Salary

£26,205 to £27,042 per annum

Contractual hours

Basis

Full time

Job category/type

full_time - Full Time

Date posted

26/02/2026

Job reference

BREQ0433

We have a great opportunity for Waste Operatives to join our Operations team.
You will work across the full waste service, according to business needs. You will need to be enthusiastic and motivated, and demonstrate a flexible, committed and positive approach to service delivery. Protective clothing and on the job training will be provided.
Braintree District Council is committed to improving environmental issues and maintaining the district’s clean and green operations is high on our list of priorities.
Playing a key part in this, you will carry out a variety of tasks to ensure an efficient front-line service including:

Undertaking the collection of all types of refuse and recycling waste (including, but not limited to green waste, food waste and dry recycling) from residential and commercial premises in various receptacles, across all routes when required to do so i.e. wheeled bins, trade bins, clear, black and blue sacks and food waste caddies and sorting on site where applicable.
Assisting other collection crews as and when instructed to do so.
Assisting the driver in reversing/manoeuvring of the vehicle
Assisting with the daily/weekly maintenance and cleaning of the depot and vehicles
Delivering and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in relation to this service creating a clean, green and safe District for the residents of Braintree.
Assisting in carrying out and recording daily/weekly vehicle and equipment checks in full compliance with the manufacturer’s guidance, driver’s handbook and report any defects using the defect reporting procedure.
When undertaking driving duties maintaining a good standard of driving in relation to road conditions and other road users ensuring the safety of yourself, other employees and members of the public.
Working weekend/bank holidays when required.

The experience you will bring:

Have worked in a physically demanding manual job role/ in an outdoor environment.
Must be physically fit, able to move bags and wheeled bins for the working day and walk for a number of miles a day.
Able to work effectively as part of a team/crew
Experience in a public facing role dealing with customers
Experience with collection/delivery schedules
Worked as part of a Waste Management contract
High degree of awareness in respect of personal health and safety in relation to manual handling and the dangers associated with working continuously in close proximity to the highway.
Good customer service skills
Flexible approach to working hours - The ability to work weekends/bank holidays, sometimes at short notice to meet the needs of the Service.
A valid driving licence is desirable, ideally including entitlement to drive 7.5 tonne vehicles
A valid CPC card is desirable (although relevant training for the CPC card can be provided for the right candidate)

For more information, please see the Job Profile.
To apply, click Apply online.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Why choose Braintree District Council?
Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the District located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.
We also offer some great benefits, including:

Flexible working
Local government pension scheme
Learning and development for all employees
Employee discounts at local businesses
Employee recognition schemes
Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

Make a difference – work for your local council
Every day, our work shapes the place people call home – at your local council, your skills will help build safer neighbourhoods, stronger communities and better futures.
From Planning and IT to Finance, Environmental Services and Operations, and with more routes in than ever, choose from hundreds of roles to find out what works for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, find your own path to a life-changing career.
Find out more at https://localcounciljobs.gov.uk.
Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 15th March.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th March.
Guidance on the application process and helpful hints can be found here: Application Guidance.