Job Introduction
Hours per week: 15 (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 and if they reflect who you are and how you work then this could be the role that meets your expectations.
What is the role?
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 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?
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 team 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. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
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: Support for applicants - Careers portal
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.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
If you need additional support looking for roles, you may be eligible for help under our Connect to Work programme, for more information please visit Connect to Work - Portsmouth City Council
