compliance minded – follows procedures and understands the importance of accurate records.
- Customer focused – communicates professionally and delivers a dependable service.
- Teamwork – supports colleagues and works collaboratively across Transport and Operations.
- Independent working – uses initiative and remains dependable when working alone or off site.
- Flexible and practical – adapts to changing workloads, routes and operational priorities.
- Care and attention – treats vehicles, equipment, customer sites and the environment responsibly.
Working Conditions
- The role involves driving, outdoor work and practical operational duties in industrial and waste-management environments.
- Appropriate PPE must be worn, and the postholder may be required to work with hazardous substances under controlled conditions.
- Start and finish times may vary to meet customer and operational requirements. Reasonable flexibility is therefore required.
- The role may involve manual handling, climbing into vehicle cabs and working around vehicles, plant and equipment.
Pay: £15.96 per hour
Work Location: In person