Closed Landfill Site Operative

Fixed Term, Full Time

£25,959 up to £28,621 per annum

Location: Essex

Working Style: Operational field-based worker

Closing Date: 19th May 2026

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract opportunity for up to 24 months

Full training will be provided

This position will require you to be mobile throughout Essex, a full current driving licence will be required.

The Role

Very varied out door role assisting with the management of former landfill sites to ensure they remain environmentally safe. Contributing to the ongoing generation of renewable energy from landfill gas. As part of this role you will also carry out some grounds maintenance tasks such as Mowing and strimming.

To read more about our business area, please visit:

Climate, Environment and Customer Services

The Opportunity

Essex is committed to ensuring it is a place where business can flourish, communities are supported to be more resilient, collective environmental impact is minimised and strong partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sector are secured to drive joint outcomes.

The Land Operations Operative will be required to carry out direct works and monitoring in connection with the on-going restoration and aftercare of closed landfill sites. The role will support opportunities for income through energy generation and provision of landfill aftercare services for other local authorities.

Accountabilities

Contributes to routine monitoring of closed Council landfill sites for landfill gas, collecting samples of leachate, groundwater and surface water for analysis.

Responsible for inspecting and carrying out routine maintenance work at pollution control infrastructure such as landfill gas flares and leachate treatment systems.

Carries out maintenance, minor repairs and improvements at closed landfill sites to maintain high standards of aftercare.

Work collaboratively with external Contractors or Consultants to carry out more extensive restoration work or investigations.

The Experience You Will Bring

Educated to Level 2 (RQF) or equivalent experience.
Good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment dealing with landfill gas and leachate or similar.

Experience in a landfill, grounds and buildings maintenance or environmental monitoring related activity.
Demonstrates basic use of a computer to store collected monitoring data, with ability to maintain records.
Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety processes and procedures.
Possesses a full current driving licence.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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