General Operative Band 3 (Rural) - West Region, County Galway

Overview

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is seeking dedicated individuals for General Operative Band 3 positions within its West Region Arterial Drainage Maintenance and Construction Services Division, located in County Galway. This role encompasses a variety of tasks centered around maintenance, construction support, and site security.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform landscape upkeep such as grass cutting, lawn mowing, strimming, weeding, weed control, scuffling/hoeing, sweeping, hedge trimming, and removing graffiti and weeds from building facades.
• Demonstrate adaptability in operating various machinery as directed by site supervisors.
• Support skilled tradespeople including carpenters, electricians, plasterers, plumbers, and fitters with tasks like laying paths and kerbs, mixing concrete and mortar, scaffolding, painting, and planting.
• Operate vehicles and site machinery such as ride-on and pedestrian lawn mowers, tractors, small hydraulic excavators, dumpers, and light equipment including leaf blowers, sprayers, and hedge trimmers.
• Undergo training and operate chainsaws and access platforms for arboricultural and maintenance work.
• Assist gardeners with floral and horticultural installations within gardens and parks.
• Execute site inspections, security duties including opening/closing sites, gate and grounds patrols, event security, and visitor activity monitoring to ensure site safety and monument protection.
• Carry out repairs on walls, maintain roads and walkways, install and repair gates and fencing, and clean monuments, walkways, buildings, visitor centers, and related facilities, including window and gutter cleaning as well as toilet maintenance and stocking.
• Maintain cleanliness by litter collection, recycling, and waste management both inside and outside site premises.
• Relocate furniture between buildings and manage supply deliveries.
• Adhere to Health & Safety guidelines, maintaining tidy and safe work environments.
• Perform any additional duties relevant to the grade as assigned.

Candidate Requirements

• Possession of a full, clean Irish manual driving license categories B & W is essential. Automatic transmission-only licenses (code 78) are not accepted. UK/Northern Ireland driving licenses are invalid for driving in Ireland unless exchanged for an Irish license.
• Valid Safe Pass card or proof of successful course completion before application deadline.
• Experience in maintenance or construction sectors.
• If applicable, valid employment permit and eligibility to work full-time in Ireland prior to commencement and throughout employment duration.
• Eligible candidates include citizens of the European Economic Area (including EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), the United Kingdom, Switzerland, holders of Stamp 41 or Stamp 5 visas, and valid holders of the 50 TEU visa as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

Additional Expectations and Skills

• Demonstrate flexibility and mobility aligned with operational needs.
• Foster strong teamwork and a cooperative work environment.
• Maintain composure and sound judgement during high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Work independently within managerial guidance while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Exhibit professional, courteous interpersonal communication with colleagues, management, and the public.
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude to enhance visitor experience and engage with OPW initiatives.
• Commit to health and safety protocols and participate in required training such as inductions, manual handling, supervision, and safety courses.
• Adapt and cooperate with new work practices and technology as introduced.