Category C1 Driver / Team Leader
Directorate: Environmental Services
Department: Waste and Cleansing Services
Location: North Road Depot / Balloo Depot
Reports To: Waste Management Technical Supervisor
Salary Scale: Scale 4 SCP 812
Car User Status: Use of a Council Vehicle
Purpose and Function of the Post
To drive a range of vehicles within the Waste and Cleansing Services and to complete a range of vehicle checks as required. To work as Team Leader ensuring the collection and removal of recyclables, household, industrial and commercial waste, including bulky items from various locations. Carry out street cleaning duties throughout the Borough. The post holder will also provide flexible and effective cover across a range of Council services delivered by the Waste and Cleansing Section.
Ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all issues relating to the work of the Council.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Drive specified Council vehicles in connection with Waste Collection, Recycling and Street Cleansing Services within any given area of the Borough and complete daily/weekly work schedules.
- Provide general guidance and direction to Refuse, Recycling and Street Cleansing Operatives as part of a team and refer public queries to the Technical Supervisor.
- Drive vehicles efficiently, providing a customer-focused service, including the use of in-cab management systems and digital tachographs in compliance with transport regulations and driver hours.
- As Team Leader, provide familiarisation training, support and guidance on the use of plant, vehicle equipment and systems. Keep the team updated on service changes, electronic hardware/software updates, recycling campaigns and in-cab analytics.
- In the absence of regular crew members, advise and direct non-regular crew members on daily routes and carry out refuse/recycling collection duties where required.
- Provide advice and education to the public on recycling and waste management through leaflet drops, recycling bags, bin checks and related initiatives.
- Carry out daily vehicle safety checks before leaving the depot, complete defect reports using in-cab devices where fitted, and submit documentation promptly to the Technical Supervisor.
- Ensure vehicles are fuelled and checked daily, including oil, water and tyre pressures.
- Complete and maintain sweeping schedules or daily logbooks, recording non-collections, damaged bins, incidents and other operational issues using in-cab systems where available.
- Follow reporting procedures for vehicle accidents, breakdowns and damage, completing accident and insurance reports as required.
- Comply with the Road Traffic Act and all relevant driving regulations, ensuring the safety of Council employees and the public, including carrying out risk assessments during severe weather.
- Inspect, collect, empty and return waste containers safely. Collect bulky items, remove debris, illegally dumped waste and animal carcasses from Council-maintained areas.
- Operate and be responsible for electronic and telecommunications systems, including in-cab technology.
- Review daily route data, provide real-time feedback to supervisors and administration staff, and ensure end-of-day data is complete and submitted on time.
- Inform the Technical Supervisor of additional collections, litter issues, illegal dumping or fly tipping encountered.
- Ensure all refuse, recycling and street sweepings are deposited at the Council’s Waste Transfer Station and that vehicles are emptied before returning to the depot.
- Keep vehicles clean inside and out through daily cleaning, ensuring depot vehicle management procedures are followed.
- Promote positive working relationships with customers and the public and support recycling promotion activities including leaflet drops, bin deliveries, surveys and public advice.
- Comply with Council policies and procedures, including equality, health and safety requirements, Safe Systems of Work and the wearing of all issued personal protective equipment.
- Act in accordance with the Local Government Code of Conduct and protect the reputation and public profile of the Council.
- Undertake any other appropriate duties in accordance with the general nature of the post, including covering leave, sickness, vacancies and interchange of duties.
Working Pattern
There is currently one post available based at Balloo ERC, Bangor, working throughout the Borough.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm (9 hours per day). Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday are scheduled days off.
Total: 36 hours per week
Please note: The post holder will be required to work additional hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, as required to meet the needs of the service.
Person Specification
The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.
Qualifications
Desirable
- Relevant qualification in Waste Management.
Experience
Essential
- At least one year’s experience of heavy outdoor manual work.
- At least one year’s experience of dealing with the public.
- Experience of keeping basic records.
Desirable
- At least one year’s experience driving a Category C1 vehicle on a public highway.
- Previous experience working in all weather conditions.
- Previous experience instructing staff.
- At least two years’ experience driving refuse collection vehicles of a similar size and/or type on a public highway.
Key Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Ability to read and understand written instructions.
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Good communication skills.
- Understanding and appreciation of the needs of the public.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Other Requirements
Essential
- Current valid Driving Licence with Category C1 entitlement.
- Commitment to undertake Driver CPC training.*
- Valid Driver Qualification Card with a minimum of 12 months’ driving entitlement.
- Valid Tachograph Card.
- Ability to work outside normal working hours, including evenings and public holidays.
- Appointment subject to satisfactory completion of a driver assessment, medical questionnaire, and pre-employment drugs and alcohol screening.
Desirable
- Current valid Driving Licence with Category C entitlement.
- Training on automated bin lifting systems.
- Training on a Precinct Road Sweeping Vehicle.
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.
*The Council facilitates 7 hours of ongoing CPC training annually. New employees must make up any shortfall at their own expense.
Please note: Applicants who demonstrate they meet the criteria detailed in the Person Specification will be required to produce their original valid Driving Licence, Driver Qualification Card and Tachograph Card as part of the shortlisting process. Failure to provide these documents will result in the applicant not being shortlisted for interview.
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