At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to keep our community spaces clean and welcoming.
- Company: Poplar HARCA, a community-focused housing association in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with weekend cover on a rota basis.
- Why this job: Help transform East London while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for community service.
Location: Poplar HARCA Estates, London
Salary: £31,736 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time - 36.75 hours per week
Closing Date: Friday 3rd July 2026
Poplar HARCA is an award-winning housing and regeneration community association based in East London. We own and manage over 10,000 homes and invest around £4m each year in community regeneration. We’re all about creating opportunities for people in Poplar and Bow. From building new homes, to bringing people together through community events and upskilling residents through training and development opportunities. We’re looking for people to match our passion and help us make a difference. If you’re ready to collaborate, use your skills, and help transform our corner of east London, we want to hear from you.
The Role
To work as part of a team to provide a responsive and comprehensive estate cleaning service. To ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and upkeep for the common / communal areas of Poplar HARCA estate properties. Based on the agreed cleaning standards, complete all duties and responsibilities using appropriate equipment and chemicals in accordance with best practice and Health and Safety guidelines.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To assist in the cleaning of all common parts of Poplar HARCA estates, both in accordance with agreed schedules and guidelines and following instruction from an Estate Services Team Leader or Estate Services Manager which, not exclusively, will include:
- The sweeping and / or washing of all communal staircases, foyers, balconies, passages, courtyards, car parks, hard standing areas, chute chamber rooms and refuse storage rooms/areas.
- The cleaning and / or washing of lift car floors and walls, lamp shades and diffusers, estate signs, estate furniture and other such communal fixtures and fittings as may be prescribed.
- The removal and clean disposal of any overspill in refuse container storage rooms/areas.
- The removal of bulk refuse from the estates.
- The rotation of refuse containers to avoid such overspills.
- The emptying and cleaning of estate litter bins and other waste receptacles.
- The removal of weeds and other plant material, as required, from hard standing areas.
- The removal of all graffiti from the estates.
- Assisting with snow and leaf clearing where required, applying salt on hard surfaces or adopting other appropriate methods as directed.
- To maintain all grassed areas on the estates.
- Taking appropriate care of equipment necessary for the completion of the above duties.
Health & Safety
- To report promptly to a senior officer any matters discovered during the course of their duties, which might be considered to prejudice the health, safety or well being of staff, residents of, and / or visitors to, the estate.
General
- Perform other duties as may be reasonably required by your line manager.
- Conduct yourself in line with Poplar HARCA’s policies, procedures, rules and standards.
Hours of duty and Weekend Cover
Staff will be required to work a 7 hour day, on a rota basis, between the core hours of 8am to 6pm. In addition, all staff will be required to cover routine tasks on a rota basis, one weekend in four. Staff will be paid their normal hourly rate for the completion of this work. Consequently, overtime and travelling expenses are not payable for this work.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Poplar HARCA, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Estate Services Operative in London employer: Poplar Harca
Poplar HARCA is an exceptional employer dedicated to community regeneration in East London, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible impact in the lives of local residents. Join us in creating a cleaner, more vibrant community while enjoying a fulfilling career with a purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Services Operative in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Poplar Harca.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Poplar Harca.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Poplar Harca.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Poplar Harca. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Services Operative in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Poplar Harca. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Estate Services Operative, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Poplar Harca
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Poplar Harca. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
