NLGV Driver Operative - Street Cleansing

Job Description To undertake a range of street cleansing and environmental maintenance duties to ensure that Thurrock's streets, highways, parks, car parks, public open spaces, footways and other areas are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and safety. The postholder will operate and maintain vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), including small mechanical sweepers, and carry out both manual and mechanical street cleansing activities.

The postholder will contribute to delivering an efficient, responsive and customer-focused street cleansing service, helping to maintain clean, safe and welcoming public spaces across Thurrock. The post involves working outdoors throughout the year, often in varying weather conditions. Duties may include manual handling, prolonged periods of walking and standing, operating machinery and working near public highways. The postholder must be prepared to work flexibly across different locations within Thurrock and undertake other reasonable operational duties as required by the service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities Undertake scheduled and reactive street cleansing activities across public highways, footways, parks, car parks and other spaces. Carry out manual litter picking and removal of general waste and debris. Operate pedestrian-controlled mechanical street sweepers. Remove graffiti, fly-tipping, fly-posting, leaves and weeds where required. Empty litter bins and dog waste bins. Remove dead animals and other environmental hazards.

Safely collect and dispose of hazardous waste, including needles, sharp objects and other potentially dangerous materials, in accordance with approved procedures. Drive and operate vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW, including small mechanical sweepers. Carry out daily vehicle and equipment checks to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. Ensure vehicles and equipment are operated in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and safe working practices.

Report defects, damage or maintenance requirements promptly. Ensure vehicles are loaded, unloaded and operated safely. Maintain equipment and hand tools in a clean, safe and serviceable condition. Undertake additional grounds maintenance duties where required, including:
Grass cutting and associated maintenance. Use of blowers and strimmers. Removal of weeds and vegetation. General environmental improvement activities. Support other operational teams when required to ensure effective service delivery. Comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation, council policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work. Wear and correctly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE). Identify and report hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses.

Work safely when operating vehicles, machinery and hand tools. Maintain accurate records of work undertaken, including:
Reasons for tasks not completed. Vehicle checks. Timesheets. Daily work allocation records. Accident and near-miss reports. Use relevant digital systems and applications, including mobile working devices and performance management systems. Report operational issues, service delays and areas requiring additional attention to the Team Manager. Maintain a full and valid driving licence, including Class B categories, and notify management of any changes affecting driving eligibility.

Support colleagues to achieve service objectives and operational targets. Respond professionally to requests from members of the public and Essential requirements Full, valid UK driving licence, including Category

B. Ability to drive and operate a range of non-LGV vehicles, including vehicles under 3,500kg GVW and mechanical sweepers. Relevant certification/training in the use of small mechanical sweepers. Knowledge of basic maintenance and care of plant, equipment, and vehicles. Ability to undertake physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to follow instructions, complete work schedules and maintain accurate records. Desirable requirements Willingness to engage with new systems, including computer-based scheduling and reporting of daily tasks. Experience using blowers, strimmers and other grounds maintenance equipment. RQF Level 2 in Street Cleansing or similar. Knowledge of COPLAR 2019 standards. Trained in herbicide application PA1/PA6. First Aid Certificate.