Caretaker Job ref: ST 12881 | Job type: Permanent Location: Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards | Salary: Scale 1C, SCP 3 - 4 Quantity of Posts Available: 1 Closing date: Thursday 13 Nov 2025 16:00 Job summary The post holder will be responsible to the Arts Centre Coordinator for the provision of a range of caretaking services to ensure the smooth running of the Arts Centre. Please note There is one permanent part-time post working 10 hours per week, 9.00 am to 2.00 pm on Thursday and Friday Based in the Arts Centre, Newtownards A reserve list may be kept from this recruitment exercise Applicants must be prepared to work overtime at evenings and weekends regularly when the service demands Appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of a medical questionnaire All correspondence in relation to the job vacancy will be completed by email and phone. Therefore, it is important that applicants ensure a valid e-mail address and mobile number are provided and entered accurately when filling out the application form Applicants should ensure they check their emails including junk folders regularly Benefits Employees have access to a wide range of benefits at Ards and North Down Borough Council. In addition to a competitive salary, the Council supports all staff in their career aspirations through learning and development opportunities. Current key benefits include: 35 days of annual leave (including bank/public holidays), rising to 38 days after five years of service, and 41 days after 10 years of service (pro rata) Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme (Council contributes 19% of salary) Health benefits: Westfield Healthcare Scheme; Leisure Centre Membership; Cycle to Work Scheme Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) Education / qualifications support after qualifying period Plus much more PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST The post holder will be responsible to the Arts Centre Coordinator for the provision of a range of caretaking services to ensure the smooth running of the Arts Centre. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Opening and locking up building and acting as designated key holder with responsibility for the security of the building. Making checks for damages, break-ins etc. and reporting same. Ensuring building is heated and lighted adequately according to daily schedule. Setting up and dismantling for classes, concerts, meetings, hires, council functions etc. