When you think of a career in the waste industry are you thinking about recycling lines? Think again.

The waste industry is growing every single day, and in turn, so are the job prospects. Check out our latest blog where we follow a day in the life of our Business Performance Partner, Crystal and explore the vast growth within our industry.

Governments are pushing for more green, sustainable jobs to help combat climate change. These include jobs within the waste management, renewables, and agriculture.

In the UK specifically, a Green Jobs Delivery Group has been created to help create and deliver an additional 480,000 skilled green jobs by 2030.

A report by the International Labour Organization has stated that 24 million jobs could be created by 2030, with the shift towards a greener economy.

In addition to the significant growth of the sector, a career in the environmental sector allows you to make a tangible difference. It would allow you to actively contribute to the fight against climate change, which leads to increased job satisfaction.

But Why Get a Job in Waste?

The industry is growing that’s clear, but where are the opportunities?

Despite the typical jobs that would be associated with a ‘green’ job, we have various jobs across our business that work in specialist areas that might not be typically deemed as ‘green’ jobs.

Crystal Fraser works as a Business Performance Partner in our Business Performance Team. The team works alongside our clients to improve their sites and get the most out of their flexible workforce.

Beginning her career in the waste sector in Smart, Crystal joined the business as an Account Manager. She worked directly onsite with clients, where she was able to develop a deep understanding of the practicalities and difficulties of waste management.

This ‘front-line’ experience sparked Crystal’s interest in the industry’s potential to optimise operations and implement sustainable practices.

It was from here that Crystal joined the Business Performance Team, so we thought we’d ask her about her experiences and any advice she has for joining the industry.

Day-to-Day Operations … What Does it Entail?

The main objective of the team is to assist our clients with the efficiency of their site.

This is done in many ways, including:

• Site Visits: A significant portion of my time involves visiting client locations across the country. This allows me to connect with our on-site flexible workers and account managers face-to-face.
• Coaching and Development: Through one-on-one coaching sessions, I help our workers refine their skills, address any challenges, and most of all, ensure they’re thriving in their roles.
• Performance Analysis and Training: Data is key! I analyse our performance measurement system to identify areas where individual and team performance can be improved. Based on these insights, I develop targeted training programs delivered directly on-site.
• Building Relationships: A core aspect of my role is fostering strong relationships with our clients and their site teams. This open communication allows me to gain valuable insights and tailor our services.
• Strategic Workforce Development: Beyond individual coaching, I play a role in developing our flexible workforce as a whole. By analysing performance data, I can identify broader trends and suggest ways to enhance training programs and overall workforce capabilities.
• Continuous Learning: The waste management industry is constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, I actively seek out new learning opportunities. This ensures I can offer the most up-to-date knowledge and best practices to both our flexible workers and account managers.

And yes, no day is complete without a few well-deserved coffees to fuel our busy schedules!

Are There Progression & Growth Opportunities in the Sector?

Absolutely! The waste industry is booming with exciting career progression and growth opportunities.

• Industry Transformation: The focus on sustainability and resource recovery is driving significant change. This shift creates a demand for skilled professionals across diverse areas like operations, engineering, policy, planning, HR, marketing and more.
• Evolving Skillsets: As technology and regulations play a bigger role, the industry requires a broader range of skillsets. This opens doors for individuals with expertise in data analysis, project management, and even communications.
• Lifelong Learning: With constant policy and regulatory updates, the waste industry promotes a culture of continuous learning. This ensures professionals stay sharp and opens doors to career advancement.
• Varied Career Paths: The waste industry isn’t a one-size-fits-all environment. Whether your passion lies in hands-on operations, technical engineering, or strategic planning, there’s a path for you.

The waste industry is no longer just about collection and disposal.

It’s about innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.

This dynamic landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for those who are passionate about making a positive impact.

Want to know more about how Smart ESS can help you find your next ‘green’ role, or if you’re a business looking for your next top talent, contact our experts today.