Environmental Action Operative

Leeds Safe Roads Partnership; Leeds; On-site; GBP 21,000 - GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local environmental services organization in Leeds is seeking an Environmental Action Operative to help maintain clean neighborhoods. You will perform tasks like litter picking and assisting with community engagements. Ideal candidates will have strong teamwork skills, physical stamina for outdoor work, and the ability to follow instructions. Benefits include a competitive salary, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities. Join a committed team focused on improving the local environment and community wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave and holidays

Pension contributions

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and route sheets.
• Capable of working to high standards under deadlines.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in unsocial hours.

Responsibilities

• Perform street cleansing functions including litter picking.
• Assist with fly-tip removal and basic grounds maintenance.
• Work effectively with Council teams.
• Provide support to local communities.

Skills

Ability to learn new tasks

Use of hand tools and equipment

Working to deadlines

Working outdoors in all weather

Physical effort and lifting

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Hours: 37 hours, Monday – Friday & 35 hours 4x3 shift roles (enhancement applies)

Location: You will be based at one of four operational bases across 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:

• 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:

• 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 guidance for 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

· 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 electricaltools 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

· 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

· 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:

· 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):

• 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):

· 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.

Note: Whilst staff are expected to show flexibility with regard to the above tasks they will only be carried out following provision of any required training and within agreed risk assessments and health and safety procedures.

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

Location

The postholder will spend the majority of their working day in the field, and will predominantly work in and a geographically defined area in a locality as part of a local crew/team. The locality and/or area may change depending on the needs of the service and the postholder must expect to move around from time to time or to assist with a particular service issue.

The postholder will be expected to report for work at an agreed meeting point in the area in which they are working.

There will be identified local comfort break facilities within the local area of work.

Social conditions:

The post-holder will be required to communicate with all levels of staff, members of the public, external agencies and on occasions with ward councillors. The role is as part of a small local team as well as wider locality teams. The post holder will be expected to work both positively and flexibly with team members upholding the values of the council. A flexible approach to ways of working will be required which on occasion may include the provisions ofa similar service across other areas of the council. There will be requirementto work alone at times whilst fulfilling some field tasks.

Economic conditions:

The basic salary of the post is A1/B1. Where shift and/or weekend working forms part of the contractual pattern of hours then an additional allowance will be paid to recognise this.

Work hours and patterns:

Shift based appointments:

Your shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift) is:

Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Your normal hours of work will be agreed locally but will be a 10.5hours working day between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30 minute lunch break and other comfort breaks as reasonably required).

There will be occasions when the hours of work need to be varied, for example to start and finish later in order to assist with clean up of a major event. You may also be occasionally required to switch days to assist with the needs of the service, for example to cover for another member of staff. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

You will be required to work any bank holidays for which you are rostered (excluding Christmas Day Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). This is a requirement of the post and is factored into your additional leave entitlement and therefore no further payments or time in lieu will be applicable for those days.

Non-shift based appointments:

The usual working week will be 37 hours, working Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 6pm (to include a 30 minute break for lunch). Exact start/finish time will be agreed locally within that time range.

There will be occasions when the hours of work need to be varied, for example to start and finish later in order to assist with clean up of a major event but will usually be within the provisions of the Councils flexitime scheme (between 7am and 7pm).

Both roles:

There may however be an occasional requirement for additional hours to be worked which will be recompensed in accordance with NJC for Local Government Service Terms and Conditions as adopted or amended by the Council or local agreement. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

There may also be occasions where you could be called upon at short notice and in exceptional circumstances to provide a proportionate response to an emergency situation out of office hours, if you are able to do so. In these situations the Council has the discretion to pay an allowance in accordance with the time worked, or apply an inclusive rate of pay to take into account all features of the job.

Progression within post:

The postholder will have opportunity and support to progress from A1 to B1 should they initially be appointed at the A1 grade. This will operate in connection with the standard Leeds City Council appraisal system for ease for process. The criteria for progression will be linked to the ability to demonstrate the required criteria to carry the core duties of the B1 grade along with a minimum of 2 of the 5 non-core responsibilities identified at for the B1 grade.

Progression from A1 to B1 grade will be based on the post-holder satisfactorily demonstrating that, in addition to A1 duties, they meet all the required B1 core duties/responsibilities along with a minimum 2 of the 5 non-core responsibilities of the B1 post.

New appointments will be assessed as part of the recruitment process as to which grade they start on. Normally, assessment for progression will be made on an annual basis

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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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