Cleansing Operative (Full Time)

Environment Journal; Whitby; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave 28–34 days + bank hols

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Travel loan scheme

Discounts for shopping, leisure andgym

Full training and development

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is looking for a Cleansing Operative to join the Whitby Street Cleansing Team. You will perform street cleansing across Whitby and surrounding areas, with duties including litter collection, bin emptying, graffiti removal and cleanliness of public spaces.

The role involves outdoor work, physical tasks, and operating in various weather conditions. Full training is provided; driving licence is required. Competitive hourly pay and weekend enhancements apply.

Qualifications

• Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, flexible and willing to support operational needs.
• Capable of undertaking physically demanding duties safely.

Responsibilities

• Litter picking and cleansing public spaces.
• Emptying litter and recycling bins.
• Graffiti removal.
• Cleaning and maintaining public conveniences.
• Supporting cleanliness of streets, footpaths, parks and open spaces.
• Assisting during flood events and distributing sandbags.
• Investigating illegally dumped waste to support enforcement.

Skills

Outdoor work

Team player

Reliability

Physical fitness

Job description

Jobs

Cleansing Operative

More Information

Salary

£13.28 - £13.92 per hour

Expires

08/11/2026

Company

North Yorkshire Council

Location

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Job Type

Full Time

Help Keep One of North Yorkshire's Most Iconic Coastal Towns Looking Its Best

Whitby is one of the UK's most popular seaside destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year while remaining home to a proud local community. From its historic harbour and bustling town centre to its beaches, parks and public spaces, keeping Whitby clean, safe and welcoming is vital.

We are looking for committed and hardworking individuals to join our Street Cleansing Team and play a key role in maintaining the high standards residents, businesses and visitors expect.

If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in delivering a visible service, and want to make a real difference to the local environment, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Cleansing Operative, you will be part of a supportive team responsible for delivering a wide range of street cleansing and environmental services across Whitby and the surrounding area.

Your duties will include:

• Litter picking and cleansing public spaces
• Emptying litter and recycling bins
• Graffiti removal
• Cleaning and maintaining public conveniences
• Supporting the cleanliness of streets, footpaths, parks and open spaces
• Assisting during flood events, including the distribution of sandbags
• Investigating illegally dumped waste to support enforcement action
• Supporting waste and recycling collection services when operationally required

You will work within a small team covering a dedicated area, helping ensure Whitby and the surrounding area remains a clean, attractive and welcoming place for everyone.

As one of the most visible frontline services within North Yorkshire Council, you will regularly interact with residents, businesses and visitors and will play an important role in representing the Council positively.

Health and safety is at the centre of everything we do. You will work closely with colleagues to ensure duties are carried out safely and efficiently, including assisting vehicle drivers with manoeuvring and navigating public spaces.

The role will also involve physical work, including moving bags, wheelie bins and recycling containers, and operating lifting mechanisms on collection vehicles when supporting waste services.

Working Pattern

This is a varied role that requires flexibility to meet the needs of the town throughout the year.

For approximately seven months of the year, October - April, you will work:

7:00am - 5:00pm, four days per week, including weekend working.

For approximately five months of the year, May – September, during the busy visitor season, you will work:

10:00am - 8:00pm, four days per week, including weekend working.

In addition, when working a weekend shift of more than six hours, you will receive a £30 enhancement for each weekend day worked.

We are looking for people who:

• Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Take pride in delivering high standards of work
• Have good communication and teamwork skills
• Are reliable, flexible and willing to support operational needs
• Can undertake physically demanding duties safely
• Hold a full UK driving licence

Previous experience is welcome but not essential, as full training will be provided.

Why Join North Yorkshire Council?

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days, rising to 34 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
• Travel loan scheme
• Shopping, leisure and gym discounts
• Full training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to work in a role that makes a visible difference to one of North Yorkshire's most visited destinations

Key Documents

Job Description.docx
Total Rewards Brochure

Key dates:

Closing Date: Sunday 8th November

Company: North Yorkshire Council

Salary: £13.28 - £13.92 per hour

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

Sector: Highways

Sector: Streetscene

Sector: Environment

Job Role: Operative