Job Description

Salary

25,183 - 25,584 (plus enhancements)

Contractual hours

36

Basis

Full Time

Date posted

25/06/2025

Job reference

REQ002258

Job title:

Assistant Chargehand (B2)

Salary:

Basic SCP 6 - SCP 7 - 25,183- 25,584 - plus enhancements for Bank Holiday/weekend working, plus early/late working payment.

Hours:

36 per week working on a 4 x 3 shift pattern - Start and finish times will vary as you will be required to work an early/late/core/night shift as per the needs of the service

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

City Centre

As an Assistant Chargehand in Environmental Services you'll thrive on working in a fast paced environment, dealing with different challenges and priorities in a service that affects every single resident and visitor to Leeds city centre every day.

It's not just about emptying the bins, or keeping the streets litter free. It's about working with people, being proud of what we do and looking after each other and the environment

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

The city centre is in many ways the shop window to the city and is often the first and last impression that people have of Leeds. The city centre is a major cultural hub with many leisure and visitor attractions. Keeping our city clean and welcoming is vital to both Leeds City Council and key stakeholders especially the City Centre business operators.

The city centre cleansing team works various shift patterns to deliver a wide range of environmental services across the city centre and south bank areas 7 days a week/24 hours a day.

As an Assistant Chargehand you will need to be flexible to cover a number of different working patterns which can include being asked to cover various shifts at short notice as per the needs of the service.

You will receive training to be able to carry out the role which will enable you to carry out a wide range of environmental work as well as some basic front line supervision.

Key requirements

As an Assistant Chargehand you will bring to the role:

Be able to influence and display positive behaviours so that we live the council values in all we do Be customer focussed Have a great work ethic Be flexible in your approach to work Be able to work with a wide range of partners to deliver shared outcomes within the city centre and south bank areas Be able to work on your own initiative sometimes unsupervised and be accountable for your own workload and that of the operational staff on the shift you will be assigned to. Ability to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions with appropriate protective clothing/equipment. Ability to support and work with a chargehand and the wider management team in a high challenge/high support area of work being responsible for the day to day running of an operational shift. Able to issue tasks to staff and challenge individuals where work is not completed to the required standard

MUST have a C1 driving license or have passed your test before 1997

More about the role

Environmental Services cover a wide range of functions and altogether has over 830 staff - spanning operational, back-office, supervisory and managerial roles. It's an exciting time to join us.

The City Centre team has 43 staff spread across various shifts and you will be joining a small pool of multi skilled staff.

The role involves:

Basic supervision of a shift/team of operational staff carrying out a wide range of environmental tasks in the city centre and south bank areas Allocation of work/tasks to staff on your shift and then checking to see if the work has been completed to a high standard. Where this isn't the case challenging staff then working with them/supporting them to reach the required standard. Opening up/closing up of the office at start/finish of shift and ensuring the building is alarmed and secured. Completion of basic paperwork such as completion of rota check sheets, signing off of driver/vehicle related paperwork Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations in line with local safety arrangements such as risk assessments and safe working instructions Being responsible for the issuing of PPE, tools and equipment and monitoring/checking that these items are being used properly and are being looked after Providing regular service updates via the management whatsapp group especially over weekends, bank holidays, events and other busy periods Working closely with the Chargehand and Team Leader to deliver the outcome of clean streets Using a wide range of vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment as needed once full training provided. Attending training courses to become a train the trainer as per service requirement Emptying litter bins, re-cycling on the go bins, removal of bagged waste, litter and any fly tipping as required. Cleaning down of bins and other items of street furniture such as benches and walk it signs Removal of human waste, needles and drugs paraphernalia as required once training provided. Removal of graffiti, fly posting and stickers De-weeding and cutting back/removal of shrubbery/overgrowth Removing leaf fall, silt and debris from the public highway Removal of rough sleeper waste and supporting our colleagues in the street support team to dela with this issue in a sensitive and understanding way Assisting with event clean ups before, during and after to ensure the visitor experience Use various tools such as barrow, brush, shovel, hoe, litter picking tongs and operating machinery such as strimmers and hedge cutters (full training provided) Being an ambassador for Leeds City Council and the City by interacting with visitors, residents and businesses within the City Centre as required

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions


a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words which covers the key requirements as above.

