Refuse

Recycling Officer – Food Waste Collection
Location: PL4, Plymouth
Contract: Temporary role / December 2025 – June 2026 (depending on departmental needs)
Hours: 37 per week
Pay Rate: £15.56 per hour

Pertemps are currently recruiting on behalf of one of our clients for a Recycling Officer to support the rollout of a new Food Waste Collection project.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high‑profile initiative that must be delivered by Spring 2026.
You’ll play a key role in engaging with residents, explaining the benefits of food waste recycling, and ensuring a smooth transition to the new service.

This is a public‑facing role, so confidence, professionalism, and strong communication skills are essential.

Duties will include:

• Resident Engagement: Visiting households to explain the new food waste collection service, answering questions, resolving issues on‑site, and encouraging participation. You’ll act as the public face of the project, ensuring residents feel supported and informed.
• Community Outreach: Attending schools, community groups, and local events to promote recycling and environmental awareness. You’ll deliver talks, workshops, and interactive sessions to inspire positive behaviour change.
• Event Planning & Delivery: Organising and supporting community clean‑ups, recycling campaigns, and environmental events. This includes liaising with partners, preparing risk assessments, ensuring Health & Safety compliance, and supervising staff and volunteers.
• Enforcement & Compliance: Working alongside enforcement teams to address waste‑related issues such as fly‑tipping, contamination, or misuse of containers. You’ll help ensure standards are upheld and take appropriate action when required.
• Customer Service: Acting as a first point of contact for queries and complaints, providing clear information and solutions in line with Council policy. You’ll monitor feedback to improve service delivery and reduce complaints.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Carrying out daily site visits to check standards, recording findings, and reporting issues. You’ll also assist with maintaining records, inventories, and budget monitoring for projects up to £75k.
• Partnership Working: Liaising with Councillors, voluntary groups, and external organisations to develop collaborative projects that enhance recycling participation and improve community environments.
• Education Projects: Designing and delivering initiatives aimed at children and young people, helping them understand the importance of recycling and empowering them to take ownership of their local environment.
• Operational Support: Assisting operational staff when required, including moving equipment, coordinating service requests, and ensuring smooth delivery of waste services.

Skills/Experience  
Essential:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (A*–C / 9–4) or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience in customer service, community engagement, and problem solving.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and risk assessments.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a local authority.
• Funding or grant sourcing for community projects.
• Supervisory experience.
• PACE training.

Click apply to apply now or alternatively call Emily on 01752 601116 for more information.

Please note: Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't heard from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion-but do keep an eye out for future roles with Pertemps!