Veolia
Recycling Operative/Machine Operator

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Salary: £33,646.08 per annum, plus Veolia benefits
Hours: 48 hours per week - Monday to Friday 07:00 to 16:00
Location: Cardiff, CF37 5YL
When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. With one of the largest growing fleets in the UK, our drivers are pivotal to delivering essential services. They work hard to serve their local communities and make a positive impact every day. Whether you’re looking to overhaul the industry, or just do a good day’s work, we know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.
What we can offer you:
- 20 days of annual leave
- Access to our company pension scheme
- Discounts on everything from groceries to well-known retailers
- Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
- One paid day's leave every year to volunteer and support your community
- Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you’ll be doing:
- Operating loading shovel and 360 material handler
- Feeding picking line
- Inspecting incoming loads for prohibited waste
- Reporting defect on plant
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Working around moving vehicles with a traffic management system
- Assisting with housekeeping and fire prevention
- Working in accordance with environmental permit, policies and Business Management systems
What we’re looking for:
Essential:
- Experience operating mobile plant in a waste management, recycling or similar industrial environment
- Loading shovel and/or 360 material handler certification
- Good understanding of health and safety within an operational environment.
- Ability to inspect incoming waste loads
- Ability to work safely around moving vehicles and fixed plant within a busy transfer station
- Willingness to undertake daily housekeeping duties and maintain high standards of site cleanliness
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Willingness to undertake any training required for the role
- Ability to carry out daily pre-use inspections and report plant defects promptly
Desirable:
- Previous experience working at a waste transfer station, recycling facility or similar operation
- Clamp truck licence
- Knowledge of waste acceptance procedures
- Experience loading walking floor trailers


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What’s next?
Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.
We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.
We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.
We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
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