General Operatives

Location: The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites applications for appointment to the position of General Operative Band 3 (Rural) at Altamont Gardens, Ballon, Co. Carlow, and to establish panels for future sanctioned positions at:

Altamont Gardens: Bequeathed to the state in 2000 by Mrs. Corona North, Altamont Estate spans approximately 90 acres, including grazing lands, formal gardens, a 2-acre lake, woodlands, a walled garden, and river walks. The mid-18th-century house includes courtyards, outbuildings, car parking, and service areas. Known for its botanical specimens, Altamont attracts over 100,000 annual visitors and prioritizes biodiversity.

Emo Court: A neo-classical mansion in Co. Laois designed in 1790 by James Gandon. Its 250-acre estate features formal gardens, parklands, a walled garden, lake, and woodland walks. Initially built for the Earls of Portarlington, it passed through Jesuit ownership before being handed to the state in 1995.

Heywood Gardens: Located in Co. Laois, Heywood Gardens combine 18th-century romantic parkland with formal 20th-century gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and possibly Gertrude Jekyll. It features lakes, woodlands, terraces, a sunken garden, loggia, and a circular garden with pool and fountain.

• Hours: 39 hours/week, Monday to Friday (subject to local management requirements)

• Probation: 7 months (may extend to 10 months)

• Weekly Pay: €656.12 – €798.93

Essential:

• Full, clean, and current Category B&W driving licence

  • Note: Licences restricted to automatic transmission only (code 78) are not eligible.

  • UK/NI licences must be exchanged for an Irish licence (see www.ndls.ie).

• Current Safe Pass Card

  • Proof of course completion before the deadline is acceptable.

Desirable:

• Experience/training/qualifications relevant to general operative work

• Experience in basic horticultural practices

Failure to submit required documentation will result in disqualification.

• Groundskeeping: mowing, strimming, weeding, hedge cutting, sweeping

• Light machinery: use of leaf blowers, trimmers, sprayers, etc.

• Driving & machinery: tractors, excavators, dumpers, lawn mowers

• Arboricultural and platform work (after training)

• Assistance to craft workers (stone, carpentry, horticulture)

• Maintenance: cleaning, litter control, recycling, toilets, graffiti removal

• Site management: opening/closing gates, patrolling, event security

• Public interaction and visitor support

• Health & safety compliance and incident reporting

• Weekend and public holiday work may be required

• Outdoor and all-weather work

• Physically demanding: lifting, climbing, operating equipment

• Potential exposure to chemicals, wildlife, and public interaction

• Flexibility and teamwork

• Sound judgement, especially in emergencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Neat appearance and willingness to wear uniform

• Willingness to undergo training and adopt new practices

• Foreperson or Chargehand

• National Historic Properties Management Team

• Other designated supervisors

Applicants must:

• Possess the knowledge, skills, and character to perform the role

• Be suitable in all respects for appointment

• Agree to perform the duties and meet availability and capability standards

Must be one of the following:

• An EEA/UK/Swiss citizen

• A non-EEA citizen with Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 visa (includes 50 TEU visa)

Applicants may not be eligible if:

• They availed of a redundancy/retirement scheme (ISER, VER, VRS) without fulfilling the wait period

• They retired on ill-health grounds from a Civil/Public body (pension may be reviewed)

• They breach rules against canvassing or providing false information

• Garda vetting required

• Must complete a health declaration and may undergo a health assessment

• False health declarations can result in disqualification or dismissal

This is a full-time role. Any additional work or business must not conflict with OPW duties and must be reported to HR.