Waste Management Officer

Waste Management Officer (Fixed Term Contract)

Salary: Grade 12 - £28,598 to £32,061 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term until 01/04/2028
Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours per Week
Closing Date: 10/09/2026

About the Role

Our Waste Services team plays a vital role in keeping Somerset clean, safe and sustainable. Working with residents, contractors and partners, the team helps deliver high-quality waste collection and recycling services while encouraging positive environmental behaviours across our communities.

As a Waste Management Officer, you'll help ensure waste and recycling services are delivered effectively across Somerset, supporting both excellent customer experiences and positive environmental outcomes. Working within a collaborative team, you'll build strong relationships with contractors, residents and colleagues to resolve issues, improve performance and support service improvements. This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll have the opportunity to influence behaviour change, contribute to sustainability goals and make a visible difference to communities across the county. Joining Somerset Council means being part of an organisation committed to improving services, protecting the environment and creating positive outcomes for local people.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Monitor waste collection and recycling services, helping to maintain high standards and improve performance for residents across Somerset.
• Work closely with contractors, partners and internal teams to resolve service issues quickly and deliver positive outcomes for communities.
• Support residents to recycle more, reduce waste and use services effectively through engagement, education and behaviour change initiatives.
• Investigate service complaints and operational concerns, identifying solutions that improve customer satisfaction and prevent future issues.
• Use performance information and local insight to support service improvements, projects and initiatives that enhance environmental outcomes.

What You'll Bring

• Experience of working with customers and communities, with the confidence to handle enquiries, feedback and complaints professionally.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with a wide range of people and organisations.
• The ability to analyse issues, identify practical solutions and manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Good IT skills and experience of using systems to record, monitor and manage information accurately.
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team, alongside a commitment to equality, inclusion, health and safety and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Michael Cowdell, Head of Service at Michael.cowdell@somerset.gov.uk

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here:  TR0132 Waste Management Officer.pdf