Assistant Chargehand

Overview

Leeds City Council is recruiting for the role of Assistant Chargehand/Driver, offering a permanent position at multiple locations across Leeds. This role is vital within the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team, which is responsible for maintaining street cleanliness throughout the city by undertaking litter collection, fly tip removal, and street cleansing operations. The role encourages interaction with residents and businesses to promote cleaner environments and responsible waste disposal.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of physical tasks to enhance the cleanliness and appearance of neighborhoods, including hand and mechanical sweeping, removal of detritus (including offensive waste like faeces and animal remains), and emptying litter bins.
• Manage fly tip and bulky waste removal, safely loading materials such as large items or hazardous waste and reporting dangerous substances like asbestos.
• Conduct garden and community enhancement activities including clearing, basic gardening, and tidying up council housing properties.
• Support seasonal tasks such as snow and ice clearance, gritting, and fallen leaves removal.
• Drive and maintain fleet vehicles responsibly and safely, including street cleansing machines (requiring a vehicle license up to 7.5 tonnes).
• Supervise and coordinate onsite operational teams as required, assisting or deputising for the Chargehand, including overseeing work quality and safety compliance.
• Engage with the public and local representatives to encourage environmental awareness and improve community behaviors regarding waste.
• Report environmental defects like graffiti, potholes, and blocked gullies, and undertake minor removal activities such as graffiti cleaning and needle disposal using proper protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely records related to work activities, timesheets, and safety compliance, using written or electronic systems.
• Ensure all resources including vehicles, equipment, and tools are correctly maintained and secure.
• Participate in training programs related to equipment use, health and safety, and safe hazardous material handling.
• Support preventative educational campaigns and investigate incidents of illegal dumping to identify evidence for enforcement actions.

Working Hours and Conditions

The position involves working a 35-hour week within a 4x3 shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day). Working hours are typically between 6:00 and 17:30 with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break and other rest breaks. Shift allowances are paid for weekend and shift work, and some flexibility in hours may be required to support major events or cover colleagues.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid driving license for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes; category C1 or C license preferred for mechanical street sweeping vehicles.
• Ability to work as part of a team delivering consistent, high-quality environmental services.
• Competence in supervising small teams and coordinating activities in the absence of the Chargehand.
• Skills in using specialist tools and equipment safely, following training and health and safety regulations.
• Strong commitment to customer service and professionalism when interacting with the public, members of the council, and colleagues.

Additional Information

• Leeds City Council is a significant regional employer with a strong commitment to employee development, offering competitive salaries, pension benefits, career progression, and wellness initiatives.
• The role is open to applicants with the right to work in the UK; sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa is generally only considered for roles paying a salary of £41,700 or above.
• Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled, and care-experienced individuals, are encouraged to apply.