Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help keep Portsmouth clean by removing waste and maintaining communal areas.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Full training provided, flexible hours, and a chance to gain qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and be a team player.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Come and be a Housing Depot Operative with us, and make a difference to your community. This role is full-time (Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 16:00, Friday 08:00 - 15:30), permanent and based at the Housing Depot in Port Royal Street, Portsmouth.
Your new role
The purpose of our service is to help keep the city safe, clean and tidy and provide advice/support when needed. As a service we take pride in our work by valuing others, focusing on what's important so that we make a real and positive difference.
Typical daily tasks of this role include:
- Removal and disposal of bulky waste including fly-tipped items, rubble, garden waste and supermarket trolleys.
- Cleaning communal bins, using the pedestrian sweeper to clean large communal areas and washing communal windows using specialist long-reach equipment.
- Removal of graffiti with jet washing machine and cleaning communal areas such as balconies panels and pathways.
- Reporting to other departments issues such as cleaning and gardening demands to the local green and clean management team and communal housing repairs to local area housing offices.
- Reporting bulky items that need investigating to help identify instances of fly-tipping as well as report tenancy issues to relevant departments.
- Transporting specialist equipment for use on site.
- Working outside in all weathers and demonstrating good manual handling.
- Demonstrating a good understanding of Health & Safety practices and safe methods of work which promotes the health and safety of yourself and others.
- Using equipment correctly and carrying out regular care and maintenance; full training, including the potential to gain qualifications, will be provided.
- Disposal of waste collected in accordance with legislation and regulations at local amenity sites licensed to receive and process such waste.
As a Housing Depot Operative, you will be required to drive a caged tipper or similar vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes. A full UK driving licence and experience driving caged tippers and large vans (up to 3.5 tonne) is essential whilst experience driving up to 7.5 tonne vehicles and towing large trailers is desirable. If you do not have a licence which allows you to drive these larger vehicles or tow trailers, training will be provided. You will need to successfully complete these qualifications during your probationary period, as you are required to drive up to 7.5 tonne vehicles and tow trailers for this role.
Who is the person?
You need:
- To be a motivated, hard-working, and conscientious individual who is able to 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 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 both over the phone and face-to-face.
- To be willing to take instruction from and be a good listener in order to retain information provided.
- 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 such as Public Convenience cleaning, general housing block cleaning in any of our Housing areas.
- To have good timekeeping and a responsible attitude as you may be required to be a key holder in order to lock and unlock various sites.
- To be an honest person with a positive attitude and good work ethic.
About Portsmouth City Council
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. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Additional Information
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
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.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications. 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.
Housing Depot Operative in Southsea employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Depot Operative in Southsea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Portsmouth City Council and their values. When you show that you understand their mission to keep the city safe, clean, and tidy, it’ll really impress them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork and problem-solving. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to work well with others and adapt to changing situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though this role is hands-on, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Depot Operative in Southsea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Motivation: When you're writing your application, let us know why you want to be a Housing Depot Operative. Share your passion for keeping the community clean and safe, and how you can contribute to our mission.
Use Real Examples: We want to see how your past experiences relate to the role. Use specific examples from your work or personal life that demonstrate your skills and how you've tackled similar tasks before.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure your personal statement is detailed and directly addresses the 'Who is the Person' points in the job description. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our careers portal. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 Housing Depot Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like waste removal, cleaning communal areas, and reporting issues. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This job requires a strong team player, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Think about times when you supported colleagues or contributed to a group effort, especially in challenging situations. Highlighting your collaborative skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it's dealing with difficult customers or finding solutions to unexpected problems, showcasing your ability to think on your feet will impress the interviewers. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Health & Safety
Since this role involves manual handling and operating vehicles, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of health and safety practices. Be ready to talk about any relevant training you've had or experiences where you prioritised safety. This shows that you take the role seriously and are aware of the responsibilities involved.
