At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and operate street cleansing vehicles to keep Reading clean and welcoming.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council's dedicated Streetscene Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making Reading a vibrant place.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying varied outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Must have a Cat: B or C1 UK driving licence and enjoy working outdoors.
The predicted salary is between 28543 - 29043 £ per year.
We’re looking for a reliable and hardworking Driver/Sweeper to join our comprehensive Street Cleansing Service within the Streetscene Team to help keep our streets clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Our team keeps the town’s pavements, roads and other public areas clean and safe, and we’re looking for new team members to join us! We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About The Role
Shift work – starting at 5.30am and will include working some weekends and bank holidays. A Cat: B or C1 UK driving licence is an essential part of this role and forms part of the shortlisting criteria; therefore you must state you have this on your CV or application form if it is not mentioned you will not be shortlisted. As a Driver/Sweeper, you’ll operate a range of vehicles and street cleansing equipment to maintain high standards of cleanliness across the borough. This includes sweeping streets, emptying litter bins, removing debris, and responding to environmental emergencies. This job is working within the Reading Town Centre and includes driving and manual cleansing duties, so this would suit someone who enjoys varied outdoor work.
Duties Will Include
- Driving the electric vehicle and pedestrian mechanical sweeping machines
- Carrying out street cleansing duties using a range of equipment.
- Maintaining equipment in accordance with checklists
- Ensure assigned areas are cleaned to a high standard
- Follow all health and safety regulations
- Complete daily logs and reports as required
- Supporting the wider street cleansing team as needed
- Manually sweeping and clearing litter from public areas
Ideally the successful candidates will have a proven track record of outside working in a demanding environment, driving tippers and other mechanical sweeping machinery along with an understanding of general vehicle maintenance. You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Benefits
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the 19 Bennet Road depot
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading
✨Join Local Community Boards
Get involved in local community boards or forums related to janitorial services. You'll find job postings and connect with businesses in your area, which can really bolster your chances of landing that full-time gig at places like Local Government South East.
✨Network with Industry Pros
Don't underestimate the power of networking! Attend industry-specific events or workshops in your locality. Chatting with people already in the field can lead you to hidden job opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a simple portfolio that outlines your experience and specific skills in janitorial services. You can showcase before-and-after photos of your work or even testimonials from past employers. This can help you stand out when applying at places like Local Government South East.
✨Apply Directly and Keep it Local
When you see a full-time position that sparks your interest, don’t just apply online. If you can, walk into the company, like Local Government South East, with a smile and express your eagerness to contribute. Nothing beats meeting face-to-face and making that personal connection!
We think you need these skills to ace Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When showcasing your experience, focus on any previous roles in janitorial or cleaning services. Include specifics like the types of environments you've worked in – be it offices, schools, or hospitals – and mention any cleaning techniques or equipment you're familiar with. This will show Local Government South East that you’ve got the practical skills needed for the job!
Certifications Matter:If you have any certifications related to cleaning, health and safety, or equipment handling, make sure to include them in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in your approach, which is crucial in the janitorial industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should explain why you’re interested in working with Local Government South East specifically. Talk about what excites you about the role and how you align with their values. Maybe you love maintaining cleanliness and creating a welcoming environment; let that shine through!
Get Your Availability Clear:Since this is a full-time position, be sure to mention your availability at the beginning of your application. Local Government South East will want to know that you can commit to the hours required, so throwing in your ideal working times can help ease any worry about schedule conflicts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East
✨Know Your Cleaning Techniques
Brush up on various cleaning techniques and equipment you're familiar with. Be ready to highlight specific experiences where you've tackled challenging cleaning situations. This could give the hiring team at Local Government South East a glimpse of your hands-on skills!
✨Safety First!
Make sure you're up-to-date on health and safety regulations relevant to janitorial work. We can expect some questions about how you handle hazardous materials or ensure hygiene—demonstrating knowledge here shows you're serious about your job and safety at Local Government South East.
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a full-time role, be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts and potential overtime. Employers love to see candidates who are adaptable to changing schedules, so share experiences that highlight your commitment and reliability.
✨Present Your Experience!
If you have a portfolio or references from previous jobs in cleaning services, bring them along or have them ready to share. This can strengthen your case at Local Government South East, showcasing your work ethic and the quality of your previous roles in janitorial services.
