Garden Waste Officer

Putting great customer service at the heart of a greener community.

Are you passionate about great customer service and keeping our district clean, green and well‑looked‑after? We’re looking for a proactive and well‑organised Garden Waste Officers to join our Recycling & Waste Team, helping us deliver a high‑quality service to residents across Tandridge.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who’s confident with digital systems, passionate about delivering outstanding customer service, and energised by continuous improvement.

About the role

Our garden waste collection service is a high‑profile, subscription‑based service and plays an important part in supporting recycling across the district.

As our Garden Waste Officer, you’ll be the lead contact for garden waste customers, providing friendly, efficient support via phone, e-mail and online enquiries. You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day administration of the service, making sure subscriptions, bin requests and service issues are managed accurately and on time.

As this is a newly established role, you will be required to work full‑time primarily from our Warren Lane depot in Hurst Green or the Council Offices in Oxted for a minimum of 18 months while the service is being integrated.

You’ll work closely with colleagues at our Warren Lane Depot, contractors, and residents to keep the service running smoothly and to a high standard. Main responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main contact for all garden waste customer enquiries.
• Investigating and resolving service issues such as missed collections, contamination or service disruptions.
• Processing subscription requests, renewals, cancellations and amendments.
• Coordinating bin deliveries, removals and replacements.
• Keeping accurate records using digital systems and supporting billing and subscription management.
• Producing reports and performance data to support service monitoring.
• Helping to create and improve customer communications, including renewal reminders and service updates.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience in administration or customer service.
• Is confident using digital systems, databases and Microsoft Office.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and over the phone.
• Can organise their workload effectively and manage competing demands.
• Works well with others and builds positive relationships.
• Pays excellent attention to detail and takes pride in accuracy.
• Is adaptable, proactive and committed to delivering great customer service.

An interest in recycling, environmental services or waste operations is a real advantage.

What we offer

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We believe in balancing hard work with fun. Our active social team organises two to three events a year, ranging from Staff Awards, quiz nights to rounders in the park, helping the workplace to be productive and enjoyable.

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide.

Diversity statement

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail Claire Cooney, Recycling and Waste Manager, ccooney@tandridge.gov.uk or call on 01883 732982.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey is part of the government’s plans for local government reorganisation. This means the current two tier system, where services are split between Surrey County Council and district and borough councils like Tandridge, will be replaced with larger councils, which handle all local services.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When local government is reorganised, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety. The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc.

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.