Job details

Salary: £26,004 to £26,406 per annum (inclusive of allowances)
Location: Brookvale Depot, Northfleet
Status: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours plus 4.5 hours contractual overtime per week
Closing date: 13 September 2026

The role

The postholder will be assisting in the collecting of refuse/recycling from households within the borough. It is essential the postholder provides a high quality service and flexibility to carryout other duties within waste management.

Responsibilities

To undertake refuse/recycling collection from all properties listed on route schedule.
To maintain a good service to the public at all times including: Cleaning up any spillages from refuse/recycling sacks, leaving the street clear of rubbish. This includes the collection of bulky furniture. Avoid damage to property and injury to persons. To behave appropriately and represent the council at all times. To deal courteously with the public. Avoid any acceptance of liability, personally or on behalf of the council.
To assist the driver whilst reversing or manoeuvring, by acting as a banks person, by using appropriate hand or spoke instructions, for which training will be provided.
Instructing any new drivers on the route to be taken.
To assist in the instruction of new or agency Loaders, reporting any concerns or issues to the HGV Driver or Refuse / Recycling Manager, particularly associated with Health and Safety.
To deal appropriately with the public over any queries arising from refuse/recycling services.
To advise the public on any change to collection dates (bank holidays etc) and raise awareness of good practice such as not putting bags out to early etc.
To promote refuse/recycling initiatives with the public, acting as a champion and first point of contact.
To work as a team to ensure completion of each day’s scheduled work. This may mean going back out to help other crews.
To execute workmanship to a high standard and ensure it is carried out in strict compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, and any other relevant legislation covering safety in the workplace for self and others.
Plan and organise the work, materials and equipment according to priorities, the size and complexity of the job, the need to minimise travel and other non-productive time, and the need to keep scheduled appointments.
Provide supervision and guidance to work experience/ apprentices as and when required.
To keep supervisory staff aware of progress and problems in a timely manner.
To carry out gritting, salt spreading and snow clearing, as necessary, during bad weather.

Working for Gravesham

We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.
The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.
Read more information about working for us
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Benefits

A minimum of 23 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
External Occupational Health service
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to EAP Services 24/7
Free parking

Important Information

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job description. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date. Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email. If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please contact Ian Williams. The proposed interview date for this role will be set in the week commencing 29 September 2026

Local Government Reorganisation

In April 2028 Local government in Kent is moving to a new unitary council structure. If you join us now, you will be employed by Gravesham Borough Council in the first instance, but staff are expected to transfer to the new organisation under TUPE arrangements in April 2028. This means your continuity of employment and existing terms and conditions will be protected.

How to apply

We do not accept applications by email. You can apply for this job via our online form.
You will be asked to select the job you are applying for and upload a CV and supporting statement. You will also need to provide details of 2 references so please have these available when starting your application.
Apply for this job

Job Profile

Download the Refuse/Recycling Loader job description
.