General Operative (Public Realm)

City of York Council; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

City of York Council is seeking a General Operative to join the Public Realm Service from Hazel Court Depot in York. You will help maintain and improve streets, parks and open spaces, delivering street cleansing and grounds maintenance for residents, businesses and visitors.

Ideal candidates are prepared for outdoor work, safety-focused, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. A full UK category B driving licence is essential, with opportunities for flexible working and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety practices.
• Clear and courteous communication with the public.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver street cleansing and grounds maintenance across York.
• Perform horticultural tasks such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, and weed control.
• Sweep, litter-pick and maintain public spaces to high environmental standards.
• Empty and maintain litter bins and manage waste as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues, volunteers and partners to maintain service quality.
• Respond to environmental hazards and urgent cleansing issues.
• Operate equipment, machinery and vehicles safely and efficiently.

Skills

Health & safety

Communication

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Education

UK category B driving licence

Job description

We're looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable individuals to join our Public Realm Service as a General Operative working from our Hazel Court Depot.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and improving the appearance of York's streets, parks, open spaces and neighbourhoods. Every day, your work will have a direct impact on the city’s residents, businesses and visitors, helping to create cleaner, greener and welcoming communities.

As a General Operative, you’ll be part of a team delivering essential street cleansing and grounds maintenance services across the city. Whether you’re maintaining parks and green spaces, keeping streets litter-free or responding to environmental issues, you’ll contribute to making York a place people can be proud of.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Delivering street cleansing and grounds maintenance services across the city.
• Carrying out horticultural activities including grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, pruning and weed control.
• Sweeping and litter-picking public spaces to maintain high environmental standards.
• Emptying and maintaining litter bins.
• Working with colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations to deliver high-quality services
• Responding to environmental hazards, including fly-tipping, sharps and other urgent cleansing issues.
• Operating equipment, machinery and vehicles safely and effectively.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who take pride in their work, enjoy working outdoors and are committed to providing excellent services to local communities.

You’ll Ideally Have

• A strong commitment to health and safety.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A reliable and proactive approach to work.
• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding tasks.

Experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, street cleansing or a similar operational environment would be preferred but not essential

A full UK category B driving licence is essential.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just an operational role. It’s an opportunity to make a visible difference every day and contribute to the quality of life for everyone who lives in, works in or visits York.

You’ll join a dedicated team committed to delivering excellent public realm services, helping to create cleaner streets, greener spaces and welcoming neighbourhoods across the city. Whether you're maintaining a local park, improving a community space or responding to service needs, you'll play an important part in keeping York looking its best.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

This post is suitable as a job sharing position.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Kevin Humphrey on [e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026 at midnight

Interviews: Week commencing 9 November 2026