Job Introduction
Waste and Recycling Officer
Help shape a cleaner, greener East Staffordshire by inspiring residents, schools and communities to recycle more and waste less.
Grade 5 - £28,598 to £31,022 per annum
East Staffordshire Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Waste and Recycling Officer to support the delivery of an effective, efficient and community-focused waste and recycling service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in improving recycling performance across the Borough through education, engagement and practical project delivery.
Working within the Environment team, you will help promote waste minimisation and recycling to residents, schools, community groups, Council colleagues and elected Members. You will develop and deliver initiatives, support campaigns, monitor performance and use feedback and data to help shape service improvements.
About the role
As a Waste and Recycling Officer, you will support projects that improve recycling participation, reduce contamination and encourage positive environmental behaviours. You will engage directly with local communities, produce educational materials, support service change communications and help respond to waste and recycling enquiries.
What you will be doing
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Monitoring recycling performance and helping to deliver targeted improvement projects.
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Developing and delivering waste minimisation and recycling initiatives for schools and community groups.
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Promoting recycling through face-to-face engagement, doorstep conversations, social media campaigns and other promotional activity.
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Supporting the rollout of waste collection service changes, including new containers, service promotions and digital communications.
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Maintaining accurate records of engagement activity, feedback and performance information.
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Working with Council colleagues, Members, local authorities and external partners to support recycling initiatives.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone who is confident working with the public, schools and community groups, and who can communicate clearly with a wide range of audiences. You will be organised, able to use your initiative and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
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Previous experience in community engagement, education or a waste management operation.
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Some knowledge of environmental legislation.
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Good communication skills and confidence engaging with residents, schools and community groups.
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Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and keep accurate records.
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IT literacy, including Microsoft Office packages.
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3 A levels or equivalent, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work.
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Willingness to work outside normal office hours to support Council events when required.
Knowledge of local authority waste management practices, experience using IT systems for data collation and reporting, or a waste or environmental qualification would be an advantage.
Why join us?
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Make a visible difference by supporting residents and communities to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.
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Play a key role in improving recycling performance across East Staffordshire.
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Work with schools, community groups, Council colleagues, Members and external partners.
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Use your communication, organisation and project skills to support positive environmental change.
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Contribute to local environmental priorities and help shape a cleaner, greener Borough.
We also offer a generous package of benefits including:
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generous annual leave
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flexible working hours
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opportunities for hybrid working
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free car parking
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local government pension scheme
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car necessity scheme
Working hours
The contracted hours of work are 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday with a flexible working hours scheme. On occasion, you may be required to work outside normal office hours to support Council events and service delivery.
Full details of the job role are detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Applications must include a written statement, in no more than 1,000 words, on how you meet the person specification for this role.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 16 August 2026
Additional Information
The Council is actively building diverse teams and welcomes applications from everyone including people of different ages, sex, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. ESBC is a Disability Confident Employer.
Important Notes for Candidates:
Visa Sponsorship
As a smaller local authority, we do not currently hold a sponsorship licence. Therefore, we are unable to issue Certificates of Sponsorship. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application as we are unable to support visa sponsorship.
Personal Relationships
A candidate for any appointment with East Staffordshire Borough Council who knows of any family or close personal relationship with any Member or Officer must disclose that relationship when completing an application form for employment.
Ready to help shape a cleaner, greener Borough?
If you are passionate about the environment, enjoy working with people and want to help improve waste and recycling services across the Borough, we would love to hear from you.
