Cleaner

Role overview

The Office of Public Works is hiring for a General Operative Band 3 (Rural) Cleaner at Kilkenny Castle in County Kilkenny. This opening is identified by Competition Reference 2026/054.

Minimum eligibility

To be considered at the closing date, applicants must already have:

• Relevant hands-on experience in a comparable cleaning position.
• Practical familiarity with cleaning tools and equipment.
• Strong English communication skills, both spoken and written.

Preferred qualification

• A Manual Handling Certificate would be an advantage.

Key duties

• Follow instructions from the Head Cleaner, Foreperson, or another delegated supervisor.
• Use sound knowledge of cleaning materials, solutions, and best-practice methods.
• Set up rooms for use and restore areas after events.
• Complete routine cleaning tasks such as restrooms, vacuuming, stock checks, and general facility upkeep in line with the cleaning programme.
• Observe the correct storage and cleaning process for glassware, silverware, and china where relevant.
• Handle specialised equipment, furniture, fabrics, silver, crystal, and crockery with care where applicable.
• Maintain high cleaning standards throughout the Castle and Parade Tower Conference Centre, including vacuuming, damp mopping, and dusting.
• Carry out general cleaning across the buildings.
• Empty bins and dispose of waste appropriately.
• Clean machines and surfaces such as glass, brass, and stainless steel where required.
• Keep chrome fittings and light switches clean.
• Clean tea stations where applicable.
• Thoroughly clean bathrooms, including toilets, wash hand basins, and mirrors.
• Clean floors, internal windows, kitchens, dishwashers, microwaves, extractor fans, sinks, and related areas.
• Deal professionally with OPW staff, contractors, and visitors.
• Use and store cleaning products, chemicals, and equipment correctly.
• Check that equipment and furnishings are in good condition and report defects to the Head Cleaner or Foreperson.
• Notify management when stock needs replenishing.
• Work in line with all health and safety rules and report hazards immediately.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Protect confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with security procedures.
• Report any damage or unsafe situation that could cause injury to the public, residents, or staff.
• Carry out ad hoc tasks as needed.
• Complete additional work appropriate to the grade as assigned by Senior Management or other delegated staff.

Working expectations

• Be adaptable and mobile according to service needs.
• Work safely for colleagues and visitors by following health and safety requirements.
• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and present oneself according to the dress code.
• Use appropriate protocol when speaking with visitors.
• Support other duties as required by management for the role and grade.
• Be open to new work methods and technology.
• Contribute positively to team morale.
• Complete required training when requested.