Cleansing Operative

Cleansing Operative

Full-Time 22000 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
North Yorkshire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Keep our streets clean and tidy while working outdoors with a dedicated team.
  • Company: Join a supportive council team committed to community cleanliness.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and discounts on travel and fitness.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts with extra pay for weekend work and opportunities for training.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
  • Qualifications: Must have a clean driving licence and a passion for quality service.

The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.

As a Cleansing Operative, you will play a vital frontline role within our street cleansing service, undertaking a wide range of outdoor duties across the public realm. This is a safety‑critical role and is subject to the Council’s Workplace Substance Misuse Policy, including random testing.

Working within a dedicated crew, you will support the cleanliness of pavements, footpaths and public areas. Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Carrying out general street cleansing duties including litter picking and emptying litter and dog waste bins
  • Removing weeds, graffiti, fly‑tipping and, where required, dead animals
  • Cleaning public conveniences
  • Assisting with winter maintenance tasks such as snow clearing and gritting
  • Supporting emergency responses, including flood events and the distribution of sandbags
  • Safely operating and maintaining equipment and reporting any defects
  • Following all health and safety procedures, including the use of PPE
  • Representing the Council professionally when dealing with members of the public

This role may involve early starts and weekend work. You will also support the service during adverse weather events, including distributing sandbags, and may help gather evidence for investigations into illegal waste disposal. Training will be provided to work behind a refuse collection truck when required.

What we’re looking for:

  • Experience of working in an outdoor environment
  • Clean and current driving licence
  • A strong commitment to delivering high‑quality services
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Awareness of safe working practices and health and safety principles
  • A flexible approach, including the willingness to work outside normal hours when required

Key Details:

  • 4 day working
  • Shifts between 7:00-17:00 or 10:00-20:00
  • Additional £30 payment for each weekend day worked

You will have access to a range of benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous leave entitlements, green car and cycle schemes, travel loans and retail and gym discounts.

For additional information please contact Richie Sanderson via email at richie.sanderson@northyorks.gov.uk

Cleansing Operative employer: North Yorkshire Council

As a Cleansing Operative with the Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our public spaces. We offer a supportive work culture that values your contributions, alongside excellent benefits such as the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous leave entitlements, and additional payments for weekend work. With opportunities for training and development, this role not only provides meaningful work but also fosters personal growth in a community-focused environment.

North Yorkshire Council

Contact Details:

North Yorkshire Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cleansing Operative

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research the Council's values and services. When you show up for your interview, drop in some knowledge about their initiatives. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.

Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a mate. Focus on how your outdoor experience aligns with the role of a Cleansing Operative. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 3

Dress the part! Even though it’s an outdoor job, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the role and the people you’ll be working with.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Cleansing Operative

Outdoor Work Experience
Clean Driving Licence
Commitment to High-Quality Service
Ability to Follow Instructions
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Health and Safety Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Outdoor Experience:Make sure to highlight any previous work you've done outdoors. We want to see that you're comfortable in the elements and have a knack for keeping things clean and tidy!

Follow Instructions Carefully:Since following verbal and written instructions is key, give examples in your application where you've successfully followed guidelines or procedures. This shows us you can handle the responsibilities of the role.

Communicate Clearly:Good communication is essential, especially when dealing with the public. Use your application to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and how you’ve effectively communicated in past roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire Council

Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Cleansing Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like litter picking, graffiti removal, and operating equipment. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

Showcase Your Outdoor Experience

Since this job involves working outdoors, be ready to discuss any previous experience in similar environments. Whether it’s landscaping, maintenance, or any outdoor work, highlight how this experience has prepared you for the challenges of the role.

Emphasise Safety Awareness

This is a safety-critical position, so be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety practices. Mention any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to following safety protocols and using PPE correctly.

Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit

The role requires a flexible approach, including early starts and weekend work. Be ready to share examples of how you've adapted to changing schedules in the past and how you work well within a team to achieve common goals.