Operational Support Assistant

Are you an organised and customer-focused individual looking for an opportunity to support a busy frontline service?

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operational Support Assistant to join the Business Services Team supporting our Refuse & Recycling Service based at Hackworth Road Depot, Peterlee.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will provide essential administrative and operational support to help ensure the smooth delivery of waste and recycling services across County Durham.

Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will liaise with colleagues across the service and play an important role in delivering high-quality customer service and business support.


WHAT IS INVOLVED? 

As an Operational Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide administrative support to the Refuse & Recycling Service.
• Respond to customer enquiries and service requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and filing systems.
• Support the processing of service information and documentation.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and the development of efficient ways of working.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Support business continuity by providing cover across a range of administrative functions when required. 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact:
[email removed] or [email removed]

This post is a temporary maternity cover position for up to 12 months or until the return of the substantive post holder, whichever is sooner.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a motivated and enthusiastic individual to our team.


WHAT WILL I NEED? 

We are seeking someone who:

• Has experience working in an office or administrative environment.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Can prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Is confident using ICT systems and digital processes.
• Works well as part of a team and can adapt to changing priorities.
• Has a positive and proactive approach to service delivery.
• Applicants should hold 5 GCSEs (Grade A-C/Grade 4 or above) or equivalent qualifications.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.


INTERVIEWS 

Interviews will be held week commencing 30 November 2026

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. 


OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.  


EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION  

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.  


HOW TO APPLY?

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.  

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application. 

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on [phone removed], or via email [email removed] 

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [email removed]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. 


CONNECT WITH US 

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Attachments

• RES BS Operational Support Assistant G4 - N9971.docx