The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites applications for the appointment to the position of General Operative Band 3 (Rural) at Killmacurragh Arboretum, Co. Wicklow.
Competition Reference: 2026/042
Essential Eligibility Requirements (at the closing date)
A full, clean and current manual driving licence, category B&W;*1,2
Current Safe Pass Card.**
Note: (1) If your Irish driving licence is restricted to driving cars with an automatic transmission only (denoted by the code 78 appearing on the licence), you are not eligible.
(2) From 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged. It is vital that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK/NI licence for an Irish driving licence. Further information available on: www.ndls.ie.
Note: ** Where a current safe pass card is not available, proof of successful completion of the Safe Pass Course prior to the closing date will be accepted.
Desirable Requirements
Experience, training and qualifications in the areas of work required to be undertaken by a General Operative;
Good knowledge of Health & Safety;
Responsibilities and Principal Duties of a General Operative Band 3 (Rural)
Note: The following list, which is not exhaustive, sets out the broad range of duties that may be required of a General Operative Band 3. Variances in the requirements of individual posts will reflect the management and operational requirements of individual sites and areas of work.
Undertaking landscape and general maintenance duties as required e.g. grass cutting, mowing lawns, strimming, weeding, weed-killing, scuffling/hoeing, sweeping, cutting hedges, removing graffiti and weeds from building façade, etc.
Assisting and working with craft grades such as Carpenters, Electricians, Plasterers, Plumbers and Fitters in undertaking works e.g. laying paths/kerbs, mixing concrete/mortar/plaster, scaffolding, painting and planting;
Drive and operate vehicles and other site machinery as required by management including ride on and pedestrian lawn mowers, tractors and associated machinery, small hydraulic excavators and dumpers;
Operate light equipment to include: Leaf blowers, knap sac sprayers, hedge trimmers, and other light equipment to undertake general parks/garden maintenance;
To operate chainsaws and assist with arboricultural works; (training provided)
To operate an access platform; (training provided)
To assist Gardeners with the implementation of floral and horticultural features in the Gardens/Park.
Undertake Site Inspections and Security duties, to include opening and closing site, gate duty, grounds patrol duty and event security; monitoring visitor activity on site; ensure and report to supervisor/manager on the security and protection of the site and monument;
Repair of walls, maintaining roads and walkways, fixing and installing gates/fencing, cleaning of monuments, walk-ways and site area/buildings (including visitor centre/offices/canteen) as directed in accordance with requirements; window cleaning and gutter cleaning; cleaning of toilets, as and when required; open and close toilets as directed; keep supplies stocked up;
Cleaning of monuments, walk-ways and site area/buildings (including visitor centre/offices/canteen) as directed in accordance with requirements; window cleaning and gutter cleaning; cleaning of toilets, as and when required; open and close toilets as directed; keep supplies stocked up;
To assist with keeping parks/gardens litter free. Work will involve hand-picking and automated litter collection, emptying bins, etc., Collecting and disposing of litter from both inside and outside the site, Recycling;
Moving furniture within buildings and from building to building;
Collecting and delivering supplies;
Know and understand Health & Safety, keeping areas of work clean, tidy and safe;
Carrying out other duties which are considered appropriate to the grade.
Special Working Conditions Apply
Five-day working week (39 hours) and hours of attendance will be arranged according to local management requirements;
Working alone and in teams;
Working in inclement weather;
Regular physical activity;
Working with blades, chemicals, paints, cleaning agents;
Lifting awkward / heavy loads; Climbing scaffolding / Working at heights;
Operation of plant / equipment; Driving Vehicles;
Hazards, sharps including syringes, traffic, wildlife, disorderly members of the public;
Environmental awareness;
Traffic – assisting with plant mobilisation to and from sites;
Working in or near water, working in confined spaces and walking or working on uneven ground;
Wildlife.
General Operative Band 3 (Rural) is required to:
demonstrate flexibility and mobility, consistent with the needs of the service;
contribute to and maintain a good team spirit and an effective team-working environment;
remain calm while working under pressure when effectively dealing with incidents;
make sound judgements in emergency situations;
work on own initiative in accordance with manager/supervisor instructions whilst being an effective part of a larger team;
apply excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills coupled with a professional, polite and courteous manner when dealing with colleagues, management and the public;
apply the energy, enthusiasm and the willingness to contribute effectively to a positive visitor experience for the public and to keep abreast of OPW activities;
apply a positive, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver an effective work presence
carry out all work in a safe manner both to colleagues and to the public through understanding, observance and application of Health and Safety regulations;
successfully undertake training as and when required;
carry out other duties/works deemed by management as appropriate to the grade and to the position;
Co-operate with the introduction of new work practices and technology;
Comply with all Health & Safety procedures as directed;
Attend and achieve the required standard in inductions training, training courses in manual handling, and any other courses in supervision and health & safety as required by the OPW.
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