Caretaker

Caretaker – Initial Duties Attached to Caretaker Post

To take care of the premises and contents and to prevent, as far as possible, any damage to the structure, furniture, fittings, and equipment.

To be responsible for the opening and closing of the buildings as required.

To keep the premises, furniture, and fittings in a clean condition. All work undertaken will be of a skilled nature, and the post holder would be expected to be proficient in the use of all the basic hand-powered equipment.

To work indoors or outdoors as required, maintaining the grounds in a neat and tidy manner. To give such assistance as may be required in connection with the planting, care, and maintenance of the car park, grounds, and pathways, and to report any maintenance work to be carried out.

To keep all glass in doors, windows, etc. in a clean condition.

To maintain and clean the general corridors and associated areas on a daily basis.

To maintain and clean classrooms, staff rooms, offices, and toilet and changing rooms as per an agreed schedule.

To carry out repairs to paintwork and renovation work of the school premises and furniture as directed.

To liaise with maintenance staff on a regular and continuous basis.

To co-operate and communicate with Student Work and Summer Work Schemes.

To monitor the heating of the building throughout the year.

To co-operate fully with the installation and use of new technology, including radio and/or communication systems.

To activate and deactivate the alarm system as required and to respond to callouts as required.

To exercise economy in the use of fuel and light throughout the building and to monitor and prevent all unauthorised use of same.

To keep in safe custody the keys of all rooms in the building and to ensure that no unauthorised person has access to any part of the building.

To open and close the offices and rooms as directed by the responsible officer.

To keep the grounds generally in good order and to prevent trespass thereon.

To have all classrooms ready at least half an hour before the official commencement time.

To maintain the canteen in a clean and tidy manner and ensure sufficient stock, e.g. tea, coffee, milk, etc., is monitored and available.

To note and arrange for the receipt and transfer of stores, fuel, classroom material, and other general material.

The Caretaker should maintain confidentiality at all times regarding the customers using the services of Donegal ETB.

Collect and assemble waste for collection and keep the waste area in a clean and tidy condition.

To be responsible for carrying out Health and Safety checks, including fire and emergency lighting, and to keep accurate and up-to-date records under the direction of the School Principal.

Ensure all plant and equipment is maintained to the required standard.

Monitor the premises for any hazards, carrying out repairs or reporting problems.

Maintain a safe and clean external environment, e.g. gritting, sweeping, and litter picking the grounds each morning.

If there is frost or snow, salt the path in front of the school by the roadway, from the gate to the front door, the car park, and along all internal pathways on the grounds.

On wet or damp mornings, ensure that the floors are dried after the students have entered the building.

To participate in training where new technologies are introduced by Donegal ETB/School/College.

To perform such other similar duties as may be required and generally carry out such instructions as may, from time to time, be given by Donegal ETB, the Chief Executive, or other responsible officer.

Person Specification and CompetenciesEssential RequirementsCitizens Requirement

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• Citizens of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• Swiss citizens pursuant to the agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• Non-EEA nationals who hold a valid Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 immigration permission.

Candidates must be eligible by the date of any offer of employment.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position may, at the discretion of the employer, be required to complete a Health and Character Declaration and a Garda Vetting Form.

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 maintenance 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 meet the changing demands of the post.
• Be flexible to changing demands of the post.
• Take pride in a job well done and be committed to achieving high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Be 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 preventing disclosure of confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Initiative and the ability to work without supervision, while also working as part of a team.
• To be physically fit and active for heavy lifting.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills (including written and oral).
• Numeracy skills.

QualificationsEssential

• 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.

ExperienceEssential

• At least one (1) year's proven experience as a Caretaker with associated responsibilities.
• Experience in the 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 driving licence.
• During holiday periods when the Centre is closed, routine cleaning may be undertaken throughout the Centre.