Job Specification - Seasonal Cleansing Operative

🎯 Role Definition

The Seasonal Cleansing Operative is a vital frontline role dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and overall appearance of our public spaces. As a custodian of the local environment, you will be responsible for a wide range of cleansing duties, particularly during peak seasons when public areas experience higher footfall. This hands-on position requires a proactive and resilient individual who takes pride in their work and understands the direct impact it has on the community's quality of life. You will operate both independently and as part of a team, ensuring that our streets, parks, and town centres are welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Labor or Warehouse Operative roles
Landscaping or Grounds Maintenance positions
Entry-level with no formal experience (strong work ethic required)

Advancement To:

Permanent Cleansing Operative
Environmental Services Team Leader or Supervisor
Chargehand or Lead Operative within Waste Management

Lateral Moves:

Grounds Maintenance Operative
Recycling or Waste Collection Operative
Driver/Operator (with appropriate licensing)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Undertake systematic manual street sweeping, litter picking, and debris removal across designated routes and zones to maintain established standards of cleanliness.
Methodically empty and clean public litter bins, recycling receptacles, and dog waste bins, ensuring liners are replaced and surrounding areas are tidy.
Operate a range of pedestrian-controlled and small ride-on mechanical sweeping equipment safely and efficiently on pavements, precincts, and public squares.
Respond to and action reports of fly-tipping, safely removing illegally dumped waste in accordance with environmental regulations and procedures.
Conduct deep-cleaning tasks using industrial equipment such as pressure washers to remove grime, staining, and moss from pavements, street furniture, and subways.
Execute the removal of unauthorized graffiti, stickers, and fly-posting from public assets using approved chemical treatments and cleaning techniques.
Prioritize and maintain high-traffic or sensitive areas, such as town centres, retail parks, transport hubs, and tourist attractions, ensuring they remain pristine.
Perform seasonal horticultural tasks including manual and chemical weed removal from hard-standing surfaces, kerb edges, and public walkways.
Collect, segregate, and prepare various waste streams for disposal or recycling, adhering strictly to local and national waste management policies.
Drive a designated light commercial vehicle (e.g., caged tipper, transit van) to transport team members, equipment, and collected waste between sites and disposal facilities.
Perform and record daily vehicle safety checks (e.g., oil, water, tyres, lights), reporting any defects, damage, or maintenance requirements to your supervisor immediately.
Safely identify, handle, and dispose of hazardous materials encountered in the public realm, such as needles, clinical waste, or chemical spills, following rigorous safety protocols.
Ensure all tools, equipment, and machinery are properly cleaned, maintained, and stored securely at the end of each shift, reporting any faults.
Act as the 'eyes and ears' of the service, vigilantly reporting environmental defects like damaged street furniture, blocked drains, trip hazards, or faded road markings.
Work flexibly across various cleansing routes and operational teams, adapting to changing priorities dictated by weather, public events, or seasonal demands.

Secondary Functions

Provide a courteous and helpful presence to members of the public, offering assistance and answering general queries about cleansing and waste services where appropriate.
Participate actively in community engagement initiatives, such as local clean-up events or educational campaigns, representing the service in a positive light.
Complete daily worksheets, logbooks, or digital forms to provide an accurate record of tasks completed, issues encountered, and resources used.
Assist with the scheduled delivery, exchange, or removal of commercial waste containers or residential recycling bins as directed by operational needs.
Support adjacent operational teams, such as parks, grounds maintenance, or highways, during periods of extreme weather or exceptional service demand.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

A full and valid Driver's License, with categories suitable for driving light commercial vehicles often being a requirement.
Experience in operating light plant and industrial cleaning equipment, including pedestrian sweepers, pressure washers, and leaf blowers.
A working knowledge of Health and Safety at Work legislation, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and Manual Handling.
Competence in performing basic vehicle and equipment safety inspections and minor maintenance.
Familiarity with using handheld digital devices (smartphones/tablets) for receiving jobs, navigating routes, and reporting issues.
Understanding of basic waste management principles and the importance of correct waste segregation.

Soft Skills

Exceptional work ethic and the personal drive to perform physically demanding tasks consistently and to a high standard with minimal supervision.
High level of physical fitness, strength, and stamina, with the ability to walk for several miles per day while carrying equipment.
Strong situational awareness and a conscientious approach to health and safety for oneself, colleagues, and the public.
The ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and supporting fellow operatives.
A proactive and problem-solving mindset, capable of identifying cleansing needs and taking initiative to address them.
Reliability, punctuality, and a professional attitude are absolutely essential for this frontline role.
Resilience and a positive disposition, with the ability to work outdoors for prolonged periods in all weather conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

No formal educational qualifications are required. A basic standard of English and numeracy to understand instructions and complete paperwork is necessary.

Preferred Education:

N/A

Relevant Fields of Study:

Vocational certifications in Health & Safety (e.g., IOSH Working Safely)
Vocational training in Waste Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 2 years. This is often treated as an entry-level position where attitude and work ethic are valued over extensive experience.

Preferred:

Previous experience in a role involving manual labour, outdoor work, or cleaning is highly advantageous. This includes roles such as street cleansing, grounds maintenance, construction, warehousing, or professional cleaning. Full operational and safety training will be provided.