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- Tasks: Help keep Portsmouth clean by removing waste and maintaining communal areas.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible weekend hours, training provided, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to a cleaner city.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values respect, integrity, and collaboration while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and be a motivated team player.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Job Category: Waste & Recycling
Region / Division: UK Region
Location: Housing Depot, Unit 10, Port Royal Street, Portsmouth
Working Hours: 15 Hours per week (Saturdays and Sundays 06:00 - 14:00)
The Service: 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. Our values are outlined in our Ways of Working.
What is the role?
- Removal and disposal of bulky waste including fly-tipped items, rubble, garden waste and supermarket trolleys.
- Cleaning communal bins 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 and playparks.
- 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.
- Covering for the public convenience cleaning team when required.
Driving Requirements: As 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 7.5 tonne is essential. 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. In the event the successful applicant is disqualified from driving for any reason they will be removed from this role, redeployment options to a cleaning role may be offered.
Who is the person?
- 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.
- 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.
Additional Information: Interview date: 12th May 2026
Our recruitment process: Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. 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.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact the recruitment team.
Housing Depot Operative (Weekends) - 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 Housing Depot Operative (Weekends) - Portsmouth in Southsea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Portsmouth City Council. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you show that you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key skills mentioned in the job description, like teamwork and communication. Prepare some examples from your past experiences that highlight these skills. This way, when you're asked about them, you'll be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this role is hands-on, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about the job.
✨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. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Housing Depot Operative position.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Depot Operative (Weekends) - 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!
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored to the job description. Address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section and show us how your skills and values align with ours.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your sentences are easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our values right there.
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 role requires a strong team player who can adapt to changing situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've worked well in a team or supported colleagues. Highlighting your ability to collaborate will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Health and safety is crucial in this job. Be ready to discuss your understanding of safe working practices and any relevant experience you have. If you’ve had training or certifications related to health and safety, mention them to show you take this aspect seriously.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or handle unexpected challenges. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your readiness for the role.