Caretaker

Job Description - Caretaker with initial Headquarters attached to ETB Administrative Offices, Ard O’ Donnell, Letterkenny and with responsibility for the FET Business Hub, Letterkenny and the FET Centre, Port Road Letterkenny.

1. General Premises and Facilities Management ● Take care of the premises and contents, preventing damage to structures, furniture, fittings, and equipment. ● Close the buildings to facilitate extended working hours for staff, events, classes, or meetings. ● Ensure buildings are secure at the conclusion of activities, checking all doors, windows, and security systems. ● Ensure all electrical power, lighting, and heating controls are appropriately set and turned off when not in use. ● Maintain keys for all rooms and follow the designated key holding procedures to prevent unauthorised access. ● Daily, weekly, monthly, annual internal and external checklists to be completed. ● The role will incorporate a physical element as well as occasional working at heights (training will be provided).

2. Maintenance and Cleaning As part of the Caretaker’s maintenance role, he/she will be required to support cleaning staff with cleaning duties to ensure that there is a safe, healthy, and hygienic environment for staff, students, and the general public. ● Keep equipment and premises clean and in good condition. ● Clean vinyl and tiled floors using a buffing appliance weekly. ● Maintain and clean fixtures and fittings according to agreed annual schedules set out by the Line Manager. ● Schedule deep cleaning (both internally and externally) according to agreed annual schedules set out by the Line Manager.

● Monitor and maintain drains (including both ground drains and roof drainage systems) to ensure they are clean and functioning properly as appropriate in consultation with the Line Manager. ● Collect and assemble waste for collection and maintain a clean waste area. ● Liaise with contractors to ensure high standards of cleanliness and operate a “clean as you go” policy. ● Carry out general repairs to ensure the smooth operation of the buildings. ● Carry out general improvement works to ensure that the buildings and grounds are kept up to a high-quality standard.

3. Groundskeeping ● Maintain grounds, ensure they are neat, presentable, and litter-free. ● Perform gardening tasks such as weeding, pruning, moss removal, mowing, planting, feeding and watering. ● Ensure the grounds are secure to prevent unauthorised access. ● Clear pathways of frost and snow and salt areas, as necessary.

4. Safety, Health and Welfare ● Perform safety, health and welfare checks as per checklist and advise management of issues arising. ● Maintain awareness of and comply with safety, health and welfare regulations. ● Address hazards such as wet floors and ensure external pathways are safe. ● Participate in Safety, Health and Welfare training. ● Raise awareness of safety, health and welfare in the workplace. ● Maintain records of inspecting and servicing of building and equipment in cooperation with Safety Coordinator. ● Address any hazards identified in Risk Assessments carried out by buildings personnel.

5. Heating and Utility Management ● Monitor and control the heating systems, ensuring proper efficient operation and economy in usage in the interest of sustainability. ● Safeguard heating and water systems during cold periods to prevent damage. ● Report on and manage fuel and gas stocks as required for practical subjects or facilities. ● Record utility meter readings. ● Monitor and maintain ventilation systems in the buildings.

6. Delivery and Supplies ● Receive deliveries, record materials as directed and transfer them to appropriate locations. ● Maintain recorded inventory and organise for repair or replenishment of materials and cleaning equipment.

7. Equipment and Repairs ● Cooperate with the introduction and operation of new plant, technology, and equipment. ● Undertake general repairs to premises, fixtures, paintwork, and furniture. ● Maintain relevant maintenance records and liaise regularly with maintenance staff.

8. Security and Emergencies ● First Key Holder of the building attending to alarm call outs. ● Activate and deactivate alarm systems and respond to callouts when necessary. ● Be available for emergency on-call services as needed. ● Report acts of misconduct or unauthorised access to the appropriate authority. 9. Teamwork and Communication ● Work collaboratively with staff, students, and ancillary teams to ensure the buildings remain fit for purpose. ● Liaise with external contractors under the direction of the Line Manager. ● Maintain confidentiality regarding users of the services. ● Work cooperatively with Donegal ETB Management.

