We are looking to recruit an Operational Support Assistant to provide high-quality administrative and business support to frontline services within the Refuse and Recycling Service for 18 months. This is a key role within our customer‑focussed support service, helping to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations and contributing to continuous improvement across services that directly impact our communities.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As an Operational Support Assistant, you will work closely with operational managers, supervisors, crews and colleagues across Business Support to provide an efficient, responsive and professional back‑office service. The role requires a flexible approach, strong organisational skills and a commitment to improving systems and processes, including reducing paper‑based working and supporting digital solutions. You will be involved in a wide range of administrative duties, ensuring effective communication with customers, managing service requests and supporting operational and financial processes where required. You’ll be part of a supportive team delivering an essential frontline service, with opportunities to develop your skills, contribute to smarter ways of working and be involved in continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide effective administrative and business support to the Refuse and Recycling Service
- Deal with service requests and customer enquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Support the management of missed collections, replacement bins and recycling service requests
- Maintain accurate records using a range of digital systems and databases
- Support electronic filing, scanning and use of digital systems to improve efficiency
- Assist with invoice processing, income handling and other financial administration where required
- Work collaboratively with operational teams and Business Support colleagues to ensure service continuity and cover during absences
- Contribute to service improvement by challenging existing processes and suggesting better ways of working
- Produce standard letters, reports, guidance notes and routine correspondence
- Maintain accurate records and handle confidential information appropriately
- Support a customer‑focused approach across all areas of work
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Natalie.Ellison@durham.gov.uk or Ann.Harper@durham.gov.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You should have at least five GCSEs (grades A–C) or equivalent, along with experience working in an office or administrative environment. You will be confident using ICT systems and handling data accurately. In addition, you will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines. A positive, flexible approach and a strong focus on customer service are essential. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 3 August 2026. 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), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. 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 and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
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