Leeds City Council
Specialist Cleaning Operative

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Specialist Cleaning Operative
Specialist Cleaning Operative – Leeds City Council
Job Title
Specialist Cleaning Operative
Salary & Contract
- Salary: £25,185 – £25,989 (Band B1)
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: NJC Local Government Services (Grade E2)
- Location: Mobile role within Leeds City Council District
About the Role
As a Specialist Cleaning Operative, you will have a proactive, resilient mindset focused on ensuring high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and property care in a diverse range of Yorkshire properties and public spaces.
This dynamic role goes beyond standard cleaning, encompassing gardening, trade duties, hazardous substance handling, and waste management. You will play a vital part in the Community and Safety Programme, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more inclusive Leeds.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide multi-skilled support including:
- Deep cleaning and maintenance of council buildings, void properties, and housing stock (including vulnerable properties).
- Handling hazardous cleaning tasks (e.g., pigeon guano, biohazard waste, blood, fleas, stagnant water).
- Managing property clearances (e.g., removing hazardous items, junk, or animals).
- Performing general DIY and maintenance duties (painting, decorating, installing signage, building repairs).
- Conducting external area maintenance (gardening, clearing litter, moss, and debris from paths, children’s centres, and council-owned land).
- Assisting with refuse loading, arboricultural works, and waste collection tasks (possibly transporting via tippers, box wagons, or a 7.5-ton vehicle per licensing requirements).
- Work independently or with a team, following all health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and council policies.
- Meet Norfolk and estacion substceptors E 1&2 Certificate requirements (BICS Level 1 & 2).
- Uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, handling challenges and reporting issues as required.
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Additional Requirements
- Technical Skillful abilities:
- Use and maintenance of trading utensils: Driving up to a 7.5-ton vehicle (e.g., tippers, box wagons).
- Compliance with transport policies (prestart checks, defect reporting).
- Stihl machinery training (for gardening tasks).
- Working at heights (ladder, scaffold, or elevated training).
About You
The ideal candidate embodies our core council values and is passionate about creating positive impacts. We need a proactive, adaptable professional who can:
- Bring a hands-on, can-do attitude with demonstrated transferable skills in:
- Cleaning, gardening, refuse management, and property trades.
- Operating machinery and adhering to safety/vehicle legislation.
- Deliver prompt, reliable service to colleagues and residents.
- Actively engage with training and professional development.
What We Offer
Joining Leeds City Council means supporting 14,000+ colleagues through challenging, rewarding, and growth-focused work. You’ll benefit from:


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- Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements where possible.
- Generous pension contribution through the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
- Clear career-path development with regular training, development, and appraisal opportunities.
- Wellbeing benefits, including health support and Financial Wellbeing program.
- Diverse team environment and flexible role demands.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form via Leeds People Portal.
- Check your information carefully before submission.
- For queries or an informal discussion, contact Paul Sutcliffe (Assistant Area Building Manager):
- 📞 07891 278333
- ✉ paul.sutcliffe@leeds.gov.uk
Equality and Inclusion
We actively encourage applications from: ✔ Women ✔ Carers ✔ Veterans ✔ LGBTQ+ individuals ✔ Ethnic minorities ✔ Disabled candidates ✔ Care-experienced applicants
*UK Work Rights
All applicants must prove UK right to work status prior to employment. Non-UK/EU candidates must confirm eligibility for sponsorship under Skilled Worker visa (minimum £25,185) or equivalent criteria.
Home Office guidelines.
Final Notes
This job description is fluid and requires adherence to new or temporary duties as the role evolves with council changes. Must uphold all current council uniformity/PEE policies and storage requirements.
Ready to apply? Follow the online application link to share your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for making Leeds a better place. ✨
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