Advanced Scaffolder (General Operative Band 1) - Kilkenny National Monuments District

About the Role

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is seeking applications for the position of Advanced Scaffolder (General Operative Band 1) based at the National Monuments Depot, Hebron Industrial Estate in Kilkenny. The role involves a wide range of scaffolding and general operative duties related to monument conservation and site maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble and dismantle scaffolding structures following manufacturer guidelines.
• Conduct scaffolding inspections and complete health and safety documentation, including GA3 forms and inspection tags.
• Manage and update OPW scaffolding management system records.
• Work independently on basic tube and fitting scaffolds.
• Understand components, standards, ledgers, and couplers, including foundations, bracing, tying scaffolds, working platforms, ladder access, and manual handling.
• Work with system scaffolds such as kwikstage, cuplock, and RMD.
• Interpret technical drawings and measure components accurately.
• Erect mobile, static, and loading bay scaffold towers.
• Perform scaffolding duties in both modern construction and restoration/conservation settings.
• Operate machinery and equipment related to scaffolding tasks.
• Collaborate with site management to plan and order materials to ensure smooth site operations.
• Provide instructions and training to junior scaffolders.
• Drive mobile maintenance vehicles as needed.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.
• Lead and supervise general operatives and apprentices when assigned.
• Secure tools, plant, equipment, and materials at site locations under your supervision.
• Perform ancillary maintenance including cleaning monuments, walkways, site areas, offices, and visitor facilities by power washing and other methods.
• Handle litter control, recycling, and general site tidiness including emptying bins and collecting refuse.
• Carry out grounds maintenance tasks such as grass cutting, mowing, strimming, weeding, hedge trimming, graffiti removal, and use of mechanical tools like chainsaws and ride-on mowers.
• Support craft tradespeople like stonemasons, carpenters, gardeners, stonecutters, and fitters by assisting with various tasks including concreting, path laying, scaffolding, painting, and planting.
• Conduct security and patrol duties including opening/closing sites, gate duty, grounds patrol, event security, and visitor monitoring to protect the site and monuments.
• Assist with floral, horticultural, and arboricultural works after receiving training.

Essential Requirements

• Valid CSCS Advanced Scaffolding Card.
• Full, clean, current driving licence (category B), not restricted to automatic transmission only.
• Minimum of 12 months on-site scaffolding experience post-qualification.
• Current Safepass card or proof of successful Safe Pass course completion before closing date.
• Valid work permit if applicable (non-EEA nationals require employment permit, must be maintained for contract duration).
• Citizenship eligibility: must be EEA citizen, UK citizen, Swiss citizen under EU-Swiss agreement, or a non-EEA citizen holding valid Stamp 41 or Stamp 5 visa (50 TEU visa acceptable as Stamp 4 equivalent).

Desirable

• Holding a C1 driving licence.

Personal Attributes

• Organized and detail-oriented in practical tasks.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to interact positively with the public.
• Problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Capability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Flexible, committed attitude with good time management, tidiness, responsibility, quality focus, and safety awareness.
• Physical fitness to meet role demands.
• Willingness to adopt new work practices and technologies and perform additional duties as required by management.