HGV Refuse Driver Loader

Location Brighton
Job Type Temporary
Salary £16.93 - £25.40 per hour
Reference JN -052025-3798_1750336246
Work Type Office-based

On behalf of our client, we are recruiting for HGV Refuse Drivers. You will be responsible for safely operating and maintaining a large refuse truck, collecting household and commercial waste, and ensuring the proper disposal of materials. You will lead or work with a team of loaders, manage vehicle operations, and adhere to strict safety and regulatory guidelines.

Monday to Friday Shift times:

Early Shift - 06:00-Finish

Late Shift - 12:00-Finish

NB The shift times can vary by up to an hour either way. Occasional weekend days will be required, particularly during peak summer seasons and around Bank Holidays

Pay: £16.93 per hour

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Responsible for driving a Class 2 refuse vehicle, valued at £125,000, and operating the machinery for the refuse loading, including navigating narrow residential roads, some in hilly areas and manoeuvring in tight spaces
  • Drive at all times in a safe and courteous manner, within road and vehicle speed restrictions and strictly in accordance with the law
  • Leading or assisting a team of refuse loaders, ensuring productivity and safety during collection rounds
  • Conducting daily vehicle checks, reporting defects to the Transport team, and ensuring the vehicle is well-maintained and safe for operation
  • Reporting missed collection reasons and any issues encountered on the route
  • Completing necessary paperwork, including driver logs, defect reports, and other documentation related to waste collection and vehicle operation
  • Assisting depot managers when required to ensure the completion of the daily work allocation, undertaking any further similar duties that may from time to time be required, which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post
  • Collecting residential and commercial refuse, recycling, green waste and other waste materials from designated locations, ensuring proper loading and disposal
  • Undertake the collection of bulky waste, clinical waste or other types of waste, as requirements dictate
  • Ensuring waste spillages are cleaned up immediately after they occur
  • Ensure that PPE, including high visibility clothing, is worn at all times, including within the depots
  • You are expected to load a waste collection vehicle all day if you are working as a spare driver, requiring coverage on foot of between 10-20 miles per day. This does not affect your pay rate.
  • Guiding the driver, when working as a Refuse Loader, in crowded areas and through tight situations
  • Interacting with the public in a courteous and professional manner, addressing any concerns or issues related to waste collection
  • Undertaking the loading and distribution of sacks, wheeled bins and other containers as appropriate
  • Attending training as required to remain compliant with Health and Safety regulations
  • Undertake cleansing of the vehicle, including the inside of the cab, on a weekly basis, or more frequently as necessary
  • Comply with regular DVLA checks
  • Adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations, including proper lifting techniques and waste handling procedures

A site induction and full on the job training will be provided with familiarisation of the local areas.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

  • Valid HGV (Class 2) license
  • No more than 6 points on your licence
  • Valid Digital Tachograph Card
  • Valid Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
  • Driving Experience: A minimum of 6 months experience of driving and operating a refuse lorry in the UK
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to perform tasks involving lifting, loading, and operating machinery
  • Physical Skills: Driving a refuse collection vehicle requires considerable hand /eye/limb coordination both for manoeuvring the vehicle and working with a collection team
  • Teamwork and Communication: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues and the public, including at times dealing with angry and abusive customers and motorists
  • Attention to Detail: Accuracy in completing paperwork, reporting defects, and ensuring proper waste handling
  • Knowledge of Relevant Regulations: Understanding of road safety regulations, waste management policies, and health and safety requirements
  • Knowledge of the Brighton and Hove area is desirable along with some 'off road' HGV driving experience and the ability to make route changes to cope with road closures, bad weather and other delays
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, often in a dusty, dirty and smelly environment

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and you may be required to undertake any other duties that may be required from time to time

Own transport preferred to guarantee your prompt attendance for the shift

Please provide your CV to apply for this job role. You will be contacted by our vetting team before a more in-depth telephone interview is conducted.