Shovel Driver/Plant Operative – Chelmsford

Overview

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Chelmsford as a fixed-base worker. The role offers a salary of £29,015 per year plus a 6% flat-rate weekend allowance, stated as £1,704.90 in one part of the advert and £1,740.90 in another. Weekend work is required, and the average working pattern is 37 hours per week.

You must hold a full, valid driving licence. A Material Handler and Loading Shovel qualification is preferred but not mandatory, as full training will be provided. The postholder will be mainly based at a council Waste Transfer Station, though work may be required at other locations across the operational area. You must also be able to travel as needed, either by having access to a vehicle or meeting the mobility requirements in another way.

Role summary

This position involves a varied mix of plant operation, waste handling, traffic management and site safety duties. You will oversee tipping hall activity, make sure articulated vehicles are loaded safely and in line with performance targets, and support contractual tipping arrangements for local district councils and third parties. The role also includes responsibility for safe operation, upkeep and coordination of site vehicles and equipment, working closely with the Site Supervisor or Operations Manager when repairs, servicing or contractor visits need to be arranged.

Key duties

• Supervise and carry out mobile plant activities to manage waste tipped from refuse collection vehicles, including pushing waste into position with the loading shovel and loading lorries.
• Apply and uphold all site-specific rules across Essex County Council waste facilities.
• Make sure everyone on site follows the rules, and where needed, induct and train others so standards are understood and observed.
• Complete pre-use checks on assigned plant or equipment, raise any defects before the shift starts, and carry out basic and preventive maintenance tasks.
• When not operating plant, support with other duties such as weighbridge work or helping the site supervisor with inspections and paperwork.
• Keep the site clean by removing litter and dealing with spillages appropriately.
• Protect equipment, machinery and buildings from loss, damage or theft and keep them in safe working condition.
• Report contamination, non-conforming waste, accidents, incidents, near misses and environmental hazards to the line manager without delay.
• Carry out any other tasks reasonably linked to the post in order to support the service.

Requirements and experience

• A full, valid driving licence is essential.
• A Material Handler and Loading Shovel qualification is an advantage, but it is not essential because full training will be given.
• Previous work in the waste sector is helpful but not required.
• Knowledge of waste operations is desirable.
• Mechanical awareness is needed.
• Experience operating plant machinery is preferred, ideally in the waste industry.
• Experience dealing with members of the public is beneficial.
• Practical manual handling experience is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important.
• You should be able to follow written and spoken instructions accurately.
• You need to be self-driven and willing to complete further training when required.
• The role requires you to work outdoors for long periods in all weather conditions while using appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

Additional information

This post is part of Essex County Council’s Climate, Environment and Customer Services area. The council describes itself as one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic local authorities, serving 1.8 million residents across more than 1,420 square miles. It highlights its focus on public service, innovation, flexible working and continuous improvement.

The organisation is a Disability Confident Leader and will interview disabled applicants under its Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum criteria. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during recruitment. Veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum role requirements will also be interviewed.

Applicants are expected to follow the council’s code of conduct and the Nolan principles throughout the hiring process and in the workplace. If the role requires a DBS check, the successful candidate must register for the DBS Update Service and maintain the annual subscription themselves.

Essex County Council states that it is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share that commitment.

For role-related queries, candidates may contact the resourcing team by email. The advert also references the availability of further information about pay and reward, working practices, the organisation and behavioural expectations.

Working arrangement

The job is site-based rather than remote or hybrid. A flexible approach is mentioned in the wider organisation information, but the role itself is fixed-base and requires attendance across the operational area as needed.