HGV Driver - Refuse Vehicle

Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is 'Land of Great Opportunities', for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

Neighbourhood Services are responsible for a number of key council services including waste and recycling, environmental enforcement, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, bereavement services, fleet services and countryside services. These are high profile services that make a significant contribution to the delivery of our corporate plan.

As a HGV Driver - Refuse Vehicle, you will contribute to the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high-quality refuse collection and recycling service. The role ensures waste is collected in line with agreed schedules, service standards, and health and safety requirements, supporting the cleanliness and wellbeing of the community.

This is a permanent, full-time position over a 4 day working week.

Please note, this role is due to commence in February 2027.

• Driving our large fleet of refuse and recycling collection vehicles, alongside our brand-new fleet of state-of-the-art food waste collection vehicles. Each vehicle comes equipped with an in-cab tablet and you will be using the technology daily as part of your role.
• Take overall responsibility for the careful use and maintenance of the vehicle and allocated tools and equipment.
• Loading refuse and be responsible for a small team of professional, dedicated and friendly team of Refuse Collection staff.
• Overseeing the provision of efficient and effective refuse and recycling collection services and ensure that streets, homes and businesses are kept clean, safe and tidy, whilst providing the very best levels of customer service to all members of the community that we serve.

• A class 2 HGV Licence and have experience of driving large heavy goods vehicles (with no historical driving convictions).
• Confidence driving in a variety of urban and rural locations
• Previous experience of in-cab technology is desirable but full training will be given.
• Hardworking, physically fit and healthy
• Have the strength, dexterity and co-ordination to manoeuvre bins and operate hydraulics and the specialist skills associated with the operation of hydraulic equipment.
• Excellent customer service skills

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• 4 day working week

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.

Additionally, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.

Alternative application format:

• Salary: £27,274 - £29,071
• Frequency: Annual
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Closing Date: 6 November, 2026
• Directorate: Place and Regeneration
• Location: Cowley Road Depot, Blyth, United Kingdom
• Job Category Environmental Services / Waste / Recycling/ Parks