Caretaker

Job description

Caretaker
Location: North Westmeath Campus (Mullingar, Belvedere, Kinnegad, Delvin and Kilbeggan)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract / Contract Duration: 24 August – 18 December (17 Weeks)
Hours: 39 hours per week / Salary: €18.00 per hour

Role Purpose

The Caretaker will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, security, presentation and operational support of a number (FET) centres across North Westmeath. The successful candidate will ensure that all centres are maintained to a high standard, are safe and secure, and provide a welcoming environment for learners, staff and visitors.

The role requires flexibility in working hours to support daytime and evening centre operations and occasional events outside normal working hours.

Working Pattern

The role is full-time, 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

A typical working week may include a combination of daytime and evening shifts, for example:

• Monday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
• Tuesday: 1.00pm – 10.00pm
• Wednesday: 9.00am – 6.00pm
• Thursday: 1.00pm – 10.00pm
• Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Evening shifts will be dependent on the uptake of evening classes and are expected to commence from the second week of September. No evening cover will be required during the October mid-term break.

Location and Travel

The successful candidate will primarily support centres located in:

• Mullingar (main base locations)
• Belvedere
• Kinnegad
• Delvin
• Kilbeggan

Belvedere and Kinnegad centres will generally require weekly visits, while Delvin and Kilbeggan centres will be visited as required. Travel undertaken outside the main Mullingar base will be reimbursed in accordance with organisational travel policies.

Key Responsibilities

Security and Building Operations

• Open and close centres daily, ensuring buildings are safely secured.
• Ensure all doors and windows are secured and heating systems are appropriately adjusted.
• Act as keyholder for all assigned centres.
• Respond to security alarm call-outs outside of working hours when required.
• Safeguard keys and prevent unauthorised access to buildings and grounds.

Cleaning and Presentation

• Carry out daily cleaning, vacuuming and polishing of centres, including use of industrial cleaning equipment.
• Clean exterior windows as required.
• Maintain toilets in a clean, hygienic condition and ensure adequate stock levels of consumables.
• Keep buildings and grounds clean, tidy and free from litter.
• Ensure centres present a professional and welcoming environment at all times.

Maintenance and Facilities

• Conduct routine maintenance of buildings and equipment.
• Replace light bulbs, fuses and carry out minor repairs as required.
• Maintain paintwork and fittings including doors, locks, windows and furniture.
• Ensure gutters and drainage systems are kept clear.
• Identify and report maintenance issues requiring specialist attention.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Promote and support a safe environment for all centre users.
• Monitor and check life-saving and safety equipment.
• Support implementation of LWETB Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Report hazards, incidents or concerns promptly.
• Assist with emergency and evacuation procedures as required.

Operational Support

• Accept and manage deliveries to centres.
• Prepare and arrange rooms for classes, meetings and events.
• Support the transport and movement of furniture and equipment between centres.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of materials for courses.
• Manage waste disposal and recycling activities.

Administrative and Systems Support

• Use relevant IT systems associated with the role, including:
• Email systems
• Stock control systems
• Ordering systems
• Electronic locking and security systems
• Maintain accurate records where required.
• Participate in mandatory training and professional development activities.

Additional Duties

• Provide support for events taking place outside normal operating hours.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the position as assigned by management.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a caretaker, maintenance, facilities, cleaning or similar role.
• Good practical maintenance and repair skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple locations effectively.
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Basic IT proficiency, including use of email and electronic systems.
• Flexibility regarding working hours, including evening work where required.
• Full clean driving licence and access to transport for travel between centres.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within an education, training or public sector environment.
• Manual handling and health & safety training.
• Experience operating industrial cleaning equipment.
• Experience managing security systems or acting as a keyholder.

Key Competencies

• Reliability and trustworthiness
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving ability
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Initiative and flexibility
• Commitment to health and safety
• Customer service orientation

Additional Information

This position requires the post-holder to work across a number of FET centres within North Westmeath and to support both daytime and evening operations. The role is critical in ensuring that all facilities remain safe, secure, clean and fully operational for learners, staff and visitors.