10. Embrace New Technologies ● Learn to use modern maintenance and cleaning equipment, smart security systems, and digital management tools. ● Develop skills in software applications for tracking maintenance schedules, logging issues, and reporting. ● Adopt new technologies as part of the modernisation initiatives implemented by Donegal ETB. ● Proficient in the use of IT skills for employment and communication purposes.

11. Sustainability and Efficiency ● To cooperate with Climate Action, Energy Management and Sustainability initiatives including raising and maintaining awareness in the workplace. ● Contribute to the implementation of sustainability policies. ● Monitor energy usage and suggest improvements to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. ● Implement recycling and waste management initiatives. ● Liaise with the Energy Administrator.

12. Support for Staff/Events/Meetings/Interviews ● Prepare meeting rooms and assist with the smooth running of events such as meetings, interviews, functions, as required. ● Moving and assembling furniture and fittings as required.

13. Other Duties ● Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures available on the website HERE. This includes both External and Internal Policies relevant to Donegal ETB. ● Undertake training and continuous professional development to enhance job performance. ● Carry out other appropriate duties as directed by the Line Manager. Duties may evolve based on the needs of the buildings and will be communicated by the Line Manager. ● The Caretaker will report directly to their Line Manager who will be based in the ETB Administrative Offices, Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny.

14. Standard Working Week/Rest Breaks The Caretaker will abide by the working hours, start/end times and rest breaks attached to this post: ● The standard working hours for a full time Caretaker is 39 paid working hours per week working Monday to Thursday from 11.00am to 7.00pm (the 8 hrs x 4 days is inclusive of breaks) and Friday 11.00am to 6.00pm (7 hrs x 1 day is inclusive of breaks). ● The daily start and finish times along with rest breaks will be agreed with the Line Manager and may be subject to change to meet the future needs of the service. ● Rest Breaks, as agreed with the Line Manager, will be in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. ● The Caretaker will be required to keep an accurate record of hours worked along with rest breaks. The Caretaker will be required to use a clocking in/out system where such is in place for the relevant Centre. CITIZENS REQUIREMENT Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

HEALTH and CHARACTER Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting form. The successful candidate must be able to meet the physical demands of the role within the school. References will be sought. Some posts may require special security clearance. In the event of potential conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts.

COMPETENCIES

● Teamwork ● Information Management/Processing ● Delivery of Results ● Customer Services and Communication Skills ● Specialist, Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development ● Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

PERSON SPECIFICATION ● Demonstration of the ability to organise, prioritise and complete tasks efficiently. ● Willingness to work on own initiative ● Ability to Work as a Team Member, and support other members of the cleaning team to meet standards and school objectives ● Ability to develop good working relationships with other Employees, Students, Visitors, Contractors etc. ● Focus on providing a high standard of customer service ● Ability to communicate with a wide range of people ● To be of clean and smart appearance ● To incorporate new technologies to changing demands of the post ● Be flexible to changing demands of the post ● Take pride in a job well done, committed to achieving high standards of cleanliness and hygiene ● Is punctual, reliable and courteous ● Ability to manage time effectively ● Willing to undertake any training relevant to the role ● Trustworthy, maintaining confidentiality at all times in respect of ETB related matters and to prevent disclosure of confidential and sensitive information ● Ability to manage time effectively ● Initiative and the ability to work without supervision, but as part of a team. ● To be Physically fit/active for heavy lifting ● Excellent communication and organisational skills (including written and oral) ● Numeracy Skills

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential ● Junior Certificate/Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Desirable Qualification/Certification in the area of: ● Health and Safety Training/ Manual Handling ● Any other courses relevant to this post

EXPERIENCE Essential ● At least one (1) years proven experience as a Caretaker with associated responsibilities ● Experience in General maintenance of Buildings/Centres Carpentry, Painting, Decorating and Gardening, within the demonstrated capacity of a Caretaker.

NOTE ● The successful candidate will be required to hold a full, clean driving licence. ● During holiday periods when the Centre is closed, routine cleaning may be undertaken throughout the Centre.