General Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post as of 01/08/2025 is:

€35,547 €37,409 €38,528 €39,294 €39,958 €40,816 €41,340 €42,233 €43,150

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Location of Post

The location of this post is Wexford General Hospital Acute Services

Is é suíomh an phoist seo ná Seirbhísí Géarmhíochaine Ospidéal Ginearálta Loch Garman

There are currently 2 permanent whole-time vacancies available in Wexford General Hospital.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for General Operatives from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will report to Maintenance Officer / Maintenance Foreman and assist all members of the Maintenance Department daily, i.e. electricians, carpenters and grounds work staff.

Purpose of the Post

To provide efficient and high-quality general labouring services, maintenance and general upkeep of the buildings and grounds, in line with the direction of the Maintenance and Technical Services Manager and maintenance team. The post involves general maintenance duties and is a multidisciplinary role i.e. general operative.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The General Operative will:

Building Maintenance:

• Repair broken windows.

• Waste (domestic & clinical) removal from hospital and out buildings

• Painting.

• Assist with build and / or removal of shelving.

• Use wheelbarrow, yard brush, shovel, etc.

• Mix mortar in concrete mixer.

• Build walls within scope.

• Clean external signage.

• Clean external windows

• Clean and keep tidy Plantrooms

• Salt and grit ice paths and roads

• Replace salt in softeners

• Resolve issues with doors, windows, skirting, door closers and locks within scope.

• Be responsible for the safe keeping of all stores and equipment allocated to him / her for the purpose of carrying out his / her duties.

• Laying of concrete within scope.

• Cutting of any hedging and shrubs around property.

• Assist all craftsmen with daily duties.

• Liaise with external contractors (when required) who may be engaged in any building works / renovations on site.

• Comply with health and safety requirements.

Legionella Checks

• Monthly template to be completed, if requested.

Equipment and Supplies Maintenance

• Clean building extraction and ventilation system internal and external grilles.

Maintenance of External of Grounds

• Repair of blocked drains.

• Clean guttering and drains.

• Power washing of paths, streets, buildings.

• Upkeep of gardens and green areas.

• Assessment of any leaks within scope.

• Patch macadam, tar and chippings.

• Cleaning of car parks, footpaths, access roads and road gullies.

• Cut grass, be able to use lawnmower and strimmer, etc.

• Assist in fencing repair / installation, where needed.

• Weed control around properties.

• Spread gravel.

• Use wheelbarrow, yard brush, shovel, etc.

• Assess any issues with heating, lighting, ventilation, etc. and report to Maintenance Officer / Maintenance Foreman.

Maintenance of Internal and External Buildings

• Cleaning and painting of internal and external walls, doors, ceilings, skirting boards and window boards, etc.

• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Driving

• Maintain vehicle checks for Maintenance Department vehicles.

• Use company vehicles for collection and delivery of materials, etc.

• Other driving duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Team Work

• Have the competence to work on one’s own initiative and unsupervised, the person employed must have the ability to work effectively within the maintenance team in a proactive approach and manner.

• Use of Smart Phone/Email as job request can come through by email address or text message.

Education & Training

• Be required to participate in the education and training programme as part of your role.

Health & Safety

• Familiarise himself / herself with the Fire Fighting Equipment and the Fire & Safety Regulations in operation at the complex.

• Familiarise himself / herself with the code of Safe Lifting Practice and to always adhere to same.

• Familiarise himself / herself with the operation of workshop machinery and to always observe good workshop practices.

• Use protective clothing and equipment as necessary while on duty in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and 2004 and observe all other Safety Procedures currently in force.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

i) Possess a Junior Certificate (or higher) or equivalent qualification.

And

ii) Have successfully undertaken or be willing to undertake the Solas Safe Pass Health & Safety Awareness Training Programme, or equivalent approved training programme. (Please note if you have not undertaken this training, you will be required to successfully complete this training on taking up the post).

And

iii) Adequate education, training and a minimum of five years relevant experience working in construction or maintenance, which would render him/her suitable to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post of General Operative.

And

iv) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in building and grounds maintenance in a healthcare environment as relevant to the role.

• Be the holder of a full valid unendorsed Category B Driving Licence. (a colour copy will need to be submitted as part of your application showing both sides – this must be sent as an attachment on Rezoomo)

Other Requirements Specific to the Post

• Due to the nature of the business of the department, some of the works will be conducted outdoors and out of hours, weekends etc, on roofs (fixing leaks etc), clearing roads for safe passage of ambulances and cars in difficult weather conditions. The post holder will be required to work in all weather conditions when requested to do so, or when circumstances dictate.

• The post holder may be required to participate in an on-call rota system for emergency call outs.

• As the maintenance service is a 24-hour service, overtime may be required periodically.

• The successful candidate may be required to work in any area of the Dublin South East Hospital Group, from time to time.

• Candidates should live within a reasonable travel time of the respective Maintenance Department, in order that emergencies can be responded to within a reasonable period.

• Access to own transport as post may involve travel between sites.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Candidates must:

Knowledge/Professional Knowledge

• Experience in building construction and maintenance.

• Knowledge of plant and machinery relevant to the role.

• Demonstrate experience in the measurement of materials.

• Demonstrate an ability to organise tools and equipment to complete maintenance and project work.

• Demonstrate knowledge of general preventative maintenance.

Team working / Communication

• Work reliably on his / her own or within the team without close supervision.

• Demonstrate the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team to resolve problems and implement solutions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of one’s own role and the roles of others within the team.

• Demonstrate the ability to work in partnership working toward service improvements.

• Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner, written and verbal

• Demonstrate an ability to receive and implement instructions in an effective and efficient manner.

Problem Solving and Initiative

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the practicality of possible solutions.

• Demonstrate the ability to implement solutions and incorporate learning.

• Demonstrate experience in working effectively under pressure.

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, solve problems and make decisions in a timely manner.

Health & Safety/Legislation

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of Health and Safety and how it pertains to the workplace.

• Apply safe and environmentally friendly work practice.

• Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service including an awareness and appreciation of the service user such as patients, medical and non-medical staff.

Communication Skills

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills (written and verbal) so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.