Litter Picker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of heightened environmental consciousness, the role of a litter picker has never been more significant.

As our societies strive for cleanliness and sustainability, the demand for diligent individuals who can maintain, enhance, and protect our public spaces grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a litter picker?

Whether you are:

• An individual exploring the responsibilities of this role,
• A recruiter crafting the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of a litter picker,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable litter picker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Litter Picker Duties and Responsibilities

Litter Pickers perform a range of tasks related to maintaining cleanliness in public areas.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that public spaces are clean and free of debris, which often involves physical labor and outdoor work.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Litter Picker include:

• Inspecting public areas such as parks, streets, and public facilities for litter
• Picking up and properly disposing of litter and other waste materials
• Sorting waste materials for recycling whenever possible
• Using hand tools such as litter pickers, brooms, and shovels to gather and remove litter
• Maintaining cleanliness around waste bins and containers
• Reporting issues such as overflowing waste containers, hazardous waste, or vandalism to appropriate authorities
• Performing basic maintenance tasks such as replacing trash bags in public waste containers
• Following health and safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from potential harm or disease transmission

 

Litter Picker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a responsible and dedicated Litter Picker to ensure that public areas, parks, and streets are clean and attractive.

The Litter Picker will be responsible for collecting and disposing of small pieces of waste properly.

A successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and environmental preservation.

You should be physically fit, reliable, and able to work independently.

 

Responsibilities

• Walk around public areas to collect litter and waste.
• Dispose of collected waste in the proper manner.
• Report any larger waste items or potentially hazardous materials to the appropriate authorities.
• Maintain accurate records of litter collection activities.
• Use tools, such as a long-handled litter picker, to assist in litter collection.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks on tools and equipment.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations in relation to waste disposal and use of equipment.
• Promote environmental awareness and litter prevention in the community.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role is beneficial.
• Physical fitness and ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Reliable and able to work independently.
• Strong commitment to public service and environmental preservation.
• Ability to adhere to health and safety regulations.
• Basic knowledge of waste disposal procedures.
• Good communication skills.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Litter Picker
• Work Environment: This position will require working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Supervisor or Parks Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Litter Picker Do?

Litter Pickers, also known as waste collectors or street cleaners, play an essential role in maintaining cleanliness in public areas, parks, and streets.

Their primary duty is to pick up and dispose of trash or litter that has been improperly discarded.

This could be anything from food wrappers, plastic bottles, broken glass to any other form of waste.

They use tools like litter pickers or grabbers, brooms, and shovels to collect trash, often wearing safety equipment like gloves and high-visibility clothing to protect themselves and be visible to traffic.

Some Litter Pickers are also responsible for emptying public waste bins and replacing the liners.

In addition to this, they may report larger dumped items, such as furniture or electronics, to the relevant authorities or teams for removal.

Litter Pickers also play a vital role in raising awareness about the negative effects of littering and encouraging the public to dispose of trash responsibly.

Overall, they contribute significantly to creating a cleaner, safer, and more pleasant environment for everyone.

 

Litter Picker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Litter Picker should possess skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job role, such as:

• Physical fitness and stamina to walk for extended periods, bend, reach and pick up litter in various locations.
• Attention to detail to spot litter in a variety of settings, including parks, streets, beaches, and other public places.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to handle litter and waste materials safely and appropriately.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team to complete the assigned tasks efficiently.
• Time management skills to complete the designated cleaning areas within the provided schedule.
• Good communication skills to interact with the public, report issues or observations, and work effectively with team members.
• Reliability and dedication to maintaining a clean and safe environment for everyone in the community.

 

Litter Picker Experience Requirements

While it may appear to be a simple role, litter pickers can benefit from relevant experience.

Prior experience in a similar role such as a janitorial, waste management, or environmental service position can be beneficial.

Many companies provide on-the-job training, so specific prior experience may not always be necessary.

However, having physical stamina and the ability to perform heavy lifting are often required, skills that can be honed in a variety of roles.

For those aiming for team leader or managerial roles in litter picking or waste management, having at least 2-3 years of experience in the field is often preferred.

This experience could be supplemented with a background in team leadership or management.

In addition, a good understanding of health and safety regulations related to waste handling and disposal may also be required, which can be gained through relevant training or experience.

Finally, as the job often involves working outdoors, experience in outdoor work environments could be considered an asset.

 

Litter Picker Education and Training Requirements

The role of a Litter Picker is typically an entry-level position and does not typically require a formal education or specific qualifications.

However, an elementary level of education is beneficial to understand instructions and carry out tasks efficiently.

The role may require the individual to undergo on-the-job training to understand the health and safety regulations, proper disposal methods, and the use of specific equipment like litter pickers, brushes, or other cleaning tools.

Being physically fit and having the ability to work for long hours, often in inclement weather conditions, are important aspects of this role.

First aid training can be advantageous due to the nature of the work, which might involve handling hazardous waste or working near traffic.

Although not a requirement, some individuals may choose to pursue further education in environmental science or waste management to advance their career in this field.

A valid driving license may be required for roles that involve covering larger areas or moving heavy loads.

Soft skills such as teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are also beneficial in this role.

 

Litter Picker Salary Expectations

A Litter Picker can expect to earn an average wage of $12.49 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as work experience, location, and the organization that has employed them.

 

Litter Picker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a litter picker need?

Litter Pickers should possess a good level of physical fitness and stamina to perform the job effectively, as it often involves hours of walking and bending.

They should also have good attention to detail to ensure that smaller pieces of litter are not missed.

In addition, they should be self-motivated and have a sense of responsibility towards maintaining the cleanliness of the environment.

 

Do litter pickers need any specific qualifications?

No, litter pickers typically do not need any specific qualifications.

However, they should be physically fit to carry out their duties effectively.

Additionally, experience in a similar role can be beneficial, although it is not usually a requirement.

 

What should you look for in a litter picker resume?

A litter picker’s resume should show their ability to work independently and their commitment to maintaining a clean environment.

Experience in a similar role or any manual labor can be a plus.

Additionally, any qualifications or trainings related to health and safety or environmental conservation can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good litter picker?

A good litter picker should be dedicated, reliable and have a strong work ethic.

They should be willing to work in various weather conditions and should have a positive attitude towards their work.

A genuine interest in environmental conservation can also be a valuable quality.

 

What are the daily duties of a litter picker?

A litter picker’s daily duties include walking around assigned areas, picking up and disposing of all litter, and ensuring that the areas are clean and free from debris.

They might also be responsible for separating recyclable items and placing them in appropriate containers.

In addition, they may be required to report any issues, such as vandalism or hazardous materials, to the relevant authorities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the truth about what it entails to be a litter picker.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about picking up trash.

It’s about sculpting a cleaner, greener world, one piece of litter at a time.

With our go-to litter picker job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set to embrace this profession.

But why stop here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards creating razor-sharp job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of litter picked is a step towards a cleaner environment.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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