Caretaker

Summary of Position

We are seeking a reliable, practical and proactive Caretaker to support the safe and effective operation of Clanrye Group premises and including Slieve Gullion Courtyard, an outdoor training environment located within a forest park setting.

The role involves maintaining an old courtyard and surrounding outdoor areas to a high standard of cleanliness, safety and presentation, ensuring the site remains a welcoming and functional space for learners, staff and visitors to Clanrye Group. The post holder will carry out minor repairs, routine maintenance, cleaning and grounds care, while demonstrating strong awareness of health & safety, safeguarding and environmental considerations.  Clanrye operate across a number of geographical areas and there may be a requirement to deliver items or carry out remedial repairs on occasion.

Due to the nature and location of the site, this role may involve lone working, working outdoors in all weather conditions, and occasional work outside of normal hours to meet operational needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Site Security & Access
• Open and secure premises as required, including morning opening and evening lock-up.
• Provide on-call support for fire and intruder alarms at the Slieve Gullion site.

Maintenance & Repairs across all locations
• Carry out minor repairs, maintenance and general DIY tasks.
• Report defects relating to buildings, structures, furniture and fittings, making safe or isolating hazards where possible.
• Change light bulbs, diffusers, fluorescent tubes, starters and fittings as required.

Cleaning & Presentation
• Undertake routine and periodic cleaning of indoor and outdoor areas, including toilets in conjunction with Cleaning Operatives, public areas, surfaces and windows.
• Maintain pathways, entrances, access points, gullies and drains to ensure they are clear, safe and accessible.
• Remove graffiti, clean signage and maintain overall site appearance.

Grounds & Outdoor Environment
• Maintain grassed areas, hedges, flower beds and shrubs using manual or mechanical equipment as instructed.
• Collect and remove litter from designated areas.
• Support environmental stewardship appropriate to a forest park and heritage courtyard setting.

Health, Safety & Risk
• Conduct regular visual inspections of the courtyard and surrounding outdoor areas to identify hazards related to weather, woodland debris, uneven surfaces or historic structures.
• Carry out basic dynamic risk assessments and report concerns to the Facilities / Health & Safety Manager.
• Ensure outdoor training areas are safe and prepared prior to programme activities.
• Support emergency procedures and incident response, particularly within a remote or outdoor setting.

Training Environment Support
• Maintain a calm, safe and respectful environment while learners are on site.
• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating appropriate professional boundaries and conduct at all times.
• Liaise with staff to ensure site readiness aligns with programme delivery.

General Duties

• Adhere to Clanrye Group’s ‘Code of Conduct’ maintaining confidentiality, professionalism and quality standards across all work practices and interactions.
• Perform job duties in compliance with Clanrye Group’s policies and procedures to include adherence to equal opportunities, health and safety legislation and data protection requirements.
• Demonstrate commitment to Clanrye Group through the completion of all tasks allocated by attending staff and development opportunities to ensure that professional competency is maintained.
• Ensure that all safeguarding procedures are followed as outlined in Clanrye Group’s safeguarding manual.

Person Specification

(E = Essential, D = Desirable) 

• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, learners and visitors (E)• Person-centred approach aligned with Clanrye Group values (E)• Ability to work independently, use initiative and take responsibility for site safety (E)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a wider team (E)
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work (E)
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (E)
• Awareness of safe working practices in outdoor, woodland or rural environments (D)

Physical Requirements

• Physically fit and capable of manual handling, lifting and carrying out maintenance tasks (E)

Qualifications & Training

• Good standard of education, including English and Maths at Grade C (or equivalent) (E)
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g. manual handling, health & safety, lone working, safeguarding) (E)

Experience

• Practical experience in a caretaking, maintenance, facilities or grounds role (D)
  Personal Qualities
  • Reliable, organised and self-motivated (E)
  • Good time management and ability to prioritise tasks (E)
  • Professional, calm and approachable manner (E)

Safeguarding

• Awareness, understanding and commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults (E)
• Understanding of appropriate professional boundaries in environments where young people are present (E)
• This post requires an Enhanced Disclosure check
(www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/regulated-activity-vulnerable-groups)
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Other Requirements
• Access to transport to carry out the duties of the post (E)
• Clean driving licence (3points max) (E)

Employee Benefits

The successful post holder will avail of the following benefits:

• Holiday Arrangements: 20 working days per year rising to 25 after a period of 2 years’ service plus 12 statutory days (holidays for part-time roles will be calculated on a pro-rata basis).
• Length of service awards: For those employees who have served for 10 years or more an additional day’s holiday will be granted for each year of service thereafter up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
• Flexible Working Hours:  To accommodate personal circumstances, working day to be agreed between line manager and employee and in line with policy.
• Pension: Employees are able to join the pension scheme under the new Auto Enrolment Government Scheme. 
• Sickness Arrangements:  After 6 month’s service, full pay up to 20 working days. Half pay for a further 45 working days.  At the conclusion of this period Personal Health Insurance may realise sick pay at 75% of full pay for a period of up to 3 years (subject to the ruling of the PHI Insurers and Clanrye Group).
• Enhanced Family Friendly Rights:  Maternity and paternity leave in accordance with current statutory requirements.
• Wellbeing Hour:  A ‘wellbeing hour’ (pro rata) – paid leave per week to partake in a wellbeing activity to help maintain own mental and physical health, to be agreed by line manager.
• CPD:  Opportunity to develop and enhance knowledge and skills through Continuous Professional Development.
• Birthday:  Paid leave on day of birthday or on the following Monday if it falls at the weekend.