Environmental Action Operative

Role Overview

Leeds City Council is seeking an Environmental Action Operative to enhance local community spaces by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness. This full-time position based at Cross Green, Leeds involves a variety of physical duties including litter collection, clearing fly-tipped waste, basic grounds maintenance, and supporting community environmental efforts. Operating within a team environment, you will contribute to maintaining high environmental standards and promoting community engagement in cleanliness.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform street cleansing activities such as litter picking, sweeping, and emptying bins, including hazardous waste like faeces and dead animals.
• Remove fly-tipped materials and bulky household waste safely and efficiently.
• Carry out garden and community improvement tasks including basic clearing and gardening in council housing areas.
• Conduct seasonal duties including snow and ice removal, gritting pavements and public areas.
• Work collaboratively with council teams and external partners to maintain clean and safe public spaces.
• Provide assistance and support to local community groups such as Litter Free Leeds volunteers.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, reporting any defects or concerns promptly.
• Maintain equipment, ensure timely and accurate completion of records such as timesheets and job requests.
• Undertake training to safely use tools, handle hazardous materials, and improve skills.
• Engage courteously and professionally with the public representing the council effectively.
• Flexibly carry out other duties consistent with the role’s responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Ability to rapidly learn new tasks and follow detailed instructions or route sheets.
• Competence in safely and skillfully using basic tools and equipment.
• Capacity to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions, with appropriate protective equipment.
• Physical fitness to perform continuous manual labor including heavy lifting.
• Teamwork skills with a strong community service orientation.
• Commitment to delivering high standards of service and professionalism in public interactions.
• Alignment with Leeds City Council’s core values and behaviours, with a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

Additional Information

• Salary range: £24,413 to £25,989 per annum (grades A1/B1).
• Standard work hours are 37 per week, Monday through Friday.
• Permanent employment contract.
• Work may require travel to various local zonal bases across Leeds.
• The role includes potential progression from grade A1 to B1 upon satisfactory demonstration of added responsibilities.
• Training covering manual handling, use of power tools, hazardous material handling, and health and safety is provided.
• Right to work in the UK is mandatory; sponsorship eligibility requires meeting specific salary and criteria thresholds.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Membership in the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working options depending on service needs.
• Clear career development pathways and opportunities for professional growth.
• Access to various staff wellbeing benefits and financial incentives.