Waste and Projects Officer

Are you passionate about the environment and committed to making a positive difference in your community? We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Waste Projects Officer to support the delivery of innovative waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting projects across County Durham. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape local environmental initiatives, engage with residents and partners, and contribute to the delivery of national and local waste management objectives.

As a Waste Projects Officer, you will play a key role in identifying, developing and delivering waste management projects and campaigns that encourage sustainable behaviours and reduce waste across the county. Working closely with communities, schools, partner organisations and key stakeholders, you will help promote the waste hierarchy and support the implementation of waste prevention initiatives. You will be responsible for monitoring project performance, evaluating outcomes, preparing reports and sharing best practice to help improve environmental performance across County Durham.

• Support the Waste Projects and Campaigns Team Leader and Waste Strategy Team Manager in delivering strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting projects.
• Deliver community engagement activities, roadshows and educational events.
• Promote key waste management messages and national initiatives at a local level.
• Support projects relating to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
• Work with community groups, schools, residents' associations and partner organisations.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on project outcomes and performance.
• Research best practice and benchmark against other local authorities.
• Identify and support applications for external funding opportunities and awards.

• You will have experience working within the waste management sector and be able to demonstrate successful delivery of projects, campaigns or initiatives.
• You will possess excellent communication and organisational skills and be comfortable engaging with a diverse range of audiences.

• Knowledge of waste management services, legislation and policy.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and partnership working.
• Strong project and time management skills.
• Report writing and data analysis experience.
• Confidence delivering presentations and public-facing events.
• The ability to work independently and effectively manage competing priorities.
• A genuine passion for environmental improvement and sustainability.

• HND/HNC or equivalent in a related discipline.
• Experience of working in the waste management sector.
• Delivery of waste management related projects and campaigns.
• Ability to work independently and manage own workload prioritising as necessary.
• Experience of working in a public facing role.
• Experience of working in partnership with a range of organisations.
• Experience of being able to work in a team.
• Experience in report writing and data handling.
• Ability to work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends when needed.
• A 6-month probation period will apply.

Interviews will be held during November 2026

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

For further information about the post please contact:
Victoria Burrell (Waste Strategy Team Manager), vi or Vicky Bell (Waste Projects and Campaigns Team Leader)

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