Job title: Environmental Action Operative
Salary: A1/B1 £24,413 - £25,989
Hours: 37 hours, Monday – Friday
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Cross Green, Leeds
As an Environmental Action Operative, you’ll thrive on helping keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an Environmental Action Operative, you will bring to the role:
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Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/route sheets
- Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully
- Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality
- Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment
- Able to carry out work which requires on going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting
About the role
As our next Environmental Action Operative, you’ll be a key member of a local Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team working together across an area of the city. As part of that team, you will be expected to carry out a variety of street cleansing functions including litter picking, fly-tip removal and some basic grounds maintenance. You may also be required to help empty litter bins and assist with the collection of unwanted bulky items from households.
The job description and specification will provide you with more detail about the job, but we want people who are able to carry out the types of physical work described above and enjoy the challenge of working outside and in all weathers!
Our teams work as part of an overall “Team Leeds” approach within the Council. It is important that you are able to buy into that ethos and play your role in working effectively with Council and other public service colleagues to maintain clean and safe streets and open spaces. We also value the role local communities play in helping keep their neighbourhoods clean and tidy, and you will provide them with help as required; for example, supporting local Litter Free Leeds volunteers with the collection of purple bags they have filled with litter.
You will be supported in your role with relevant training and development opportunities. For example, this will include training relating to the manual handling/lifting, use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues. You will undertake all work in accordance with health and safety procedures and report defects or safety concerns you identify to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
As a front facing representative of the Council, it is particularly important that you are friendly, customer focused and live the Council values.
You must be prepared to work from any number of zonal bases/areas throughout the City depending on the team you are placed in.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
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a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidancefor further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose: To work as part of a multi-skilled local crew providing a range of environmental services to local communities. To show initiative, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and working with residents and local businesses to keep their neighbourhood clean and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly
Duties/Responsibilities
A1 Duties/Responsibilities
To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods on any land as directed, including:-
Cleaning
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Lift and remove all detritus from all land as directed that can be achieved by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment. To include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals.
- Empty/re-bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners
- Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re-growth is prevented.
- Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture
- Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required.
- Effectively clean public conveniences as required.
- Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed
Fly tip and household bulky item removal
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Remove fly-tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcases, large items, gas bottles etc and safely load these onto the collection vehicle where required.
- Report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land e.g. asbestos, chemicals etc
Council housing areas – gardens and community enhancement works
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Record and report environmental issues as required.
- Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required
Seasonal Work
- Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required
- Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required
In additional the post-holder is expected to:
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Work effectively with Council and other public service colleagues in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and quality within local environments as is possible and report any defects identified e.g. graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly-posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc.
- Undergo relevant training and development e.g. on the job or training courses. This will include training relating to the use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues.
- Undertake all work in accordance in line with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate supervisor/manager.
- Carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council. In particular, to respond courteously and professionally.
- Ensure that any problems undertaking/completing work is reported and requirements to report on work done is complied with.
- Ensure that all basic resources used (e.g. litter grabbers, white bags, mobile phones) are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft.
- Flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with its level of responsibility as required by the Council.
- Comply with all relevant LCC Policies and Procedures.
B1 Core Duties/Responsibilities (in addition to duties as set out above)
In addition to the A1 duties of the Environmental Action Operative, progression to the B1 grade will be on satisfactorily demonstrating the ability to meet all the required core B1 duties/responsibilities along with at least 2 of the remaining 5 duties/responsibilities below:
Core B1 Duties (all required):
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To ensure that all resources used e.g. equipment, machinery and buildings etc. are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft. To help keep vehicles clean and tidy both inside and out.
- To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post e.g. timesheets, job requests, safety documents etc. are completed fully, promptly and accurately. This may be written or electronic (for example using hand-held devices).
- To carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community based tasks that support actions to encourage behavioural change within communities to the management of waste; and to help monitor the effectiveness of our service, including:-
- to play an effective role in a local team of staff that provide a responsive service to the local community which both engages with and works alongside residents, businesses and local groups to maintain clean environments;
- to communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked;
- to assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required ;
- to deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required.
- To remove and dispose of needles through agreed procedures and following specialist training.
- To remove graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment and training as required.
- To support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
Non-core B1 Duties (2 out of 5 required):
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To use a range of specialist tools, where necessary having requiring relevant, accredited training. This includes the ability to undertake horticultural work; e.g. pruning and cutting back of hedges, bushes, overhanging braches etc, cutting/mowing of grass and removal and control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).
- To drive and be responsible for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles to transport collected waste to waste disposal sites.
- The effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads.
- To reactively and proactively investigate instances of flytipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal by searching for evidence that may show where/who the waste has come from and to ensure the evidence is appropriately recorded/gathered and referred for further investigation and action by enforcement staff.
- To oversee local activities/tasks following instruction from the charge-hand so that staff and resources are being safely and effectively used.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
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Basic numeracy and literacy
- Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets
- Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully
- Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality
- Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment
- Able to carry out work which requires on going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people
- Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public
Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
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Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post e.g. driving licence
- Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post
- Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post
- Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out
- Experience of working alone and with minimal supervision
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors
- Ability to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions
- Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes
