Job title: Assistant Chargehand/Driver
Salary: B2 £25,989 - £26,403 pro rata
Hours: 35
Contract: Permanent
Location: Knowthorpe Way
MUST HAVE DRIVING LICENCE UP TO 7.5T (C1)
The Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team currently deliver street cleansing across the city. We currently have around 320 staff working across Leeds picking up litter, emptying litter bins, removing fly tipped waste and using street cleansing vehicles.
Staff work in particular areas & are encouraged to get to know residents and businesses to work with them to make less mess and to help us clean up. There’s a close connection between cleansing and environmental enforcement work in the service & the two sit together well in achieving the goal of cleaner neighbourhoods.
A lot of what we do involves cleaning up our streets and neighbourhoods, but it’s not just about that. We work with residents, businesses and visitors to show what they need to do to help. We’re also ready to step in when people disrespect our environment by fly tipping or dropping litter for example.
We now have a number of operational vacancies, based in various locations across Leeds. We would particularly welcome staff with fresh ideas as well as transferable experiences and skills; to work as part of a team committed to delivering the best environmental service possible. This is an exciting opportunity to be part a service that affects every resident and visitor to Leeds.
Job Description The Job Description and Specification will provide you with more detail about the jobs, but what we are looking for /want, are people who are
1. Customer and people focused;
2. Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions with appropriate protective clothing/equipment;
3. Willing to challenge and come up with alternative solutions to problems;
4. Committed to helping change culture and behaviour so that we live the Council Values in all we do;
5. Able to work co-operatively with others to effectively deliver high quality work and levels of cleanliness;
6. Flexible and have a great work ethic;
7. Able to undertake operational duties as part of the role. This can include driving if you have the appropriate licence.
It is important we have a workforce more representative of the communities we serve. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from women and other currently underrepresented groups within our service.
We operate a 7 day service for the residents of Leeds and we have a number of working patterns available including shift work between the hours of 6am and 5pm. We are also happy to consider flexible and part time hours to work around you. Please specify your availability on your application form.
Why not also email also us a short video saying why you'd make a great addition to the team. We would love to hear from you.
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 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
PURPOSE OF JOB:
To work as part of a multi-skilled local operational team 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.
As part of that team to drive and take responsibility for the daily upkeep and safe working of fleet vehicles as required (for example a path sweeper), including the transportation of staff. The post-holder will also be required to supervise onsite operational staff as required by the charge-hand and/or Team Leader.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
8. 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.
9. Empty/re-bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners
10. Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re-growth is prevented.
11. Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture
12. Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required.
13. Effectively clean public conveniences as required.
14. Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed
FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL
15. 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.
16. Report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land e.g. asbestos, chemicals etc
COUNCIL HOUSING – GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS
17. Record and report environmental issues as required.
18. Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required
SEASONAL
19. Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required
20. Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required.
21. Actively supporting the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand. For example, this may include the supervision of a small number of operational staff working together on a coordinated clean up.
22. 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:-
23. 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.
24. Communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked.
25. Assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required
26. Deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required
27. Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles to transport collected waste to waste disposal sites (category B/C1 licence up to 3.5 tonnes)
28. Effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads (category C1 licence up to 7.5 tonnes or C category over 7.5 tonnes) subject to licence.
29. To deliver work of a high quality, with an understanding of its impact on the quality of life of local residents and visitors alike, carried out safely and professionally, to enhance the reputation of the Council.
30. 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.
31. To maintain an awareness and understanding of other issues that affect the environmental appearance and condition of neighbourhoods and report any defects identified e.g. graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly-posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. To 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 to contact with and requests from our customers (i.e. members of the public and Elected Members).
35. 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).
36. 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. In addition to the vehicle checks, to keep any vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out.
37. To 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 .
38. To comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Quality Assurance procedures, Health and Safety Regulations and to abide by the councils Equality and Diversity policy.
39. Remove and dispose of needles through agreed protocols.
40. Removal of graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment as required.
41. To support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
42. Ability to use a range of specialist tools, such as those requiring accredited training.
43. 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.
44. Ability to allocate and co-ordinate local activities in the absence of the charge-hand so that staff and resources are being safely and effectively used.
45. Actively support the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand.
46. Supervise the work of sub-teams within a zone as part of day to day duties.
47. Support the Charge-hand in co-ordinating and transporting the deployment of resources (equipment and people) throughout the zone.
48. Supporting the Charge-hand to check work is undertaken in a safe and effective way and to correct standards.
49. To carry out horticultural and garden clearance work including:
50. The clearance and tidying up of gardens of properties that have become void/empty in preparation for the new council tenant
51. To assist a vulnerable tenant where garden maintenance work is required
52. To improve the appearance of a neighbourhood and to prevent obstructions to pathways, ginnels and other publicly accessible walkways/roads. This will include 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).
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
LOCATION:
The post holder will spend the majority of their working day in the field, and will predominantly work in 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 post holder must expect to move around from time to time or to assist with a particular service issue.
The post holder 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.
WORK HOURS AND PATTERNS:
The shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift) is:
Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday
Week 2 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Start and finish times to be confirmed.
The hours of work will average 35 hours per week on the above shift pattern which will be agreed locally dependant on service needs. The working day will be 10.5 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and other comfort breaks as reasonably required).
Where shift and/or weekend working forms part of the contractual pattern of hours then an additional allowance will be paid to recognise this.
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.
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.
There may be an occasional requirement for additional hours to be worked, through planned overtime, 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.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.
QUALIFICATIONS
53. Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post and needs of the service, e.g. C1 category licence (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne).
54. Basic numeracy and literacy
SKILLS
55. Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets.
56. Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
57. .Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality.
58. Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
59. Able to carry out work which requires on going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting.
60. Able to work as part of a team.
61. Able to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people.
62. Able to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions.
63. Able to undertake daily maintenance of fleet vehicles and ensure the safe working and operation of the vehicles.
OTHER
64. Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
EXPERIENCE
65. Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
66. Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post.
67. Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
68. Working alone and with minimal supervision
SKILLS
69. Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors.
70. Able to undertake basic supervision of a small group of operational staff as required/directed.
OTHER
71. Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes
72. Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
73. Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
74. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
75. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
76. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
77. Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
78. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
79. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
80. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
81. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters
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