CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
HOURS OF WORK: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
SALARY: Approx £29,000 per annum
BENEFITS: Westfield Health, Cycle to work scheme, EAP, Hargreaves Rewards
CLOSING DATE: 21st April 2026

A vacancy has arisen for a Plant Operative to join our team within our Waste Management Services contract within Hargreaves Industrial Services.

The Plant Operative role will be responsible for operating and maintaining plant equipment safely and efficiently in support of waste processing operations. They will ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and operational standards while contributing to the effective delivery of the waste services contract.

The role briefly encompasses the following duties:-

  • Operate fixed and mobile plant machinery (e.g., loading shovels, telehandlers, compactors, shredders, screeners) in accordance with training and site procedures.
  • Carry out daily checks and routine maintenance on plant equipment, reporting defects promptly.
  • Assist with the receipt, handling, and processing of waste materials in line with environmental and operational requirements.
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to site rules and PPE requirements.
  • Monitor waste streams for contamination and report non-compliant materials.
  • Complete relevant documentation and records accurately (e.g., plant logs, inspection sheets).
  • Support site compliance with environmental permits, health & safety legislation, and company policies.
  • Participate in toolbox talks, safety briefings, and training sessions as required.
  • Provide support to other team members and cover duties during absences or peak periods.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills/experience/ attributes:-

  • Experience operating plant machinery in an industrial or waste environment.
  • Valid tickets/licenses for relevant plant (e.g., CPCS, NPORS, or in-house certification).
  • Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to carry out routine maintenance.
  • Good awareness of health, safety, and environmental practices.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience in the waste management or recycling sector.
  • Knowledge of waste types and handling procedures.
  • FirstSafety-conscious and responsible.
  • Reliable and punctual.
  • Proactive and willing to learn.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing tasks and priorities.
  • First Aid or Fire Marshal training.

What we do:

Hargreaves Waste Management Services (HWMS) is a specialist provider of waste merchanting, EFW fuel supply and total waste management across a wide range of sectors. We deliver safe, compliant, and efficient waste solutions that help clients optimise their environmental performance, maintain operational continuity, and meet all regulatory obligations.

As part of Hargreaves Industrial Services (HIS)—a respected contract management and industrial services provider operating across power, port, steel, rail, and wider heavy industry—HWMS benefits from the strength, capability, and technical expertise of the broader Hargreaves Group. HIS is recognised for delivering large scale engineering, materials handling, civil works, and multi disciplinary project solutions both in the UK and internationally.

At HWMS, our focus is on delivering high quality, dependable waste management and site based services including:

  • EfW Fuel Supply & Feedstock Management
  • Bulk Artic Movements of Waste
  • Waste Disposal & End Destination Management
  • Commodity Trading (Recyclables & Waste Derived Fuels)
  • Total Waste Management Solutions
  • Selby Facility Operations

We are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and professional service to every client we support. Our teams take pride in delivering operational excellence and contributing to cleaner, compliant, and more sustainable industrial environments.

Join Our Team

HWMS—and the wider Hargreaves Industrial Services organisation—is continually looking for committed, passionate, and professional individuals to join our growing team. If you’re interested in a rewarding career with us, we’d be pleased to hear from you. Please submit your CV to our HR Department and quote Ref. HIS3361 when applying: his.recruitment@hsgplc.co.uk.