Waste Recycling Non HGV Driver Chargehand

Are you an experienced driver with strong leadership skills?

We’re looking for a Non-HGV Driver Chargehand to join our Waste and Recycling team. In this role, you’ll lead a crew, work outdoors, and play a key part in keeping County Durham clean and sustainable. If you want a practical, hands‑on job where your efforts make a real difference every day, this could be the opportunity for you.

NEW FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS

By March 2026, all councils in England must provide weekly food waste collection for households. This is vital for the reduction of landfill waste and the creation of a cleaner, greener future.

Food waste in landfill emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Separate collection allows conversion into renewable energy and compost, reducing emissions and supporting sustainability.

Our Waste and Recycling teams are essential for implementing these changes, ensuring compliance and helping communities transition smoothly.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Our Waste and Recycling service plays a vital role in keeping County Durham clean and sustainable. We’re committed to delivering dependable, timely collections for homes and businesses across the county. As a Chargehand, you’ll take the lead, driving a non‑HGV refuse collection vehicle (up to 7.5 tonnes) and guiding a small, dedicated team to complete daily routes safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving and carrying out safety checks on your vehicle.
• Leading and motivating your crew to deliver high‑quality service.
• Maintaining vehicle safety and cleanliness.
• Ensuring waste and recyclables are collected and transferred correctly.
• Supporting recycling initiatives and resolving contamination issues.
• Providing excellent customer care and advice to residents.

Working hours:

Core service window: Collections typically run between 07:00 and 17:00, including pre‑start checks.

Flexibility: Hours may vary to support service demands and adverse weather.

Standard hours: are across a four‑day working week, with occasional weekend or Bank Holiday working when required. Contractual overtime applies to this role.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role please contact Julia Hardie via email at

PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CV'S

SUPPORT WITH YOUR APPLICATION

As part of this recruitment drive a ‘drop in’ session has been organised for 12th March 2026, where anyone who may require help completing their job application form can attend Morrison Busty Depot, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 7RX
between 1‑4pm to talk to the Area Manager and Area Supervisor.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• Essential qualifications:
  Current Valid driving licence (category C1 minimum)
• Relevant training in an associated discipline.
• Experience of driving non‑HGV vehicles, knowledge of road and traffic regulations, and experience in operational work.
• Knowledge of waste or environmental services and working with the public is important.
• Skills:
  
  Supervisory ability, record‑keeping, good verbal communication, and the ability to work independently.
  
  Supervisory skills
• Personal qualities:
  Commitment to customer care, teamwork, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in‑house driving assessment as part of our pre‑employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 23 March 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), a wide range of discounts through the Vivup lifestyle savings platform, and membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme.

We invest in your future with structured training, mentoring, and support to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to…