Waste Services Driver (Class 2 HGV)

Help keep Rochdale clean, safe, and sustainable.

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to your local community? We have an exciting opportunity to join Rochdale Borough Council's Waste and Recycling Service as a Class 2 HGV Waste Services Driver.

As part of our dedicated team, you'll play a vital role in delivering essential services to residents across the borough. Every day, your work will help keep our communities clean, support recycling efforts, and contribute to a greener future for Rochdale.

We currently have several permanent vacancies available and would love to hear from people who share our commitment to providing excellent services for residents.

Working Hours

37 hours per week over four days
Tuesday to Friday, 7:00am to 4:45pm

Contract Type

Permanent

Location

Green Lane Depot, Heywood, Rochdale

What will you be doing?

As part of this role, you will:

  • Take responsibility for your vehicle and crew, ensuring compliance with driving regulations, transport legislation and the Council's Operator's Licence requirements.
  • Collect a range of waste and recycling materials, delivering a reliable service to residents.
  • Ensure scheduled routes, missed collections and assisted collections are completed efficiently.
  • Drive safely and responsibly in line with road traffic legislation, health and safety requirements and Council procedures.
  • Carry out daily vehicle checks and basic maintenance inspections, reporting any defects promptly.
  • Maintain vehicle cleanliness and ensure vehicles are presented to a high standard.
  • Safely and promptly clear any spillages arising during collections.
  • Complete all required compliance checks, records and documentation accurately using electronic systems.
  • Always wear appropriate uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Report accidents, incidents and near misses in line with Council procedures.
  • Support a positive, safe and respectful working environment for colleagues and residents.

About you

. We're looking for someone who:

  • Holds a valid HGV Class C (Class 2) licence and current Driver CPC qualification.
  • Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Is physically fit and able to undertake a demanding operational role.
  • Works well as part of a team while also being able to use their own initiative.
  • Has a positive, flexible and proactive approach to work.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills and treats everyone with respect and professionalism.
  • Is confident using in-cab technology and completing basic electronic records.
  • Has good literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Understands the importance of health and safety and is committed to safe working practices.
  • Is willing to work flexibly to support service delivery when required.


We recognise that skills and experience can be gained in different ways. If you meet most of the requirements and believe you'd be a great fit for the role, we'd encourage you to apply.


Why Join Rochdale Borough Council?

At Rochdale Borough Council, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to succeed. We are proud of the difference our employees make every day and are continually investing in our people, services and communities.


What We Offer

  • Competitive salary.
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement.
  • A four-day working week pattern (Tuesday to Friday).
  • Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.
  • Opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience.
  • Discounted gym membership.
  • Employee wellbeing support services.
  • Staff networks and support groups.
  • A welcoming, inclusive and supportive working environment.


Our Values

Our values shape how we work, how we support each other, and how we serve our communities.


Passionate About Our Communities

We celebrate the diversity of Rochdale and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.


Pioneering and Open in Our Approach

We are ambitious for Rochdale and continuously look for new ways to improve services, work collaboratively and deliver the best possible outcomes for residents.


Proud of the Difference We Make

We take pride in the positive impact we have on our communities and support one another to achieve great things. We celebrate success and act as ambassadors for Rochdale Borough.


To apply please demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements of the role profile. We suggest that when completing your application form, you use the person specification criteria as headings then give a specific example.


Please include reference to your qualifications that are specified on the person specification within your application.


Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a sponsorship for this role at this stage.


Supporting Documents

↗ Role profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Green Lane, Heywood, Rochdale, OL10 1AH, United Kingdom

Job ID

13016

Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey

We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.

This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to understanding how to use AI responsibly.

You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.

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These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.

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Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach

Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.

To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice.

Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.

This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.

  1. What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?

    AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.

    We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.

    When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.

    This means:

    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

    • Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job

    • Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role

    • All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms

    AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.

    Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.

  2. Using AI in Your Application

    When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team. 

    We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

    We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

    Your application is your chance to show us:

    • Who you are

    • What you can bring

    • The values you hold

    • Why you want to make a difference

    AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.

    AI is most helpful when used to:

    • Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria

    • Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors

    • Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something

    But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.

  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

    Do:

    • Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement

    • Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure

    • Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice

    • Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience

    • Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself

    Don’t:

    • Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application

    • Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have

    • Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements

    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice

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