Freight and Waste Operative
We’re looking for a self-motivated individual to join our Waste and Freight team in this hands-on role for the 2026 season. As part of our waste & recycling team, you’ll be at the heart of our sustainability efforts in this practical, energetic role.
We have roles across all our departments and double or twin rooms available. Share our opportunities with your partner or best friend, and let them join your island adventure.
Department: Engineering, Freight and Waste
Salary: From £13.50 per hour, dependent on experience
Benefits: Accommodation included
Hours: Full Time, 40-48 hours per week
Contract Length: Seasonal, March-October
The Role
In this practical hybrid role, you will assist with both our waste management and freight teams. You’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient running of our waste and recycling services, using a modified Nissan truck for the daily collection of waste from our 52 collection sites. You’ll ensure the waste is segregated by residual waste, green and food waste, clean carboard, metal and glass, as well as managing and operating our waste management equipment – including a Bio-digestor, metal crusher, glass crusher and balers.
Liaising and working with the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and St Mary’s Quay, you’ll also ensure that all cargo boats are met at the desired times, on and off load freight in a safe and efficient manner, and deliver freight to both commercial outlets and homes across the island.
You’ll have meticulous attention to detail, making sure all areas are kept clean and tidy at all times, record all waste processed for the island and for the Council of the Isles of Scilly, and be well versed on Health and Safety requirements within your departments.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Must have a full, clean driving licence (essential)
- Preferably have previous experience of waste or recycling
- Will be a natural problem solver, able to develop creative, pragmatic solutions to problems with materials available
- Be able to balance competing priorities
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to manage flexible workloads at different times of the year
- Forklift experience advantageous but not essential
Working and Living Here
If the opportunity to live and work on a subtropical island isn't enough, there's a range of great benefits and perks, including:
- On-island accommodation, minutes from the beach
- Paid relocation to the island at the start of your time with us
- Competitive pay
- 20% off in our restaurants, pub, spa and shops
- Free scheduled boating and camping kit hire, and discounted watersports equipment hire, to help you explore
- And many more...
In order to process any application, we require confirmation you are eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, if you are not, we are unable to help with the necessary paperwork to assist with this.
About Tresco Island
At the heart of the Isles of Scilly archipelago, 28 miles from the Cornish coast, Tresco Island is a family‐run business comprising the whole island of Tresco and the Hell Bay Hotel on the neighbouring island of Bryher.
With timeshare and rental cottages, a 16-bedroom inn, two restaurants, a world-famous garden, a spa, an art gallery, a shop and a working farm, Tresco is a subtropical island known for its deserted bays, aquamarine seas and exceptional guest experiences.
Just across the water on the neighbouring island of Bryher, Hell Bay Hotel stands as Scilly’s highest-rated hotel and restaurant. Our boutique hotel offers 25 suites, a 3AA Rosette restaurant, a Crab Shack and wellness facilities - a haven of calm amidst the wild seascape of Bryher's west coast.
