Forklift Operator Barnstaple
Pay rate: £13.26 per hour
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 4.00pm
Additional working: Saturday working required after a Bank Holiday
Holiday: 28 days per year, including Bank Holidays
About the Role
We are looking for a reliable, practical individual to join our recycling and depot operations team as a Recycling & Depot Operative / Forklift Operator. This is a hands‑on, physically active role offering plenty of outdoor working, variety, and the satisfaction of doing essential work that supports the local community and the environment.
You’ll be part of a supportive team, helping to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant day‑to‑day running of the depot. If you enjoy working outside, operating machinery, and taking pride in seeing the results of your work, this is an excellent opportunity.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Operate a forklift truck to load, move, and transfer recycled materials, waste, and other materials, keeping stockpiles tidy and well organised
- Receive deliveries of stock (bins) and ensure they are stored appropriately
- Empty food stillages into enclosed skips and maintain high hygiene standards in the process hall
- Wash and disinfect stillages and clear spillages using manual scraping and shovelling where required
- Operate balers, sorting equipment, and conveyor lines in line with safety guidelines
- Support the cleanliness, legal compliance, and safe operation of the depot at all times
- Carry out daily routine checks and basic maintenance of plant and machinery
- Comply with all statutory requirements, council policies, and health & safety procedures, including wearing PPE and reporting any concerns
- Remain aware of traffic management arrangements and vehicle movements, ensuring safe working practices are followed
- Take part in training, development, and performance management activities
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required to support a flexible and effective team
Why You’ll Enjoy This Role
- 🚜 Hands‑on and active – no sitting behind a desk
- 🌤 Regular outdoor working in a practical depot environment
- 🔄 Varied, fast‑paced workdays
- 🌍 Essential work that makes a difference to recycling and environmental services
- 👊 Supportive team environment where everyone pulls together
- 🦺 Safety‑focused workplace with training, procedures, and PPE provided
- ✅ Visible results at the end of every shift
- ⏰ Consistent hours – Monday to Friday, 8.00am–4.00pm
- 💷 Great terms – £13.26 per hour and 28 days’ holiday including Bank Holidays
Essential Requirements
- ✅ Valid forklift truck licence – essential
- Comfortable working in a physically demanding, outdoor environment
- Strong commitment to health and safety
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team
Interested? Please apply online or call Driver Hire Exeter on 01392 271311.