If you are selected to go to the next stage you'll be invited to a short 10-15 minutes phone call/meeting so we can find about a bit more about you, and you can ask any questions you have about the role. This meeting will form part of the recruitment and selection process.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Charlotte Richardson, Area Manager on 0113 3786168 or charlotte.richardson@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the

Skilled Worker visa

route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least 41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Leeds City Council Job Profile

Job purpose

To work as part of a multi-skilled local operational team providing a range of environmental services to local communities. To show initiative, commitment and enthusiasm to ensure the services provided make a difference by supporting and working with residents and local businesses to keep their neighbourhood clean and improving behaviours in relation to disposing of their waste responsibly. As part of that team to drive and take responsibility for the daily upkeep and safe working of fleet vehicles as required (for example a pathsweeper), including the transportation of staff. The post-holder will also be required to supervise onsite operational staff as required by the charge-hand and/or Team Leader###

Responsibilities

To carry out a range of physical tasks to improve the environmental condition and appearance of neighbourhoods on any land as directed, including:-

CLEANING

Lift and remove all detritus from all land as directed that can be achieved by hand brushing/sweeping and manual sweeping equipment. To include offensive detritus such as faeces, vomit, blood and dead animals. Empty/re-bag and effectively clean litter bins and liners and to effectively dispose of/or collect full white litter bags/liners Weed removal using manual and mechanical means such that weed re-growth is prevented. Effectively clean up and wash pavements and other paved areas using equipment provided including street furniture Fit litter bins using both electrical tools and manual tools as required. Effectively clean public conveniences as required. Clear waste material from gardens, binyards and other land as directed

FLY TIP AND HOUSEHOLD BULKY ITEM REMOVAL

Remove fly-tipped and bulky item material as directed for example including loose materials, animal carcases, large items, gas bottles etc and safely load these onto the collection vehicle where required. Report hazardous material fly-tipped on the highway or other land e.g. asbestos, chemicals etc

COUNCIL HOUSING - GARDENS & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT WORKS

Record and report environmental issues as required. Carry out basic clearing and gardening as required

SEASONAL

Manually remove snow, ice, fallen leaves, twigs and small branches from paths/pavements and all other land as required Assist with gritting of paths/pavements and all other land as required. Actively supporting the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand. For example, this may include the supervision of a small number of operational staff working together on a coordinated clean up. To carry out a range of basic investigative, customer contact and community based tasks that support actions to encourage behavioural change within communities to the management of waste; and to help monitor the effectiveness of our service, including:- Play an effective role in a local team of staff that provide a responsive service to the local community which both engages with and works alongside residents, businesses and local groups to maintain clean environments. Communicate effectively with the public and local representatives in the area worked. Assist in the undertaking of basic street/environmental audits as required Deliver local information leaflets and campaign material as required Driving of and responsibility for effective and safe use of fleet vehicles to transport collected waste to waste disposal sites (category B/C1 licence up to 3.5 tonnes) Effective and safe driving and operation of vehicles to mechanically sweep pathways, paved areas and roads (category C1 licence up to 7.5 tonnes or C category over 7.5 tonnes) subject to licence. To deliver work of a high quality, with an understanding of its impact on the quality of life of local residents and visitors alike, carried out safely and professionally, to enhance the reputation of the Council. To work effectively with Council and other public service colleagues in order to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and quality within local environments as is possible. To maintain an awareness and understanding of other issues that affect the environmental appearance and condition of neighbourhoods and report any defects identified e.g. graffiti, pot-holes, overhanging trees, unauthorised fly-posting, damaged street furniture, blocked gullies etc. Undergo relevant training and development e.g. on the job or training courses. This will include training relating to the use of power tools, handling of hazardous materials and other health and safety issues. Undertake all work in accordance in line with health and safety procedures and to report defects or safety concerns identified to the appropriate supervisor/manager. To carry out all work with the highest standards of behaviour and conduct thereby reflecting the importance of the role as an ambassador for the City and the Council. In particular, to respond courteously and professionally to contact with and requests from our customers (i.e. members of the public and Elected Members). To ensure that essential records as required relating to the work of the post e.g. timesheets, job requests, safety documents etc. are completed fully, promptly and accurately. This may be written or electronic (for example using hand-held devices). To ensure that all resources used e.g. equipment, machinery and buildings etc. are kept safe, in good order and condition, and are not exposed to the risk of loss, damage or theft. In addition to the vehicle checks, to keep any vehicles used clean and tidy both inside and out. To flexibly carry out any other duties in line with the general character of the post and consistent with it's level of responsibility as required by the Council . To comply with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Quality Assurance procedures, Health and Safety Regulations and to abide by the councils Equality and Diversity policy. Remove and dispose of needles through agreed protocols. Removal of graffiti through cleaning off or painting over, including the use of specialist equipment as required. To support a range of preventative interventions, such as educational campaigns or activities, to tackle the root causes of environmental issues. Ability to use a range of specialist tools, such as those requiring accredited training. To reactively and proactively investigate instances of flytipping and other forms of inappropriate waste disposal by searching for evidence that may show where/who the waste has come from and to ensure the evidence is appropriately recorded/gathered and referred for further investigation and action by enforcement staff. Ability to allocate and co-ordinate local activities in the absence of the charge-hand so that staff and resources are being safely and effectively used. Actively support the Environmental Action Charge-hand to supervise and co-ordinate zonal teams and where required deputise and cover for the Charge-hand. Supervise the work of sub-teams within a zone as part of day to day duties. Support the Charge-hand in co-ordinating and transporting the deployment of resources (equipment and people) throughout the zone. Supporting the Charge-hand to check work is undertaken in a safe and effective way and to correct standards. To carry out horticultural and garden clearance work including: The clearance and tidying up of gardens of properties that have become void/empty in preparation for the new council tenant To assist a vulnerable tenant where garden maintenance work is required To improve the appearance of a neighbourhood and to prevent obstructions to pathways, ginnels and other publicly accessible walkways/roads. This will include horticultural work; e.g. pruning and cutting back of hedges, bushes, overhanging braches etc, cutting/mowing of grass and removal and control of excessive weeds, plus the removal of waste (including leaves and small branches etc).


