Recycling officer

Recycling officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Administrative duties include:

• managing contractors
• working with the media and the general public
• promoting recycling via publications, talks and workshops
• managing community recycling initiatives
• visiting locally based recycling centres, companies, schools and community organisations
• maintaining budgets
• keeping statistical records
• preparing reports, plans, publicity materials and displays.

Typical employers of recycling officers

Recycling officers are primarily employed by local authorities (county, district, borough and metropolitan councils) to reduce domestic and industrial waste by increasing what is reused. However, there may also be positions available with charitable and educational establishments.

Publications advertising vacancies include local and national newspapers, Wastes Management, Opportunities and Municipal Journal. Previous relevant paid or voluntary work experience may be necessary. Common routes into the profession often include working in a support role. Not all positions are full-time and some officers are employed on a temporary basis only.

Qualifications and training required

Any degree discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession, although a relevant qualification in a scientific subject such as environmental science, earth sciences, biology, chemistry or materials science may be preferred. A postgraduate qualification in waste/environmental management can be beneficial, particularly for graduates without an appropriate first degree.

Key skills for recycling officers

• independence
• excellent problem solving skills
• interpersonal skills
• oral/written communication skills.

Knowledge of appropriate environmental legislation can be helpful for job applications.