Terrain manager Corné about his work in the waste industry

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Corné proves that not all Waste Heroes are truck drivers or loaders. He is site manager at Blink, a company whose activities include waste collection, cleaning and maintenance of public spaces in the Peel region. As terrain manager, Corné performs inspections on vehicles and containers, visits special locations and, if necessary, interacts with drivers and loaders to discuss possible improvements in routes. "I take care of the quality checks of trucks or (underground) containers, for example, so that our colleagues can continue to collect waste in the best possible way", Corné says.

Corné started his career as a hospitality distribution driver where he learned the ropes as a truck driver. Due to his inquisitive nature, he then worked for a number of different employers in order to gain different skills. However, this wasn’t limited to jobs in the transport sector. "I had some other jobs after that", Corné explains. "I've been a company manager at a recreational park, a tree keeper at a landscaping company and I've even worked as bricklayer."

Eventually, Corné does start looking for a new job. Through a job site, he comes across a vacancy from 24/7 drive. "I saw the vacancy terrain manager. I didn't really know what to expect", Corné says. "Yes well, that you have to deal with waste of course, but the vacancy appealed to me in some way, it actually sounded quite nice. You get the freedom to suggest your own ideas and improvements."

A day never looks the same for Corné. "I always start my day at the office where I discuss with my team leader what needs to be done", Corné says. "Like reports on underground containers, a specific vehicle that needs to be checked and whatever else is going on at the time. The rest is actually quite diverse." For example, he goes out with officers to visit locations where illegal waste has been dumped and has days when he drives from vehicle to vehicle and container to container.

It is clear from Corné's stories that he is having a good time at Blink.  "Yes, I certainly do. The work is very diverse, there is a lot of variety", Corné says. "In addition, my work allows me to make a difference for the colleagues who do the real hard work and put in the effort every day." By that, Corné means his fellow colleague drivers and loaders who collect and sort waste every day. For Corné, they are the real Waste Heroes.

Nevertheless, we also consider Corné a true Waste Hero and would like to thank him for his efforts. It is also thanks to his important work that the streets stay clean, containers are emptied and waste is recycled.

Do you want to be a Waste Hero like Corné? Then take a look among our vacancies on this page.