Waste operative

Job description

About you:

🌍 Commitment to Inclusion & Community Impact
Exeter City Council emphasises being a fair, inclusive employer and aims to recruit a workforce that reflects the city’s diverse communities. If you share the Council’s values—creating a safer, cleaner, greener, more vibrant Exeter—you’re exactly the kind of person they want.
🤝 Team Culture & Day‑to‑Day Variety
The role is ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork, variety, and practical outdoor work. As a Waste Operative, your tasks can change daily:
Bulky waste collection one day
Delivering bins the next
Working on Refuse Collection Vehicles as part of a larger team
Supporting other areas across the waste and recycling teams
This variety is a core part of the job and contributes to the Council’s task‑and‑finish ethos.
💪 Physical Nature of the Role
This is a hands‑on, physically demanding job. You’ll regularly:
Move bulky items
Handle full wheelie bins / food containers
Lift and carry sacks and containers
It’s a role that keeps you fit, active, and outdoors.
🎓 Training & Development
The Council offers on‑the‑job training, including:
Instruction on different vehicles and machinery in the fleet
Use of in‑cab technology
Opportunities to build skills and expand your knowledge
Your existing experience is valued, and the Council invests in helping you grow.

About the role:

🧹 Waste Operative – Main Purpose:
Working from Oakwood House, Marsh Barton, you’ll join a skilled team responsible for keeping Exeter clean, tidy, and environmentally sustainable. The role involves operating as a Waste Operative, using modern collection vehicles across various waste and recycling rounds, including the city’s new food‑waste collections.
🛠️ Key Responsibilities
Daily waste and recycling collection across the city
Working on Group Team Task & Finish rounds
Handling heavy objects safely using correct manual‑handling techniques
Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and service
Working outdoors in all weather conditions
Supporting all areas of the waste, recycling, and fleet departments
Working independently or as part of a team
🕒 Working Hours & Conditions
Start times: 6am or 7am
Average 37 hours per week, 5 days out of 7
Including catch‑up Saturdays after Bank Holidays, Good Friday, Christmas, and during adverse weather
Overtime available throughout the year
Full PPE provided and must be worn at all times
💪 Requirements
Self‑motivated, flexible, and reliable
Ability to lift and move heavy items
Physically fit with good vision and hearing
Strong teamwork and a positive, “can‑do” attitude
Comfortable working outdoors year‑round
🎁 Benefits (Exeter City Council)
Job security
Generous contributory pension scheme
Up to 29 days paid leave (service‑related)
Training and upskilling opportunities
Occupational health, wellbeing, and employee assistance programmes
Access to refreshment areas, showers, and toilets
Free on‑site parking (limited availability)

About the team:

Waste, Recycling and Fleet is a large, high‑demand service in Exeter:
It Reaches over 61,000 households
Provides services to many local businesses
Conducts 130,000+ collections every week
This scale means the team plays a critical role in keeping the city clean, safe and environmentally responsible.
🧭 Role of the Loaders
Professional loaders work closely with the drivers, together they provide the back bone of the service
Drivers and loaders navigate busy Exeter roads safely and efficiently
The team takes pride in serving residents and maintaining high standards
This reinforces the strong team‑focused culture within the service.
♻️ Commitment to Recycling & Food Waste Expansion
Exeter City Council is actively expanding its environmental initiatives:
Food‑waste collection has already reached over half the city
Rollout will continue until full coverage is achieved
The service is committed to reducing waste and increasing recycling directly from the doorstep
This means Waste Operatives are part of a growing, forward‑thinking service.
📈 Training, Growth & Career Progression
The Council is looking for self‑motivated individuals who want to grow:
Full training is provided
Opportunities to learn new vehicles, machinery and systems
Clear pathways for career progression within the service
If you’re ambitious and willing to learn, this role offers long‑term development.