Caretaker

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board is currently recruiting for a Caretaker (full-time permanent). Candidates must have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

Ideal Attributes / Personal Qualities

• Highly motivated, reliable and proactive

• Able to identify and take ownership of tasks without constant direction

• Demonstrates good practical skills, including the ability to carry out minor repairs, basic carpentry, installation of fixtures, assembly of furniture, painting and general maintenance

• Practical problem-solver with a strong “can-do” approach

• Capable of working independently and as part of a team

• Flexible, helpful and service-focused in supporting staff and learners

Summary of the role

The Caretaker will play a key role in supporting the efficient day-to-day operation of the campus through the provision of maintenance, facilities, logistics and support services. The role involves working closely with management, instructors, management and staff to ensure a safe, clean, well-maintained and welcoming learning environment.

Duties / Responsibilities

The duties listed will be performed by the Caretaker under the direction of the FET Managers and Campus Co-Ordinator’s. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Buildings, Facilities & Security

• Opening and closing of centres, ensuring premises are safe and secure at the start and end of daily activities

• Ensuring buildings are secured each evening and that doors, windows, alarms and heating systems are appropriately managed

• Acting as key holder, maintaining safe custody of keys and responding to alarm/security calls where required

• Ensuring the premises, facilities and contents are protected and reporting any damage, faults or concerns promptly

Grounds & External Areas

• Maintaining grounds including mowing, strimming, sweeping, weed control and general upkeep

• Power washing external areas as required to ensure a safe and presentable environment

• Ensuring gutters and external structural areas are maintained where appropriate

Logistics, Deliveries & Equipment

• Receiving deliveries, checking goods in and storing appropriately

• Operating a forklift where trained and licensed, and using other equipment safely

• Assisting with movement of furniture, training equipment and materials within and between centres

• Supporting the arrangement of rooms and facilities for classes, meetings and events

Maintenance & Repairs

• Carrying out general maintenance tasks such as minor carpentry, painting, basic repairs and routine upkeep

• Replacing bulbs and checking lighting, heating and basic services

• Supporting the upkeep of fittings, fixtures and classroom stores to ensure they remain safe, tidy and functional

• Identifying maintenance needs and reporting issues as necessary

Support to Centre Operations

• Assisting tutors, instructors and staff with practical setup and operational requirements

• Preparing and restoring classrooms, workshops and training areas

• Supporting events and activities including duties outside normal working hours where required

Health & Safety

• Supporting implementation of LWETB Health & Safety policies

• Identifying hazards, addressing minor risks where safe to do so, and reporting issues promptly

• Supporting checks of lifesaving and safety equipment where required

• Using equipment safely and responsibly at all times

Cleaning, Presentation & Waste Management

• Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the centre, including use of cleaning equipment and machinery

• Ensuring toilets and welfare facilities are clean, hygienic and adequately stocked

• Maintaining exterior cleanliness including windows, entrances and general campus presentation

• Managing waste and recycling in line with LWETB procedures

General

• Using required IT and reporting systems as appropriate

• Engaging in relevant training as required for the role

• Working flexibly to support centre needs, including occasional evening/weekend duties

• Performing any other related duties as may be assigned from time to time

Terms and Conditions

Initial Location: College of Further Education and Training, Connolly Campus, Co. Longford

The successful candidate will be initially assigned in the above location. However, LWETB reserves the right to assign you to any other location as the service demands require.

Salary: Starting salary scale €36,519 as per C/L 0052/2025

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

For persons entering this grade for the first-time or those starting in the Public Sector for the first time starting pay will be at the minimum of the scale above. This is not negotiable. Salary will be paid in accordance with such rates as may be authorised by the Minister for Education and Youth from time to time.

Hours per week: 35 hours. Daily work patterns such as split shifts may vary according to service needs.

Entry requirements and eligibility

• have the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out the role;

• be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard;

• Must have at least one years’ relevant experience. Previous work experience in caretaking, carpentry, stores or maintenance of buildings and / or grounds is desirable.

• As travel might be a requirement candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role.

Annual Leave

LWETB’S Annual Leave Year runs from January to December. The annual leave allowance for this position is 22 days per annum and public holidays will be allowed together with such short periods of closure as are permitted for Christmas and Easter. Please note your annual leave entitlement will be pro-rata, based on your contract duration and start date. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave. Leave will be granted, subject to Line Management approval, which must be sought in advance.

Citizenship 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. Please note you must advise LWETB if a work permit is required by you before commencing employment with LWETB. This requirement should be notified to LWETB as soon as possible.

Health & Character

Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration and maybe 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.

Shortlisting

LWETB reserves its right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/experience on the application form. The shortlisting process will provide for the assessment of each applicant’s application form against predetermined criteria that reflect the skills and depth of experience considered to be essential for a position at this level.

Interview

Interviews may take place via video conference. Candidates that are selected for interview will be supplied with guidelines in this regard. There may be a two-stage interview process.