Recycling Engagement Advisor

As a Recycling Engagement Advisor, you’ll play a key role in a council-led initiative to help households in Cheshire West & Chester recycle more effectively. Working as part of a friendly, motivated team, you’ll speak with residents on their doorsteps, have short conversations about local recycling services, and help empower them to reduce waste. This role is ideal for confident communicators who care about the environment and want to make a visible impact in their community.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To visit households in pre-selected areas across Cheshire West & Chester to speak with residents.
• Deliver short, informative conversations (usually under 5 minutes) on how to recycle correctly and reduce waste.
• Hand out leaflets and materials to support the campaign.
• Encourage behaviour change by explaining the benefits of recycling and clarifying what goes in which bin.
• Record feedback and container requests via a tablet.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure coverage and meet daily/weekly engagement targets.
• Provide regular feedback to your Supervisor.

Personal Specification

• Excellent verbal communication skills; able to speak clearly and confidently with the public.
• Friendly, approachable, and comfortable initiating conversations on doorsteps.
• Enthusiastic about environmental issues and community engagement.
• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to meet engagement targets.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience in customer service, outreach, or similar roles is a bonus.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is desirable but not essential.

This is a full time position for approximately 6 months starting early August 2025 up to the end of January 2026. This is an outdoor role and you must be willing to work in winter months. You will work as part of a team of 8 Recycling Advisors under the supervision of the Team Supervisor in pre-selected urban areas. You will be provided with an electronic tablet device, an ID badge, plus standard equipment such as bag to carry leaflets and materials, high visibility vests and stationery, etc.

Previous experience of working with the general public in a customer service, canvassing or sales and marketing role will be an advantage, as well as a proven interest in environmental topics. This is an excellent opportunity to get experience working with the council and also in the environmental field.

Full training will be provided including the background knowledge on the Council’s recycling services as well as the ‘rules and procedures’ that must be adhered to.

Terms and conditions

Contract Type

• Fixed-term contract from August 2025 to January 2026 (6 months)
• Option to be hired freelance or PAYE

Working Hours

• Min. 30 hours per week
• Up to 5 shifts per week, each 6 hours + 30-minute break
• Shifts take place between 10am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday
• Flexible schedules available

Pay and Rewards

• Up to £15 per hour, depending on experience and performance
• Travel allowance available
• Winter bonus: £25 per week for work completed between 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026
• Weekly shopping voucher rewards for top performers
• Career opportunity: Up to 3 top performers will be offered permanent roles with Cheshire West & Chester Council

Training and Support

• Local in-person training provided
• Ongoing support via Teams/Zoom and in the field
• Access to council hubs for breaks, materials, and daily briefings

Why this job matters

This role goes beyond a typical job – it’s an opportunity to help tackle climate change and support a cleaner, greener borough. Your doorstep conversations will directly help residents recycle more, reduce waste, and feel part of a positive community effort.

Project duration and key dates

• Training: 30th and 31st July 2025 (Training is paid, but only once you have completed at least four weeks of work, to ensure commitment to the project)
• Duration: Up to 25 weeks – work to commence on 1st August 2025
• Core Hours: 5 x 6.5 hour shifts, including 30 minute break, between the hours of 11:00am to 7:00pm (e.g. 11:00am to 5:30pm, 12:30pm to 7:00pm), Monday to Saturday; minimum of 30 hours per week
• Pay rate: £15.00 per hour. In addition there is a fixed extra daily payment of up to £5 per full worked day as a travel allowance. Bonus payable if weekly performance and quality targets are achieved.
• Application closing date: Wednesday 23rd July 2025 at 17:00.
• Interviews will take place from Monday 7th July to Friday 1st August 2025  via Microsoft Teams.

Essential Requirements

• All successful applicants will be required to provide a copy of their passport or driving licence (photo card version only) and proof of their right to work in the UK.
• All advisors profiles will be passed on to the police.
• All advisors will be required to wear M·E·L branded high visibility vest during work times.
• All advisors are required to report for work at least 10 minutes before the start time of 11am on each work day (Tuesday – Saturday)
• All advisors must make own arrangements to arrive at the designated starting point of each day’s work at their own cost as the travel cost from home to work and back home will not be reimbursed.