The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post

Note:

Whilst staff are expected to show flexibility with regard to the above tasks they will only be carried out following provision of any required training and within agreed risk assessments and health and safety procedures

Location:

The postholder will spend the majority of their working day in the field, and will predominantly work in and a geographically defined area in a locality as part of a local crew/team. The locality and/or area may change depending on the needs of the service and the postholder must expect to move around from time to time or to assist with a particular service issue.

The postholder will be expected to report for work at an agreed meeting point in the area in which they are working.

There will be identified local comfort break facilities within the local area of work.

Work hours and patterns:

Your shift pattern (known as a 4x3 shift) is:

Week 1 - Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Week 2 - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Your hours of work will average 36 hours per week on the above shift pattern which will be agreed locally dependant on service needs. Your working day will be 10.8 hours between 06.00 and 17.30 (inclusive of a 30 minute unpaid lunch break and other comfort breaks as reasonably required). You will be required to work any bank holidays for which you are rostered (excluding Christmas Day Boxing Day and New Year's Day). This is a requirement of the post and is factored into your additional leave entitlement and therefore no further payments or time in lieu will be applicable for those days. There will be occasions when the hours of work need to be varied, for example to start and finish later in order to assist with clean up of a major event. You may also be occasionally required to switch days to assist with the needs of the service, for example to cover for another member of staff. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided. There may be an occasional requirement for additional hours to be worked, through planned overtime, which will be recompensed in accordance with NJC for Local Government Service Terms and Conditions as adopted or amended by the Council or local agreement. A reasonable period of notice will always be provided. There may also be occasions where you could be called upon at short notice and in exceptional circumstances to provide a proportionate response to an emergency situation out of office hours, if you are able to do so. In these situations the Council has the discretion to pay an allowance in accordance with the time worked, or apply an inclusive rate of pay to take into account all features of the job.

Qualifications

Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post and needs of the service, e.g. C1 category licence (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne).

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Possession of licences/qualifications relevant to the work of the post and needs of the service, e.g. C1 category licence (up to 7.5 tonne) or C category (over 7.5 tonne). Basic numeracy and literacy Able to quickly learn new tasks and follow instructions/ route sheets. Able to use basic hand tools and equipment safely, efficiently and skilfully. Able to work to deadlines to high standards in terms of time and work quality Able to work outdoors for long periods and in all weather conditions/ at unsocial hours with appropriate protective clothing/equipment. Able to carry out work which requires on going considerable physical effort possibly with some heavy lifting Able to work as part of a team. Able to provide a community based service and understand that the service is accountable to local people. Able to undertake daily maintenance of fleet vehicles and ensure the safe working and operation of the vehicles Able to undertake basic supervision of a small group of operational staff as required/directed Knowledge of and commitment to the delivery of high quality services and the standards expected when dealing with members of the public

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Experience of using powered and mechanical equipment relevant to the work of the post. Experience of environmental maintenance tasks relevant to the work of the post. Work in an area based team showing initiative and understanding of the impact of the work carried out. Working alone and with minimal supervision. Ability to communicate effectively with customers and Councillors Able to collect and collate evidence and data for enforcement teams which may result in successful prosecutions. * Awareness of the Highway Code and safe working on high speed road networks and arterials routes