Cleansing Operative
Job Description:
Cleansing Operative
Temporary Contract
Job Details
Client: Somerset Council
Service Area: Regulatory & Operations / Cleansing
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern:
Monday: 06:00 – 14:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 06:00 – 14:00
Friday: 06:00 – 14:00
Flexibility may be required for weekends, evenings, unsocial hours and special events depending on service needs.
Start Date: 29 June 2026
Duration: 14 weeks
Location
Depot Base:
Oxford Street Depot
Oxford Street
Burnham-on-Sea
TA8 1EL
Pay
PAYE Rate: £12.85 per hour
Job Overview
Somerset Council is seeking a Cleansing Operative to carry out street cleansing operations across Somerset, helping to enhance and maintain the local environment with minimal disruption to residents, visitors and businesses.
The role will involve litter picking, hand sweeping, bin emptying, fly-tip removal, toilet cleaning, use of non-LGV vehicles and machinery, basic vehicle and equipment checks, safe use of tools, and accurate completion of basic records.
This is a hands-on, physical outdoor role requiring a full UK driving licence, reliability, self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision in all weather conditions.
Important – Please Read Carefully
This role requires a full UK driving licence.
You must be comfortable working outdoors, carrying out physical cleansing duties, using tools/equipment safely, cleaning public facilities and working independently with minimal supervision.
Candidates who do not hold a full UK driving licence are unlikely to be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out street cleansing operations across Somerset
- Undertake litter picking and hand sweeping
- Empty bins and support waste removal duties
- Remove fly-tipping where required
- Clean public toilets and related facilities
- Drive non-LGV vehicles as required
- Operate machinery, tools and equipment safely
- Complete basic care and maintenance checks on vehicles and equipment
- Check fluid levels, tyre pressure, tyre wear and bulbs
- Complete daily user checks and report defects
- Maintain vehicles and equipment in a clean and tidy condition
- Report completed work back to supervisors
- Follow health and safety procedures at all times
- Maintain accurate and legible records, including timesheets, tick sheets and defect forms
- Work flexibly to support weekends, events or service needs where required
Essential Experience & Skills
- Full UK driving licence
- Good standard of education
- Self-motivated and able to work with minimum supervision
- Able to provide a quality level of service
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Able to carry out physical/manual duties
- Able to follow health and safety procedures
- Able to use tools and equipment safely
- Good reliability and timekeeping
- Able to complete basic written records accurately
- Willingness to clean toilets, empty bins and remove litter/fly-tipping
- Flexible approach to working hours and service requirements
Desirable
- Experience in a hands-on physical role
- Previous cleansing, grounds, waste, depot, estates, facilities or environmental services experience
- Experience using non-LGV vehicles, machinery or outdoor maintenance equipment
Additional Information
The role is full-time, 37 hours per week. The postholder will work outdoors with no regular office base and may be exposed to unpleasant or hazardous environmental working conditions.
Telephone interviews will be used to assess suitability for the role.
Disclaimer
On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
Job Reference
OR104747