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Reading

29/04/2026

Refuse Loader

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary

£28,142 to £31,022 Per year

Contractual hours

Basis

Full time

Region

Permanent / Full-Time

Job category/type

Waste Management

Date posted

22/04/2026

Job reference

DEN1553

At Reading Borough Council we’re committed to providing a high quality effective and efficient waste collection service. We carry out a full range of domestic, recycling, and commercial waste collection services to a high standard, always with an eye to reducing landfill and maximising recycling.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

Collecting waste is one of the most important responsibilities that we have, so we’re looking for people who share our desire to deliver an excellent waste collection service for our communities.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Collection and loading of refuse and recycling in wheeled bins and bags
• Operating compactors and loaders
• Walking 10 miles per day on designated rounds
• Working efficiently in a team delivering consistently high standards
• Excellent customer care skills
• Follow Health & Safety procedures and codes of practice

About you

This is an outdoor job, which requires effective team working, so it’s important that you work well with others and are flexible in your approach to work.

• The ideal candidate should be prepared for physically demanding manual work.
• You will be working in all weathers and must have a can do and flexible attitude.
• Applications from those with a HGV License or willingness to work towards one would be welcomed, to assist with succession planning and annual leave cover arrangements.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a healthy and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at Bennet Road
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact the Recruitment Team at ***email_hidden***

Closing Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026

Interview Date: Monday 18th May 2026

Interview Process: Panel interview at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX

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