protecting your community in local government waste management 

Introduction

Each year, the UK generates around 330 million tonnes of waste. Local government waste management officers oversee its safe disposal.
Waste management officers are employed in all types of local councils.
 

Work Environment

Local government waste management officers are usually office-based, but some outside work is required to visit waste sites and to attend meetings.

Daily Activities

Local council waste management services cover the following areas of work:
Waste collection – managed by district, unitary and metropolitan borough councils, this may be done by the council staff or be contracted to outside agents.
Waste recycling – undertaken by all types of council this work involves recycling paper, card, aluminium, glass, textiles, plastic, old electrical goods and organic waste from gardens and allotments.
Waste disposal – managed by county, unitary and metropolitan councils, this involves transporting waste to landfill sites.

Local government waste management officers oversee these activities and get involved in some or all of the following tasks:

• monitoring the quality and performance of the council’s waste services – this involves contract management of external providers, if the council’s waste services are outsourced;
• investigating any complaints about the council’s waste services;
• identifying solutions to problems and ensuring action is taken;
• investigating instances of flytipping;
• providing advice and guidance to businesses and industrial waste sites about waste management issues;
• consulting with residents, community groups, councillors, housing associations and traders associations about waste management issues, identifying their requirements and providing appropriate solutions;
• managing and promoting any new council waste management schemes;
• writing up reports and keeping records.

Skills & Interests

Local government waste management officers need:

• to be excellent communicators,
• good organisational and administrative skills,
• excellent problem solving and analytical skills,
• good IT skills,
• to be calm under pressure,
• an interest in and knowledge of environmental issues and legislation.

Entry Requirements

Most councils ask for a good standard of education including 5 GCSEs/S-Grades (A-C/1-3).  Some employers require a relevant qualification in waste management, such as an HNC in waste management or an N/SVQ level 4 managed by WAMITAB.  They may also ask for experience of dealing with the public.
Some waste management officers have a degree or HND in a relevant subject with modules in waste management, for example, chemistry, biology, engineering, geology.
Some employers may require you to be a member of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM).
 

Estimated salary range

Local government waste management officers might expect to earn £21,000 – £24,700.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.
 

Future prospects & opportunities

With appropriate training and experience, it may be possible for local government waste management officers to move into more senior managerial positions within waste management and environmental services more widely.
Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.
Further Information & Services

Chartered Institution of Wastes Management www.ciwm.co.uk

WAMITAB www.wamitab.org.uk

Energy and Utility Skills www.euskills.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under RB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Waste Management Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com – the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.