Refuse Recycling Driver – LGV Class 2

WasteRecruit is supporting a Local Authority with the recruitment of LGV/HGV Class 2 drivers for its frontline refuse and recycling collection service.

This is an important and highly visible public-service role. You will drive refuse and recycling vehicles, help deliver safe and reliable collection rounds and represent the council professionally when working around residents, businesses and other road users.

The role

Working as part of a collection crew, you will follow planned routes and ensure that household waste, recycling and Trade Waste are collected and disposed of in line with service objectives. The work also includes supporting street-sweeping operations when required and once appropriately trained.

This is a hands-on driving position rather than a cab-only role. You must be willing and physically able to assist with wheeled bins, containers and bulky household-waste items and to work as a loader when operationally required.

You will drive Category C waste collection vehicles safely and legally, complete vehicle and handover checks, record and report defects accurately and follow planned routes using electronic in-cab systems and paper maps. You will also complete the required operational paperwork and in-cab records and report any collection, access, contamination or safety issues promptly.

The position involves working closely with loaders and other crew members, particularly during reversing and manoeuvring. You will be expected to follow Road Traffic Regulations, health and safety procedures, manual-handling controls and the instructions in place at landfill sites, waste transfer stations and other disposal locations.

Throughout each shift, you will provide a professional and respectful service to residents, businesses, colleagues and other road users.

About you

To be considered, you must hold a valid Category C large goods vehicle licence suitable for the council’s confirmed refuse collection fleet. You must also have a current Driver CPC or Driver Qualification Card and a valid tachograph card.

You will need to be able to pass a driver medical examination and any practical driving assessment required by the council. A sound understanding of Road Traffic Regulations, daily vehicle checks, defect reporting, health and safety and manual handling is also essential.

You must be able to read electronic and paper maps, follow existing planned routes and complete work within the required timescales. The role requires the physical ability to push wheeled bins and safely lift or move containers and bulky household-waste items.

You should be dependable, safety-conscious and comfortable working both with minimal supervision and as part of a collection crew. Good communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with members of the public are important.

You will also need a flexible approach to additional hours and must be able to work Bank Holidays and other statutory collection days when required.

Salary and benefits

The salary is £34,110–£36,862, including a £1,648 market supplement and vehicle-check payment, with a pay award pending. The role is full time at 42 hours per week, including five hours of contractual overtime.

You will receive 35 days’ leave each year, including eight Bank Holidays and three additional days normally applied at Christmas, together with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Additional benefits include an annual leave purchase scheme, a structured induction programme and access to learning and development opportunities, including Future Leaders programmes. The council may also pay one approved professional subscription where applicable.

Employees have access to family-friendly policies, independent health and wellbeing support, generous compassionate leave, retail discounts, the Cycle to Work scheme and a range of other employee benefits.

This is a permanent frontline role offering stability, purpose and the opportunity to provide an essential service to the Rugby community.

Application

Please send WasteRecruit your current CV together with a short summary of your relevant Class 2 driving experience and details of the refuse collection vehicles, rear-steer vehicles or other rigid vehicles you have driven.

Your application should also include your current location, notice period and salary expectations. Please confirm the date you obtained your Category C entitlement, the expiry dates of your Driver CPC or DQC and tachograph card, and details of any live penalty points or driving endorsements.

Please also confirm that you are comfortable undertaking the physical driver-loader duties and working the required hours, including Bank Holidays and additional statutory collection days where necessary.

All applications will be handled in confidence. WasteRecruit is acting as an employment agency in relation to this permanent vacancy.

Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates. Reasonable adjustments, telephone applications and alternative or offline application arrangements can be discussed throughout the recruitment process.