At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and operate street cleansing equipment to keep Reading's streets clean and safe.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Other info: Shift starts at 5.30am, includes weekends and bank holidays; perfect for early risers!
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real difference in your community while enjoying varied outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Must hold a full, clean driving licence and have experience with outdoor work and vehicle maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Salary £25,949 to £26,403 + additional 10% shift allowance = £28,543 to £29,043 Per year
We’re looking for a reliable and hardworking Driver/Sweeper to join our comprehensive Street Cleansing Service within the Streetscene Team to help keep our streets clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Our team keep the town’s pavements, roads and other public areas clean and safe, and we’re looking for new team members to join us!
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the Role:
Shift work - starting at 5.30am and will include working some weekends and bank holidays.
ACat:B or C1UK driving licence is essential part of this role and forms part of the shortlisting criteria;thereforeyou muststateyou have this on your CV or application form if it is not mentioned you will not be shortlisted.
As a Driver/Sweeper, you'll operate a range of vehicles and street cleansing equipment to maintain high standards of cleanliness across the borough. This includes sweeping streets, emptying litter bins, removing debris, and responding to environmental emergencies.
This job is working within the Reading Town Centre and includes driving and manual cleansing duties, so this would suit someone who enjoys varied outdoor work.
Duties will include:
- Driving the electric vehicle and pedestrian mechanical sweeping machines
- Carrying out street cleansing duties using a range of equipment.
- Maintaining equipment in accordance with checklists
- Ensure assigned areas are cleaned to a high standard
- Follow all health and safety regulations
- Complete daily logs and reports as required
- Supporting the wider street cleansing team as needed
- Manually sweeping and clearing litter from public areas
Ideally the successful candidates will have a proven track record of outside working in a demanding environment, driving tippers and other mechanical sweeping machinery along with an understanding of general vehicle maintenance.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer:
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the 19 Bennet Road depot
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Interview Date: Monday 31st August2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person interview at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
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Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Whitley Park Primary and Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive community where educators can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, teachers are encouraged to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment with dedicated colleagues. Located in a welcoming area, this school prioritises the welfare of its staff and students, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to grow and succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific vehicles and equipment mentioned in the job description. If you have experience with electric vehicles or mechanical sweepers, be ready to discuss this during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your ability to work early shifts and weekends, as this role requires a flexible schedule. Mention any previous experience in similar roles that involved shift work to demonstrate your adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve adhered to safety protocols in past jobs, especially in outdoor or manual labour settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your teamwork skills. This role is part of a larger team, so share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions to achieve common goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver/Sweeper (Start 5.30am) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Driving Experience:In your application, make sure to emphasise your driving experience, especially if you have operated similar vehicles or street cleansing equipment. Mention any relevant qualifications or training that demonstrate your capability.
Confirm Your Driving Licence:As specified in the job description, include a clear statement in your supporting statement confirming that you hold a current, full, clean, unrestricted driving licence. This is crucial for your application to be considered.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since this role involves working as part of a team, highlight any previous experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Use specific examples to illustrate how you contributed to team goals.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Cleanliness and Safety:Discuss your understanding of health and safety regulations and your commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Provide examples of how you've ensured safety in previous roles or tasks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Show Your Reliability
As a Driver/Sweeper, reliability is key. Be prepared to discuss your punctuality and commitment to previous roles, especially in demanding environments. Highlight any experiences where you consistently met deadlines or maintained high standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Driving Skills
Since a full, clean driving licence is essential, be ready to talk about your driving experience. Mention any specific vehicles you've operated, particularly electric vehicles or mechanical sweepers, and how you ensure safety while driving.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role involves working closely with others, so be sure to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team. Discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to street cleansing duties and health and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of equipment maintenance and environmental responsibilities. Being able to articulate your understanding will show your preparedness for the role.
