General Operative

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is (as at 01/08/2025):

€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.

Reporting Relationship

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.

Purpose of the Post

The General Operative will provide assistance to craft trades within a healthcare environment, assisting in the day-to-day management of the maintenance department. The post involves general maintenance duties and is a multidisciplinary role i.e. general operative.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Professional knowledge & Experience

The General Operative will:

• Be responsible for such duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Foreman.

• 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.

• Use construction/ gardening equipment as required in the course of their work including grass and hedge cutting.

• Load and unload trade deliveries or equipment e.g. pipes work, radiators, concrete blocks etc.

• Carry out general maintenance and repairs to include but not exhaustive e.g cutting, chasing of walls and floors, digging trenches, mixing cement, cleaning gutters.

• Attend tradesmen during the course of their duties.

• Travel in company provided transport as directed by the Maintenance Manager Foreman or delegated persons.

• 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.

• Maintenance of grounds, roadways, footpaths, lawns & hedge grows, sweeping tidying, and cleaning of outside areas, carrying out general grounds duties including emptying all bins, keeping the grounds clean and tidy, and cleaning of external & internal surface areas. Clearing of snow as well as gritting footpaths and carparks.

• Driving of all Maintenance Vehicles including but not limited to Plant and Machinery.

• Collect materials from suppliers and deliver to various sites as requested.

• Assist in the moving of plant equipment, fixtures, fittings, and furniture as required.

• Waste handling duties as required.

Education and Training

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

Health & Safety

• Be familiar with the safe operation of machinery.

• Be familiar with the use of firefighting equipment and fire and safety regulations in operation in the department.

• Be familiar with the code of safe lifting practice and 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

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

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) Be the holder of a full valid unendorsed 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

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 knowledge and relevant experience of working in a Construction / building environment.

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 demonstrate the following:

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within guidelines and procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge of current Fire, Health & Safety and Building regulations.

Planning & Organising Skills

• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of value for money in the performance of work.

• Demonstrate an organised, methodical, and structured approach to work including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

• Demonstrate experience in working effectively under pressure.

Teamwork Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team and make positive contributions to that team.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

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

• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job and service developments.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

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

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

Communication / Interpersonal skills

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

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

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