We are looking to recruit an Operational Support Assistant to provide high-quality administrative and business support to frontline services within Allotments, Pest Control and Neighbourhood Wardens. This is a key role within our customer-focussed support service, helping to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and contributing to continuous improvement across services that directly impact our communities. WHAT IS INVOLVED? As an Operational Support Assistant, you will work closely with operational teams and colleagues across Business Support to provide an efficient, responsive and professional back-office service. The role requires a flexible approach, strong organisational skills and a commitment to improving systems and processes, including reducing paper-based working and supporting digital solutions. You will be involved in a wide range of administrative duties, ensuring effective communication with customers, managing service requests and supporting financial and operational processes where required. You’ll be part of a supportive team delivering vital services that make a difference to local communities, with opportunities to develop your skills, contribute to smarter ways of working and be involved in continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Provide effective administrative and business support to Allotments, Pest Control and Neighbourhood Warden services Deal with service requests and customer enquiries in a timely and professional manner Support electronic filing, scanning and use of digital systems to improve efficiency Assist with invoice processing, income handling and cash receipting where required Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure service cover and support during absences Contribute to service improvement by challenging existing processes and suggesting better ways of working Produce standard letters, guidance notes and routine correspondence Maintain accurate records and handle confidential information appropriately Support a customer-focused approach across all areas of work For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Natalie.Ellison@durham.gov.uk or Ann.Harper@durham.gov.uk WHAT WILL I NEED? You should have at least five GCSEs (grades A–C) or equivalent, along with experience working in an office or administrative environment. You will be confident using ICT systems and handling data accurately. In addition, you will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prioritise a varied workload and meet deadlines. A positive, flexible approach and a strong focus on customer service are essential. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on 7th May 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website THIS IS AN INTERNAL VACANCY This vacancy is restricted to employees of Durham County Council which includes all permanent, temporary, fixed term employees and agency workers. Please note that the interview date must be prior to your contract end date if temporary. Permanent employees applying for a temporary position are required to seek approval from their line manager, to guarantee the return to their substantive post at the expiry of the temporary post. Anyone currently listed on the Redeployment Register who would like to be considered for this vacancy should contact the Resourcing team via email alternativeemployment@durham.gov.uk VPRS/161