At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Green & Clean team to keep Portsmouth tidy and safe.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to community values and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Permanent role with full training, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with good communication skills and a clean UK driving licence.
- Other info: Flexible hours, teamwork, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
We are looking for a Cleaning Operative to join our Green & Clean team. This role is 37 hours per week to be worked Monday to Friday 1530 - 2330 (Winter) and 1630 - 0030 (Summer). The role is mainly based at Port Royal Street Housing Depot in Portsmouth, and the role is permanent.
The primary role of the Green & Clean service is the cleaning and gardening of all communal housing areas. Our purpose is “to help keep the city safe, clean and tidy and provide advice/support when needed”. This role will involve:
- Carrying out cleaning tasks at various sites including high-rise blocks, sheltered schemes, playparks, 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.
- Interacting with residents as well as reporting 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 maneuvering a cleaning cart.
- This is predominantly a lone working role.
You need:
- To be a motivated, hard-working, and conscientious individual who can use initiative when necessary and take pride in the work.
- To be a team-player with good self-awareness, supporting others in meeting the Green & Clean purpose.
- To be a confident and calm person who can be diplomatic in challenging situations.
- To be able to make good decisions, take responsibility for actions and learn from any mistakes made.
- To have the ability to converse at ease with customers and colleagues in accurate spoken English.
- To be able to communicate effectively and be a good listener.
- To be flexible and able to adapt to changing work situations as you may need to move between different teams and sites, sometimes at short notice.
- To have good timekeeping as you may be a key holder; as well as the ability to prioritize tasks and carry out your workload in an organised and methodical way.
- To be an honest person with a positive attitude and good work ethic.
- A full clean UK driving licence.
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Cleaning Operative - Portsmouth in Southsea employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cleaning Operative - Portsmouth in Southsea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Portsmouth City Council values respect, integrity, and collaboration. When you’re chatting with them, show that you align with these values and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨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 scenarios where you might need to handle challenging situations diplomatically.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your initiative! Think of examples from your past where you took responsibility or made decisions that had a positive impact. This will demonstrate your conscientious nature and ability to work independently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to include a detailed personal statement that highlights your relevant experience and skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Cleaning Operative - Portsmouth in Southsea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've tackled similar tasks or challenges in the past. This helps us see how you fit into the role!
Be Personal and Authentic: Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share a bit about what motivates you and why you’re passionate about cleaning and maintaining communal spaces.
Follow the Job Profile: Make sure to address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. Tailor your personal statement to show how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Cleaning Operative. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like high-rise cleaning and using equipment like backpack hovers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with residents, be prepared to discuss your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with challenging situations or provided excellent customer service. Highlighting your ability to listen and respond effectively will demonstrate that you can represent the council's values of respect and collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Work Ethic
The council is looking for motivated and conscientious individuals. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that showcase your hard work and dedication. Whether it's a time you went above and beyond in a previous job or how you take pride in your work, these stories will help paint a picture of your strong work ethic.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about health and safety practices, as well as how you would handle various cleaning scenarios. Brush up on relevant health and safety regulations and think through how you would approach different cleaning tasks. This preparation will show that you are not only capable but also responsible and safety-conscious.