Recycling officer : Employers and vacancy sources

Most local authorities employ permanent, full-time staff as recycling officers, following the introduction of compulsory government targets. Most posts are full time, although you may initially be employed on a short-term contract, a part-time basis or as part of a combined environmental coordinator role. Many councils offer flexible working patterns such as flexitime or job share. Waste minimisation officer jobs are becoming common, and many roles cover both waste minimisation and recycling functions. These posts are available in unitary councils, metropolitan or borough councils, and county and district councils.

Opportunities are increasing for work in private companies that operate practical collection and processing schemes for recyclables as well as green waste composting. Opportunities with integrated waste management companies may provide more diverse roles and increased opportunities to specialise in specific wastes. Such companies also recruit recycling education staff to advise clients. National consultancy firms are also diversifying to cover this growing area of work.

There are many other possible employers worth exploring. Community recycling organisations are another source of vacancies that offer good entry-level experience. Independent charities provide research and development opportunities for specific projects. Long-term opportunities are available with policy and regulatory agencies such as the Environment Agency (EA) .

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)  
• The Big Issue  - for advertisements from community recycling groups.
• Community Recycling Network   
• Guardian Jobs  - Wednesdays.
• LetsRecycle.com  
• Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC)   
• Local Government Opportunities  
• Materials Recycling Week (MRW)   
• Municipal Year Book (MYB) Online    
• New Scientist Jobs  
• Opportunities: The Public Sector Recruitment Weekly   
• National and local press.
• All local authority websites list their own vacancies.

Although recycling officer jobs are rarely advertised through recruitment agencies, some specialist environmental recruitment agencies such as Acre  and GreenRoles  may occasionally advertise vacancies.

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