Job Description

External candidates applying for this role must be a Rochdale Resident who lives within the municipal boundaries of the Borough of Rochdale (i.e where the household pays council tax to Rochdale Borough Council).

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Rochdale Council as a Waste Collection Operative (Refuse & Recycling Loader) within the Waste and Recycling Department.


The successful candidate will be based at our Green Lane Depot in Heywood and will have the opportunity to be part of a front-line team providing a key service to residents.


You will work with other team members across various routes that can change daily.


You will need to be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to walk long distances.


You will need to be customer focused, polite and courteous to all customers, members of staff and other members of the public you encounter.

This role is 37 hours per week over 4 days (Tuesday - Friday). Normal daily working hours in this post will be 07.00 - 16.45.

What will you be doing?

You will be responsible for collection of all waste streams, ensuring we always provide our residents the best possible service.


Assisting with missed bins and assisted collections.


Work in a safe manner in line with health and safety and to assist the driver with all reversing manoeuvrers.


Working outside through all seasons and weather conditions providing this essential service.


There will also be an element of vehicle cleaning and light maintenance as we always ensure our vehicles are in excellent condition.


The clearing up of any spillages that occur on the highway as a result of our collections.


Assist your driver with daily compliance and defect checks.


Wear appropriate uniform and protective clothing.


To report all accidents/incidents and near misses as they occur.


To be customer focused when dealing with members of the public and service users when answering their queries or offering assistance.

About you

You should enjoy working outside and be physically fit as the role can be very demanding


To be a team player as well as working well under your own initiative.


You should have a flexible approach to work with a positive attitude with a "can do" attitude and be willing to learn and take responsibility as you develop.

Our benefits

Here at Rochdale Council, we're transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create best value for our staff, communities, residents, visitors and local people.



You'll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!


Why choose us?


We offer a vibrant working environment with:

a competitive salary currently operate a 4-day working week (Tuesday Friday) a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. . lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential. generous leave entitlement

About us

Our Values and Behaviours


Our values are at the heart of how we approach all the work we do.

Pioneering and open in our approach

Were ambitious for the people and place of Rochdale and we think creatively about how we deliver the best possible outcomes, work collaboratively with local people and partners

Proud of the Difference we Make

well celebrate and share our achievements and act as ambassadors for the borough of Rochdale

Passionate about the diversity of the borough

we love the diversity within our workforce and local communities and will strive for excellence in meeting their different needs and aspirations.

To apply please demonstrate how you meet the seven essential requirements of the person specification attached below. We suggest that when completing your application form, you use the person specification criteria as headings then give a specific example.

If you are interested in what we are offering and have the skills we are looking for we want to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Karl Bircher Waste Services Manager on 01706 922098

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.