Environmental Action Chargehand

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

12/11/2024

Job title: Chargehand

Salary: C1 £27,711 - £30,060

Hours: Shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift)

Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Week 2 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Hours of work will average 35 hours per week on the above shift pattern which will be agreed locally dependant on service needs. Your working day will be 10.5 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)

Contract: Permanent

Location: These positions are currently based from our depot in Cross Green however, our service covers the whole city and therefore your area of work may change depending on the needs of the service.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference on the front-line supporting residents and visitors and helping keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy. The Cleaner Neighbourhoods Teams provide a litter picking service, fly-tip removal and some basic grounds maintenance. The Team is also required to help empty litter bins and assist with the collection of unwanted bulky items from households.

As our next Chargehand you’ll work in a team where every day is different. You will be a key member of a local Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team working together across an area of the city. As part of that team, you will be expected to carry out a variety of functions including driving Council vehicles and utilising our mechanical fleet - the job description and specification will provide you with more detail about the role, but we want people who are able to carry out the types of physical work described above and enjoy the challenge of working outside and in all weathers!

About you (some key responsibilities):

As a Chargehand you will bring to the role:

• An ability to supervise, support and coordinate a team of staff including the day-to-day allocation of tasks and ensuring all work is being carried out in a safe and effective manner.
• An ability to keep accurate electronic and written records.
• A friendly and customer focused approach.
• Able and willing to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/route sheets whilst working outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions.
  
  
  

What we offer you:

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
  
  
  

We've built an inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcomed, feels valued and can truly be their authentic self at work. We want our people to be the best they can be, no matter who they are and where they come from. It is important we have a workforce representative of the communities we serve. We have made significant improvements within our management/supervisory posts, however our operational part remains largely unrepresentative. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from women and ethnically diverse groups.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions .

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

Please note - if you do not hear anything from us 2 weeks after the closing date, it means your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion and we thank you for taking the time to apply.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose:

To provide day to day on-site supervision and to work as part of a multi-skilled local crew providing a range of environmental services to local communities. To show initiative, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and working with residents and local businesses to keep their neighbourhood clean and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly. To provide cover for the Environmental Action Team Leader as required.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To supervise and co-ordinate a small team (typically 5-10 operatives) including the day to day allocation of tasks/duties and ensuring work is being conducted in a safe and effective manner.
• To work under the guidance of an Environmental Action Team Leader in ensuring that the resources available are being deployed in the most effective way to deal with environmental issues facing the neighbourhoods in which the team is operating.
• To carry out quality appraisal reviews and one-to-ones for a small team.
• To work with other charge-hand colleagues across the locality at weekends to ensure an effective service is delivered that prioritises the emptying of litter bins, mechanical sweeping and other locally agreed weekend service priorities.
• To be a local, front line point of contact for ward members and key partners who have a role in improving the environmental condition of neighbourhoods in which the team operates.
• To attend meetings where required and provide updates on the work of the team.
• To assist in the recording and collection of performance information that will help the service report to Area Committees on progress against its Annual Service Agreements and to ensure it is publicly accountable for the effective use of resources.
• To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods (any publicly accessible or council owned land), including:
  
  
  

CLEANING

• Lift and remove all detritus from all land as directed that can be achieved by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment. To include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals.
• Empty/re-bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners.
• Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re-growth is prevented.
• Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture.
• Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required.
• Effectively clean public conveniences as required.
• Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed.
• Remove and dispose of needles through agreed protocols.
• Removal of graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment as required.
  
  
  

FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL

• Remove fly-tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcases, large items, gas bottles etc and safely load these onto the collection vehicle where required.
• Report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land e.g. asbestos, chemicals etc.
  
  
  

COUNCIL HOUSING, GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS

• Record and report environmental issues as required.
• Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required.
• To carry out horticultural and garden clearance work including:
• The clearance and tidying up of gardens of properties that have become void/empty in preparation for the new council tenant.
• To assist a vulnerable tenant where garden maintenance work is required.
• To improve the appearance of a neighbourhood and to prevent obstructions to pathways, ginnels and other publicly accessible walkways/roads.
• This will include horticultural work; e.g. pruning and cutting back of hedges, bushes, overhanging braches etc, cutting/mowing of grass and removal & control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).
  
