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Recycling engagement officer

Alternative titles for this job include Recycling officer, Recycling support officer

Recycling engagement officers run local recycling schemes and promote recycling in the community.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a recycling engagement officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

University

Employers might want you to have a higher national diploma or degree that is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). 

You could choose a subject like waste management or environmental sciences.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course to help you learn some of the skills you need to become a recycling engagement officer.

For example, you could do a Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Sustainable Resource Management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to become a recycling engagement officer.

Relevant apprenticeships include a level 6 environmental practitioner apprenticeship and a level 7 sustainability business specialist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You might find it easier to get a job as a recycling engagement officer if you have some experience.

You could volunteer or work at  a recycling centre to get experience working in waste management. You could also take part in community or environmental based projects to show your interest in local issues. 

Direct Application

You could apply directly to work as a recycling engagement officer. 

It might be helpful if you have experience working on recycling projects and know how to get support from a community. 

More information

You can find out more about careers in recycling from the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • leadership skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • business management skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role, you could:

  • manage local recycling and collection services
  • manage contracts, budgets and fund applications
  • organise and promote local sustainability projects
  • provide advice on waste management and recycling issues
  • recruit and train volunteers
  • investigate complaints

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a waste recycling site.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Environmental Practitioner

  • Wage: £17,194.00 Annually
  • Location: Derby

Environmental Science Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston Upon Thames

Courses In England

Environmental Science

  • Provider: HILLS ROAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: CAMBRIDGE

Environmental Science

  • Provider: CLYST VALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Exeter

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