Caretaker (Seasonal)

Applications are invited for the following position: 

Title of Post: SEASONAL CARETAKER

Nature of Position: 20 hours per week, seasonal and pensionable

Location: An Cosán Community Special School, Fitzwilliam Place North, Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7.

Reporting to: Principal, An Cosán Community Special School

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the Caretaker are listed below. Duties may vary depending on the needs of the school.

The Principal will confirm duties on appointment.

• Ensure that the school buildings are safe and secure at the conclusion of each day.
• Take care of the school premises and contents and to prevent as far as possible any damage to the structure, furniture and equipment.
• To keep the school premises, furniture and equipment secure.
• To keep the school premises, furniture and fittings in a clean condition.
• To keep in a clean condition all glass doors, windows, etc., and to carry out painting of walls, woodwork and window frames as directed by the Principal and/or the Deputy Principal.
• To see to the heating requirements of the building and safeguard the heating and water pipes during the cold period of the year.
• 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 school for functions outside of the normal school hours when necessary.
• To be available to attend alarm call out on a 24/7 basis.
• To keep the school grounds in good order.
• To open and close the school as directed by the Principal and /or the Deputy Principal. To control the entry of students and their exit from the school and have all classrooms ready for classes at least half an hour before the official time of commencing.
• To note and arrange for the receipt of furniture, equipment, stores, fuel, timber, parcels of glass and other materials for general use and for the transfer of stores, equipment and similar transactions.
• To perform such similar duties as may be required and generally to carry out such duties as may be required from time to time by the Committee, the Chief Executive Officer, the Principal, the Deputy Principal, or the Teacher in Charge of the school.
• To complete all relevant documentation as required under Health and Safety legislation.
• Co-operation with any new technology with regard to work and security of schools and other premises.
• Co-operation in relation to call outs as a result of break-ins.
• Co-operation with security check on school (especially in evenings, at weekends and during holidays).
• Co-operation in efforts to heighten awareness of health and Safety in the workplace through new procedures.
• Co-operation with on-going legislative changes.
• Co–operation with the introduction and utilisation of new technology and acceptance that this may result in changes in existing work practices.
• To work as part of a team with the ancillary staff, Principal and Deputy Principal in keeping the school fit for purpose.
• To carry out all lawful instructions of the Chief Executive or their representative.

The above list is a guide to the general range of duties in the post. It is not intended to be either definitive or restrictive and will be subject to periodic review.

Person Specification:

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience/ability to undertake caretaking duties
• Experience in grounds keeping (e.g. garden maintenance)
• Experience and understanding of Health and Safety issues
• Experience of taking responsibility for the security of school buildings
• Ability to follow instructions on equipment, materials etc.
• Punctual, reliable and trustworthy
• Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of the school team
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to act on own initiative, dealing with any unexpected problems that arise
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Flexible with the ability to deal with unexpected events and changing work activities
• Willingness to work flexibly and outside normal hours as required
• A willingness to undertake further training and development as required.
• A respect for school culture.
• Confidentiality with regard to school business

Desirable requirements:

• Experience of working in a trade would be an advantage
• Attendance at courses relating to cleaning, caretaking and / or Health and Safety.

General Terms and Conditions of Employment:

• Hours of work: Caretaker hours of work will be not less than 20 hours per week delivered in a flexible manner over the year on a seasonal basis (i.e. you will sign on with DSP during the summer closure period). Hours may be allocated between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Overtime rate may be paid for work on Saturday or Sunday, or call outs.
• Annual Leave: Holidays must be taken at times to coincide with school holidays and by prior agreement with management. Annual leave entitlement is 22 days per annum for full time caretakers. The successful candidate will receive pro rata annual leave which must be taken during school closures.
• Remuneration: The successful candidate will be paid on a pro-rata basis at point 01 of the General Operative new entrant salary scale which is €667.06 per week (€34,807 per annum).  In addition, a Caretaker allowance of €50.67 per week (€2,643.96 per annum) is also payable. The total hourly rate of pay based on the salary above is €18.40, therefore the actual salary for this position will be €368 per week inclusive of the caretaker allowance. These are the current rates per annum as set out by the Department of Education and may be amended from time to time.  An increment is awarded on successful completion of 52 weeks service.
• Pension: Compulsory membership of a public service pension scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme) with ongoing deductions from salary.
• Probation: A nine-month probationary period applies to this post
• Garda Vetting: Employment is subject to the Garda Vetting Procedure and compliance with all appropriate Child Protection and Department of Education guidelines will be required.
• Please note that upon appointment the successful candidate must have valid right to work status.

Notes: 

• Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all applications are received on time. Any technical difficulties encountered by the sender when forwarding applications are not the responsibility of City of Dublin ETB. Therefore, candidates are strongly advised to submit applications well before the 12 Noon deadline on the specified closing date.
• Your application will be assessed on the information you submit.
• All enquiries regarding your application should be made to recruitment@ancosancss.cdetb.ie.
• Providing incorrect information or deliberately concealing any relevant facts may result in disqualification from the selection process or, where discovery is made after appointment, in summary dismissal.
• Selection will be by a competitive interview which will focus on the key skills and duties of the role.
• Any travel or other expenses incurred by candidates whilst undertaking or attending any elements of the selection process will not be refunded by City of Dublin ETB.

Applicants when applying must supply all of the following details to be considered:

• Letter of application.

• Curriculum Vitae, including details of two current referees (name, role, contact number & email).

Please submit your application to the following email address: recruitment@ancosancss.cdetb.ie

Latest date for receipt of online applications is: 12 noon on Wednesday 1st October 2025

Late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisting may take place.  Canvassing will disqualify.  City of Dublin Education and Training Board is an equal opportunities employer.

Please see website for further details: Careers - City of Dublin Education and Training Board