Are you an experienced HGV driver looking for a role where you can make a real difference in your community?
Were seeking a proactive and reliable individual to join our Refuse and Recycling team as a Chargehand Driver. If youre passionate about delivering excellent service and enjoy working as part of a team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
NEW FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS
By March 2026, all councils in England must provide weekly food waste collection for households. This is vital for the reduction of landfill waste and the creation of a cleaner, greener future.
Food waste in landfill emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Separate collection allows conversion into renewable energy and compost, reducing emissions and supporting sustainability.
Our Waste and Recycling teams are essential for implementing these changes, ensuring compliance and helping communities transition smoothly.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Our Waste and Recycling service is at the heart of keeping County Durham clean and green. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, timely collections for both residents and businesses. Youll be part of a dedicated service, driving a refuse collection vehicle and leading a small crew to complete daily routes safely and efficiently.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Driving a range of refuse collection vehicles (up to 26 tonnes).
* Supervising your crew and resolving operational issues.
* Maintaining vehicle safety and cleanliness.
* Ensuring waste is collected and transferred correctly, following all health and safety procedures.
* Supporting recycling initiatives and dealing with contamination issues.
* Providing excellent customer care and advice to residents.
Working hours:
Core service window: Collections typically run between 07:00 and 17:00, including pre-start checks.
Flexibility: Hours may vary to support service demands and adverse weather.
Standard hours are across a four-day working week, with occasional weekend or Bank Holiday working when required. Contractual overtime applies to this role.
This is a hands-on role where teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail are key. Youll also play a vital part in keeping our streets clean and supporting environmental sustainability.
We encourage you to contact Des Hunt via email at arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To succeed in this role, youll need:
* Essential qualifications: HGV Category C Licence and relevant training in an associated discipline.
* Experience: Driving HGV vehicles, knowledge of road and traffic regulations, and experience in operational work. Knowledge of waste or environmental services and working with the public is important.
* Skills: Ability to keep accurate records, good verbal communication, and the ability to work independently.
* Personal qualities: Commitment to customer care, teamwork, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 2 March
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), a wide range of discounts through the Vivup lifestyle savings platform, and membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme.
We invest in your future with structured training, mentoring, and support to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to upskill, gain new qualifications, or take on more responsibility, well provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed.
Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on option 4) or via email
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.
Well be recruiting in three phases to support the rollout of Food Waste collections across different areas. Please apply for the role(s) in the area(s) where you would like to work.
Vacancies in the south (Chilton Depot, Chilton) will be released from 9 February
Vacancies in the north (Morrison Busty Depot, Annfield Plain, Stanley) will be released from 2 March
Vacancies in the east (Hackworth Road Depot, Peterlee) will be released from 13 April
For further information about the roles and what it is like to work in Waste and Recycling visit Here
SUPPORT WITH YOUR APPLICATION
As part of this recruitment drive a drop in session has been organised for 12th February 2026, where anyone who may require help completing their job application form can attend Heighington Lane Waste Transfer Station between 1-4pm to talk to the Area Manager and Area Supervisor.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Visit our website