General Operative

Reporting Relationship The post holder will: The General Operative will work under the direction and control of the Foreman, Maintenance Officer, Maintenance Manager or such other officers as the Health Service Executive may designate. A panel may be formed for from which current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration may be filled.

Purpose of the Post

Maintenance Department Function The Function provides a range of professional, technical, project management, property, fire and safety and related services in respect of the procurement, development, operation and maintenance of the health service’s physical infrastructure - including buildings, plant and equipment. In this respect the maintenance function oversees the maintenance and infrastructural safety of the facility.

The Maintenance Department manage the development and maintenance of the facilities in Cavan Hospital and Monaghan Hospital. This involves all buildings and their associated mechanical and electrical systems and the grounds of the premises. The facilities are managed in a manner that ensures a safe working environment for patients and staff. National regulations and best practice are employed to ensure that the highest standards of engineering are achieved. The Maintenance Department works closely with HSE staff to ensure that the optimum conditions are created for patient care. The Department consists of Buildings & Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Officer, Foremen, craftsmen, operatives, gardeners and clerical staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Professional The General Operative will:

• Be responsible for such duties as are assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Foreman.
• Use wheelbarrows, ladders, hoists, tools, shovels and pick axes in the course of their work.
• Use equipment for example a jack hammer, con saw and angle grinder etc. in the course of their work.
• Load and unload trade deliveries or equipment e.g. pipes work, radiators, concrete blocks etc.
• Collect materials from suppliers and deliver to various sites as requested
• Carry out maintenance and repairs to include cutting, chasing of walls and floors, digging trenches, mixing cement, drilling walls for pipe work and cabling, cleaning boilers and fluesAttend tradesmen during the course of their duties as required.
• Return time sheets and invoices to administration support office.
• Liaise with outside contractors, as required.
• Carry a mobile phone, pager or other aids of communication as required.
• Driving of company provided transport as directed by the Foreman or delegated persons.
• Replacing of light bulbs, carry out minor repairs.
• Be accountable for all tools, stock or equipment under his/her control and to ensure that all such equipment is kept in the proper state of repair in accordance with safety standards.
• Carry out grounds duties including emptying all bins, keeping the grounds clean and tidy, cleaning surface water drains/gutters, delivering timber for boarding up windows, where required.
• Weekly cleaning and checking on site water system, freeing up drains where required.
• Assist in the moving of plant equipment, fixtures, fittings and furniture as required
• Waste handling duties as required.
• Unblocking of sinks, toilets, drainage systems.
• Suctioning of water/foul water spillages/leaks.
• Up keep of all plant rooms, storage areas.
• Routine maintenance checks.
• Maintain stocks of consumable items as pertaining to the role.
• Tidy and upkeep of maintenance/plant areas.
• Receiving , monitoring and ordering of oil /gas deliveries

Education and Training The General Operative will:

• Participate in training courses as specified by the HSE, to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of technology, communications and health care regulations.

Health & Safety The General Operative will:

• Be familiar with the safe operation of machinery.
• Be familiar with the use of fire fighting equipment and fire and safety regulations in operation in the department.
• Be familiar with the code of safe lifting practice and to adhere to same at all times.
• Use protective clothing and equipment as necessary during the course of duty in accordance with the Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and 1985 and observe all other safety procedures currently in force. S/he shall carry out such duties as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer or nominated officer.
• 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 him/her 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: 1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc. i) Possess a Junior Certificate (or higher) or equivalent qualification. 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) Be the holder of a full valid Category B Driving Licence. And iv) Adequate education, training and experience of a type which would render him/her suitable to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post of General Operative And v) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office 2. Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs. 3. 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 Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post Post Specific Requirements

• Candidates must demonstrate previous experience relating to construction/maintenance type of works
• Post holder will be required to participate in a 5 over 7 working week. Post will involve weekend work.
• Access to appropriate personal transport, as this post may involve travel between sites.
• The post holder will be required to carry a HSE mobile phone /bleep or handheld electronic device during working hours.
• Complete Records of work done and upload via handheld electronic device
• Due to the nature of the business of the Maintenance Department, some of the works will be conducted outdoors and will include working in ducts below ground level, confined spaces, trenches and roof spaces (working from ladders and scaffolding) and 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.
• Flexibility around working hours to meet service needs.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Candidates must demonstrate: Technical & Professional Knowledge Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements.

Planning & Delivering Utilises the organisation’s resources in the most effective manner to maximise the value for money proposition and identifies costs savings.

Building & Maintaining Relationships Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people. Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust. Commitment to Quality & Risk Management The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.

Problem Solving & Decision Making Identifies and solves problems by understanding the situation, seeking additional information, developing, and weighing alternatives, and choosing the most appropriate course of action given the circumstances.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Speaks and writes clearly, fluently, and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince, and influence others, to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action. Tenure

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage. Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post (as at 01.03.2025) is: €35,195, €37,039, €38,147, €38,905, €39,562, €40,412, €40,931, €41,815, €42,723 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. Working Week The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage. HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).