  
  

SEASONAL

• Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required.
• Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required.
• To carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community based tasks that support actions to encourage behavioural change within communities to the management of waste; and to help monitor the effectiveness of our service, including:-
• Reactively and proactively investigate instances of flytipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal by searching for evidence that may show where/who the waste has come from and to ensure the evidence is appropriately recorded/gathered and referred for further investigation and action by enforcement staff.
• Play an effective role in a local team of staff that provide a responsive service to the local community which both engages with and works alongside residents, businesses and local groups to maintain clean environments.
• Communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked.
• Assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required.
• Deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required.
• Support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues.
• To ensure that work carried out by staff is of high quality, carried out safely and professionally and enhances the reputation of the service and the Council.
• Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles (of up to 7.5 tonnes) as required, including path and road sweeper vehicles and the transport of collected waste to waste disposal sites.
• To work effectively with Council and other public service colleagues in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and quality within local environments as is possible.
• To deliver work of a high quality, with an understanding of its impact on the quality of life of local residents and visitors alike, carried out safely and professionally, to enhance the reputation of the Council.
• To maintain an awareness and understanding of other issues that affect the environmental appearance and condition of neighbourhoods and report any defects identified e.g. graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly-posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc.
• Undergo relevant training and development e.g. on the job or training courses. This will include training relating to the use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues.
• Undertake all work in accordance in line with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate manager.
• To carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council. In particular, to respond courteously and professionally to contact with and requests from our customers (i.e. members of the public and Elected Members).
• To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post e.g. timesheets, job requests, safety documents etc. are completed fully, promptly and accurately. This may be written or electronic (for example using hand-held devices).
• To ensure that all resources used e.g. equipment, machinery and buildings etc. are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft. In addition to the vehicle checks, to keep any vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out.
• To flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with its level of responsibility as required by the Council.
• To comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Quality Assurance procedures, Health and Safety Regulations and to abide by the councils Equality and Diversity policy.
  
  
  

LOCATION:

The postholder will spend the majority of their working day in the field, and will predominantly work in a geographically defined area in a locality as part of a local crew/team. The locality and/or area may change depending on the needs of the service and the postholder must expect to move around from time to time or to assist with a particular service issue.

The postholder will be expected to report for work at an agreed meeting point in the area in which they are working.

There will be identified local comfort break facilities within the local area of work.

WORK HOURS AND PATTERNS:

Your shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift) is:

Week 1 – Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Week 2 – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Your hours of work will average 35 hours per week on the above shift pattern which will be agreed locally dependant on service needs. Your working day will be 10.5 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and other comfort breaks as reasonably required).

There will be occasions when the hours of work need to be varied, for example to start and finish later in order to assist with clean up of a major event. You may also be occasionally required to switch days to assist with the needs of the service, for example to cover for another member of staff. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

You will be required to work any bank holidays for which you are rostered (excluding Christmas Day Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). This is a requirement of the post and is factored into your additional leave entitlement and therefore no further payments or time in lieu will be applicable for those days.

There may be an occasional requirement for additional hours to be worked, through planned overtime, which will be recompensed in accordance with NJC for Local Government Service Terms and Conditions as adopted or amended by the Council or local agreement. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided.

There may also be occasions where you could be called upon at short notice and in exceptional circumstances to provide a proportionate response to an emergency situation out of office hours, if you are able to do so. In these situations the Council has the discretion to pay an allowance in accordance with the time worked, or apply an inclusive rate of pay to take into account all features of the job.

Other conditions in accordance with the provisions of the scheme of Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council for the Local Government Services as adopted or amended by the Council.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION - ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post e.g. driving licence.
• Basic numeracy and literacy.
  
  
  

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post.
• Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post.
• Wo r king alone and with minimal supervision.
  
  
  

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors.
• Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets.
• Able to show initiative to tackle new tasks quickly, effectively and with a high standard of workmanship.
• Able to guide others effectively to deliver high quality work.
• Able to work to deadlines and to high standards in terms of time and work quality.
• Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment.
• Able to carry out work which requires on-going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting.
• Ability to work with a range of partners, agencies and teams (inc.elected members) to ensure neighbourhoods are clean and work is responsive to local need.
• With guidance an ability to undertake and support educational/ information/enforcement activity to encourage improved behaviours & sustainability.
• Ability to provide a community based service and understands that the service is accountable to local people.
• Ability to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions.
• Ability to get the best out of people.
• Ability to organise the deployment of staff to undertake tasks.
• Able to use hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully.
  
  
  

OTHER

• Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public.
• Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes.
• Understanding the importance of staff appraisals and one to ones.
  
  
  

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION - DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

EXPERIENCE

• Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out.
• Experience of supervising and/or organising the work of others.
  
  
  

SKILLS

• Able to carry out staff appraisal reviews and one-to-ones.
• Basic skills in the use of office equipment eg basic computer literacy, photo copier.
  
  
  

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