Job Title
Grounds Person (Parks Litter Picking) at Reading Borough Council
Job Description
We are looking for a self‑motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our Streetscene Team responsible for the day‑to‑day cleansing (litter picking) of our parks and open spaces. Parks cleansing is a key role within our Streetscene Team providing high quality, effective and consistent services to residents, businesses and partners both internal and external.
About The Role
The working pattern is Wednesday to Sunday (Monday and Tuesday off) with a 7.30am start. This is a varied role where you will be working as part of a supportive team making a difference in keeping our parks and open spaces clean, so if you enjoy primarily working outside, this is the job for you.
Duties
* Undertake cleansing duties using established work schedules to maintain high standards of cleanliness in accordance with industry standards.
* Visual inspection of children’s playground equipment and safety surfacing to ensure high standards of safety are maintained. Report defects to Playground Technician.
* Working with other operational teams at times of peak work e.g. inspection of children’s playground equipment.
* Ensuring the general safety of the public and enforcement of byelaws and regulations with tact and diplomacy.
* Drive vehicles as required to transport materials, equipment and personnel to site and for removal of arisings and waste for disposal.
* Carry out routine maintenance of equipment in his/her control in accordance with established checklists or schedules.
About You
You will be someone who enjoys physical outdoor work in all weather conditions and takes real pride in keeping public spaces clean and welcoming. You will be dependable, safety conscious, and able to work well both independently and as part of a team. A basic understanding of manual handling or grounds maintenance is helpful, but full training will be provided.
Please indicate in your Supporting Statement that you hold a full UK driving licence (Cat: C1 + E) as this is a requirement for the role and are comfortable driving small vans or tippers, although this is not essential.
Ideally you would already have experience in basic children’s playground inspections such as ILAM or ROSPA although training will be provided for the right candidate.
A high degree of physical effort is required as part of this role along with the ability to carry out visual inspections of children’s playground equipment and safety surfacing.
You will be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Benefits
* Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
* On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
* Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Closing Date
Sunday 26th October 2025
Interview Process
To be confirmed
Interview Location
19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX
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