At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare homes and gardens for new customers with hands-on work.
- Company: Bernicia, a leading housing provider in the North East.
- Benefits: 28 days leave, health cash plan, gym discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Physically demanding role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference in your community while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, good communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
Location: Ashington
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week (flexibility required)
Salary: £25,949 per annum
Closing Date: 30 July 2026 (subject to application numbers). Interviews will be held the following week.
Join our Void Property Team. We're looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Void Property & Gardens Operative to join our busy team. If you enjoy practical, hands-on work, take pride in making a visible difference, and don't mind getting stuck into physically demanding tasks, we'd love to hear from you.
As part of our Void Property Team, you'll help prepare empty homes to our lettable standard, ensuring they are clean, safe and ready for new customers to move into as quickly as possible. No two days are the same. You'll work alongside a supportive team carrying out a variety of tasks, including:
- Clearing furniture, household items and waste from empty properties.
- Waste segregation and responsible disposal.
- Garden maintenance, including grass cutting, hedge trimming and clearing overgrown vegetation.
- Removing sheds, fencing and other garden structures.
- General external clearance and tidying.
- Supporting other void preparation activities as required.
This is not an exhaustive list, and you'll be expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
About the role: Our team is passionate about delivering excellent homes and great customer service. You'll play an important role in ensuring our properties meet our lettable standard while working safely and in line with all health and safety requirements. We invest in our people, and training will be provided for the right candidate. We're looking for someone who is reliable, willing to learn and committed to delivering high-quality work.
About you: To be successful in this role you'll need:
- A positive, can-do attitude and a strong work ethic.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Excellent attendance, punctuality and reliability.
- The ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A full, clean UK driving licence.
- A flexible approach to working hours to meet business demands.
Please be aware that this is a physically demanding role. You'll regularly undertake manual handling, lifting, carrying, bending and prolonged periods of walking and working outdoors. The work can also be dirty and challenging, involving the clearance of heavily cluttered or unclean properties, waste removal and overgrown gardens. You'll need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions and be prepared to undertake a wide range of tasks while maintaining high standards of health and safety.
The Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Health cash plan membership so you can save money by claiming cash back – over £1000 each year - towards essential healthcare such as dental, optical, physio and loads more. We’ll also cover the costs of including any dependent children in the scheme – up to the age of 21 or 24 if in full time education – that you may have.
- Access to savings on gym memberships plus cash back and discounts on purchases from major retailers including supermarkets, travel, cinema and more.
- Generous pension scheme.
About us: At Bernicia, we're all about helping people in need of housing. We believe that a good home makes many other things possible, which is why we're committed to providing quality homes and services that make a real difference. We're one of the North East's largest and most successful housing providers, building, renting, selling and managing homes while providing services to more than 60,000 customers.
Additional Information: This role requires travel for business purposes. You must hold a current and valid UK driving licence.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Gemma Rickard - Housing Services Manager.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than advertised should we receive a high volume of applications.
Void Property & Gardens Operative employer: Bernicia
Bernicia is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, health cash plan membership, and access to discounts on various services. Our commitment to professional growth and a culture that values teamwork and integrity makes Bernicia a rewarding place to build a career in the property maintenance and construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Void Property & Gardens Operative
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Void Property & Gardens Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Bernicia's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Bernicia. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bernicia
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Bernicia.
