Environmental Services Technician

Environmental Services Technician

Location: Sunderland (Multiple locations within city boundary)

Salary:Grade 3 (SCP 7 - 11) £26,403 - £28,142 - pay award pending

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Closing Date: 23rd of August 2026

Make a difference. Keep Sunderland clean. Build a career.

Are you looking for a role where you can make a visible difference to your local community, work as part of a supportive team and develop a long-term career?

Sunderland City Council is investing in its Waste and Recycling Services and we're looking for enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking individuals to join our Environmental Services team.

Every day, our crews help keep Sunderland clean, safe and sustainable. Whether collecting household waste and recycling, delivering bins, supporting bulky waste collections or helping improve recycling rates across the city, you'll play an important role in delivering services that matter.

Why join the Team?

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme Career Development & Progression
• Full induction and training provided
• Opportunities to gain professional qualifications
• Training towards vehicle operation and driving qualifications
• Opportunities to obtain HGV licences and develop specialist skills
• Clear progression routes through Environmental Services grades
• Potential promotion opportunities within Waste, Recycling and wider Environmental Services teams
• Fully Supported Working Environment
• Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided
• Ongoing health and safety training
• Modern vehicles and equipment
• Supportive team environment
• Commitment to employee wellbeing and safety 

What You'll Be Doing
As part of a refuse and recycling collection crew, you will:

• Collect household and commercial waste and recycling safely and efficiently.
• Assist with bulky waste collections from residential properties.
• Identify contaminated recycling and support improved recycling performance.
• Record service information using mobile technology and council systems.
• Work with drivers and colleagues to complete daily collection routes.
• Deliver bins and containers to households and businesses.
• Maintain high standards of customer service when interacting with residents.
• Follow health and safety procedures at all times.This is a physically active role involving regular lifting, walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

 
What We're Looking For
We're interested in candidates who:

• Understand the importance of health and safety.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Have good communication and customer service skills.
• Are reliable, organised and punctual.
• Can work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
• Are willing to learn new skills and undertake training.
• Can adapt to different work locations and operational requirements.
• Previous experience in waste, recycling, environmental services, logistics, highways, grounds maintenance, construction or similar operational roles would be beneficial, but training will be provided.

 
Work With Purpose
At Sunderland City Council, we're proud of our values:
We Innovate
We Enable
We Respect

Join a team that helps keep Sunderland clean and green while building a rewarding career with excellent benefits, training opportunities and genuine prospects for progression.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Sunderland City Council, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.