Waste Supervisor

Job Title: Waste Supervisor
Location: Hertfordshire
Starting Salary: £38,648 with the opportunity to progress to £42,369 pa (pro rata for part-time)
Hours: 40 per week
Contract: Permanent

Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce

To directly supervise the statutory function of HCC as Waste Disposal Authority for the 'in-house’ provision of the Recycling Centre (RC) service. This post is a critical part of the team accountable for the provision of the service to the c. 1.8m service users annually. The service is politically high profile and high value and so the postholder is required to uphold high standards of customer care, performance and compliance across the network of RCs.

Management within geographical zones (which are subject to change and other than weekend cover) of a number of Recycling Centre teams and frequent inspection of the Recycling Centres and, when required, Hertfordshire’s waste disposal, composting and recycling sites including supporting recruitment, disciplinaries and all issues related to the disposal services provided by the Authority.

Incidents, Accidents, Complaints, Customer enquiries. Dealing with these in a professional and competent manner via telephone, face-to-face, in writing (typically email responses). As representatives of the Authority out on the frontline service, the supervisors often have to manage aggressive and on occasion violent and abusive behaviour from Hertfordshire householders when following legislative and internally adopted procedures for waste disposal. The postholder must be capable of competently adapting their behaviour, language and exerting the necessary control on the environment to ensure the safety of themselves, site operatives and other site users. They will be able to competently resolve conflict and to 'head off’ complaints before they escalate beyond a local level. Thorough investigation of complaints, when received and liaison with local police assisting with providing evidence for possible prosecution if required. Providing disposal advice and information to customers and assisting them where required. Conducting site visits for local schools and groups such as scouts, promoting the waste hierarchy and recycling initiatives on the Recycling Centres communicating an understanding of the processes involved for recycling each separated material on the Recycling Centres.

Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring H&S standards on both Recycling Centres and disposal sites including risk assessments, safe systems of work, H&S reviews and ensuring an ongoing awareness of all current legislation applicable to the waste industry. Liaising with the Environment Agency (EA) and the H&S Executive on matters relating to Inspections, permit conditions and the service as a whole. Supporting, responding and actioning reports from the EA as stipulated in the Waste Management licence conditions, development of safe systems of work and their implementation.

Assisting in the management and monitoring of ongoing costs/ budgets for the service, which accounts for c. £7.5 million per annum for the Recycling Centres and advising where reductions in costs may be achieved for a more effective service for the County Council and the taxpayer. Principally, this involves identifying required works at the Recycling Centres, negotiation on costs with suppliers, commissioning and recommendation for approval of payment by the Budget Holder.

Administration; All aspects of invoice evaluation, payments, confirming work orders through an agreed quotation process. Organising regular contract meetings, minute taking, record keeping and compiling agreed agendas. Regular monthly unit and weekly operations meetings with colleagues in the Waste Management Unit

Lone working at Weekends and Bank Holidays for a minimum of 1 weekend in every 2. This forms a significant part of the role where, at times, the only person representing the County Council supervisory and management team may be the Recycling Centre supervisor and, as such, they are delegated responsibility for the adequacy and 'smooth running’ of the entire RC service. To put this in some context, the supervisors will be directly responsible for the service and are therefore responsible for supervising a number of residents and managing the inevitable complex problem solving that comes with a busy service (c. 1.8m residents p/annum). Therefore, decision making in these instances and the responsibility for directing wastes and dealing with problems arising during these busy periods falls to the supervisors which they must do competently and swiftly as a number of issues may arise in anyone day. During other periods, senior managers are available for advice and decision making should they be required.

Essential criteria:

• In-depth knowledge of the waste sector including HWRCs particularly in Hertfordshire
• COTC Level 4 Medium Risk including Transfer of Hazardous waste
• IOSH - Experience managing Health and Safety.
• Demonstrable personnel and general management skills
• Good communication skills
• Familiarity and competence within a political environment
• Leadership skills and resilient to change

Desirable criteria:

• Understanding of HCC values and behaviours

Closing Date: 20th May 2024
Interview Date: TBC