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- Tasks: Keep the city clean and tidy while interacting with residents.
- Company: Join a large, dynamic organisation making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Full training provided, uniform and PPE included, flexible hours.
- Other info: Physical role with opportunities for career growth and qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Motivated, hard-working, and able to communicate effectively.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 14 £ per hour.
Hours per week: 15 (Saturday - Sunday 16:30 - 00:30 in Summer & Saturday - Sunday 15:30 - 23:30 in Winter)
The purpose of our service is to help keep the city safe, clean and tidy and provide advice/support when needed.
Why work for us?
- Make a difference to your community
- Join a large and dynamic organisation
- Full training provided although previous cleaning experience would be an advantage
- Uniform and PPE provided
What is the role?
- Carrying out cleaning tasks at various sites including high‑rise blocks, sheltered schemes, playparks, public conveniences and carparks.
- Specialist cleaning tasks may also be required including carpet cleaning and floor buffing for which full training will be provided.
- Internal and external cleaning throughout the year; it is expected that you will be working in all weathers.
- In addition to cleaning around the estate, you will be required to interact with residents as well as report bulky items, communal repairs, and anti‑social behaviour issues to relevant departments.
- Demonstrating a good understanding of Health & Safety practices and being able to demonstrate safe methods of work when cleaning which promotes the health and safety of yourself and others.
- Using equipment such as backpack hover, motor scrubber and I‑Mop, correctly and carrying out regular care and maintenance.
- This is quite a physical role involving using stairs, emptying full bins, and manoeuvring a cleaning cart.
- This role requires lone working at times and working on bank holidays.
Who is the person?
- Motivated, hard‑working, and conscientious individual who can use initiative and take pride in the work.
- Team‑player with good self‑awareness, supporting others in meeting the Green & Clean purpose.
- Confident and calm person who can be diplomatic in challenging situations.
- Capable of making good decisions, taking responsibility for actions and learning from any mistakes made.
- Ability to converse at ease with customers and colleagues in accurate spoken English.
- Effective communicator and good listener.
- Flexible and able to adapt to changing work situations, moving between different teams and sites, sometimes at short notice.
- Good time‑keeping as a key holder; able to prioritise tasks and carry out workload in an organised and methodical way.
- Honest person with a positive attitude and good work ethic.
- Full UK driving licence essential.
Location: Port Royal Street housing depot, Portsmouth
Closing Date: 25/05/2026
Weekend Cleaning Operative in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Cleaning Operative in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission, especially how they aim to keep the city safe and clean. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with residents and colleagues, being able to converse easily in English is key. Try role-playing common scenarios or questions you might face during the interview to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your flexibility! Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in past jobs. Highlighting your ability to work in various environments and handle different tasks will make you stand out as a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Cleaning Operative in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cleanliness: When writing your application, let us know why you care about keeping the city clean and tidy. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got previous cleaning experience, make sure to mention it! Even if it's not in a professional setting, any relevant skills or tasks you've done can help us see how you'd fit into our team. Don't be shy about showcasing what you bring to the table!
Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Use your own voice in your application and let your personality shine through. Whether you're a team player or someone who thrives on initiative, we appreciate authenticity and want to see how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to keep track of your application better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the specifics of the Weekend Cleaning Operative role. Familiarise yourself with the cleaning tasks, equipment you'll be using, and the importance of health and safety practices. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with residents, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with challenging situations or provided excellent customer service. This will highlight your ability to remain calm and diplomatic.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job requires adaptability, so be prepared to discuss how you've handled changing work situations in the past. Share experiences where you’ve moved between different teams or tasks at short notice, showcasing your ability to stay organised and prioritise effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Work Ethic
This role calls for a motivated and conscientious individual. Be ready to talk about your work ethic, punctuality, and pride in your work. Share specific examples that illustrate your commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment, as well as your reliability as a team player.