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Environmental Rapid Response Operative
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Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,
We are recruiting an Environmental Rapid Response Operative to join our Environmental Enforcement team.
This frontline role focuses on responding quickly to waste-related issues, supporting enforcement activity, and ensuring Sandwell remains a clean and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.
About You
We are looking for a committed and proactive individual who can work independently and as part of a team to resolve environmental issues across the borough.
You will need:
- Level 2 qualification in Numeracy and Literacy (or equivalent).
- A full, current driving licence with C1.
- Experience of correct waste disposal and recycling practices.
- Experience working in a team environment and engaging with members of the public.
- A willingness to work flexibly, including early mornings and occasional weekends.
- A good understanding of health and safety at work and safe working practices.
- The ability to maintain accurate records, work outdoors in all weather, and handle items requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness.
You will be dependable, professional, and able to interact confidently with residents, businesses, partners, and council officers. You should also be able to work with minimal supervision and take responsibility for your own actions.
You will be expected to uphold Sandwell Council’s values:
- One Team
- Customer Focussed
- Inclusive
- Ambitious
- Accountable
Uniforms must be worn on duty.
As an Environmental Rapid Response Operative, you will:
- Respond to waste-related issues where residents or businesses have disposed of waste incorrectly.
- Remove fly-tipping and waste accumulations as required.
- Patrol known hotspot areas to identify and prevent environmental issues.
- Gather and record evidence of incorrect waste disposal to support enforcement action.
- Provide written witness statements for enforcement processes and investigations.
- Respond to enquiries and complaints from residents, councillors, and MPs.
- Work closely with Environmental Enforcement Officers, the council’s waste partner, and other departments to resolve issues.
- Maintain accurate manual and electronic records.
- Support the delivery of Sandwell’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) values.
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This is a highly visible, public-facing role that plays a vital part in keeping Sandwell clean, safe, and well-maintained.
The Team
You will be part of the wider Environmental Enforcement service, working alongside Enforcement Officers and other partners to manage waste-related issues and contribute to borough-wide cleanliness and environmental standards.
The role involves partnership working with:
- Other council services
- Our waste contractor
- Community groups and voluntary organisations
- Emergency services and wider stakeholders
This is a supportive and collaborative team environment with opportunities to gain further experience in environmental enforcement and community safety work.
What We Offer
- Flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after 5 years
- Additional concessionary days at Christmas
- Family friendly policies
- Training and development opportunities
- All necessary uniform and equipment
- A stable, friendly, and inclusive working environment
For an informal conversation please contact Mark Smith, Senior Environmental Enforcement Officer, Email mark1_smith@sandwell.gov.uk or Telephone: 07387 065599
Closing date: 19 August 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
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Please submit a CV and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential requirements of the Job Description and Personnel Specification to PPP_Team@Sandwell.gov.uk before the closing date.
Your Supporting Statement should include:
- Your experience of waste disposal, recycling, and environmental work.
- Your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Your communication skills and experience dealing with the public.
- Your knowledge of safe working practices and physical ability to perform the role.
- Your understanding of Sandwell’s values and how you demonstrate them.
- Your willingness to work flexibly and outdoors in all weather.
Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to submit your CV and supporting statement as soon as possible. When submitting your CV and supporting statement, please refer to the supporting documents attached.
Previous applicants need not apply.
If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact PPP_Team@sandwell.gov.uk
For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/counciljobs
Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours
https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/WeAreSandwell/council/story
#WeAreSandwell
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