Welcome to the Environmental Service
Meet some of the team
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Ben joined as a Skilled Groundsperson in 2006, then in 2012 he was promoted to Street Scene Team Leader, supporting the supervisor. In 2017, Ben was promoted to Street Scene Supervisor, in 2019, he was then promoted to Street Cleaning Manager and in 2021, he became the Environmental Services Manager - Operations (North). As part of Ben’s role he manages a team of 63 and oversees the borough’s waste collection services. Ben says “When I joined the Environmental Service I expected to only stay for a short while! But working here has been brilliant. I am really proud at what I have achieved and I am now part of the Environmental Services Management Team and look forward to providing a high standard of service to everyone.” |
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Pete joined as a Groundsperson in 2007, and then he became promoted to a Team Leader in 2011. In 2019, Pete was promoted to Grounds Maintenance Manager, and then in 2021, became the Environmental Services Manager - Operations (South) managing a team of 57 and oversees the borough's technical objectives of street cleaning and grounds maintenance services. Pete says “I have always enjoyed working in an environmental based role and I have been pleased to be able to do this whilst working for Test Valley. The operational roles are so varied and diverse – from waste collection, litter picking and grass cutting verges to preparing sports pitches and planting floral displays. As part of the Environmental Service's management team we are all dedicated in providing excellent services to the public." |
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Eddie joined as a temporary Policy Officer in 2021, then in 2022 he became a permanent team member as one of the service’s Business Support Officers. Eddie works in the Business Support Team which supports the wider service. On a daily basis Eddie helps deal with customer enquiries and supports the operational teams working out and about in the borough. Eddie says “I was so glad to stay on after working in a temporary role, there is such a great community within the Environmental Service and Test Valley Borough Council as a whole! Working within Business Support has given me an opportunity to see an overview of the wide range of services that are provided by the council and assist my colleagues in a variety of tasks which helps to keep my role engaging facing different situations.” |
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Liam joined the Environmental Service as an apprentice. Liam says "I have worked for Test Valley Borough Council for four years. I started as an apprentice on the grounds maintenance team, where I studied for my Level 2 in Horticulture. Since completing my apprenticeship, I have been taken on full time and given the opportunity to build my experience within some of the more prestigious areas in and around Romsey, such as the Green Flag awarded Memorial Park. Test Valley has continued to support my personal development through organising further practical courses and leadership training. I look forward to continuing to be a part of our ambitious, inclusive team, which is an integral part of our local community." |
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Gareth joined the team in 2012, as a Waste Collection Operative. Gareth says "I enjoyed the role and quickly started learning all of the individual waste collection rounds. In 2019, I applied through our higher level training scheme, for a Category B driving licence and successfully passed it. In 2021, I then applied for the Category C driving licence training, which I also passed first time. I was then able to gain experience driving the waste collection rounds in our RCVs. In March 2022, I successfully became a Driver Chargehand. Since then I have been driving my own round. I love the responsibility of my role and I look forward to working with my team. I also enjoy the interaction with the public - you meet someone new every day. The hours are extremely favourable and working here offers a great work life balance. |
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Dave joined the team in 2020 as a Vehicle Technician. Dave says "Having spent the previous 20 years working predominantly on cars and vans it has made a nice change to work on a much more varied fleet of vehicles and equipment. One minute I could be repairing a hedge trimmer and the next I could be repairing a 26 tonne lorry. The Council has helped me to become proficient in this role by offering me training courses and exams leading to professional qualifications. Another key factor has been learning from my colleagues as they have a wealth of experience to share. I enjoy the varied and diverse challenges I face daily as it means no two days here are exactly the same and it’s also nice to serve the community in which I live." |