Location
Harlow, Essex

Hours
Full time (hours negotiable)

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
The Environmental Waste Operative is responsible for providing an efficient and reliable waste collection and portering service across The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. You will play a key role in maintaining a safe, clean and compliant healthcare environment through the collection, transportation and disposal of clinical and non-clinical waste. Working as part of the Estates and Facilities team, you will support wards and departments across the hospital, operate waste handling equipment, drive waste collection vehicles, manage waste compounds and respond to urgent service requests. You will ensure that all waste is handled safely and in accordance with Trust policies, environmental legislation and infection prevention standards.

This is a physically active role requiring flexibility, reliability and a customer-focused approach. You will work effectively both independently and as part of a team while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism and service delivery.

Main duties include collecting, transporting and disposing of clinical, non-clinical and recyclable waste across wards and departments; operating waste management equipment including compactors; carrying out daily vehicle safety checks; responding to routine and urgent waste collection requests including sharps and emergency waste containers; maintaining waste compounds and external waste facilities to a high standard of cleanliness, safety and security; ensuring all waste is handled, segregated and disposed of in line with Trust policies and legislation; completing records and reporting incidents; and providing a professional, courteous and customer-focused service to patients, visitors and staff.

The role involves regular walking across the hospital site, pushing and pulling waste containers, operating equipment and working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. You will participate in mandatory and role-specific training to maintain competence and safe working practices. A professional, courteous and respectful approach is essential at all times, as the role involves regular interaction with patients, visitors and staff. You will be expected to uphold the Trust's values and contribute positively to delivering a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible waste management service.

Experience
- Essential: Experience working with the public
- Desirable: Experience in waste services, healthcare environment or similar setting

About you
You will be a flexible, reliable and customer-focused individual with a strong commitment to health and safety. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team, maintaining high standards of professionalism and service delivery. A professional, courteous and respectful approach is essential due to regular interaction with patients, visitors and staff.

Qualifications
- Essential: Level 1 literacy, Level 3 numeracy, Full driving licence
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.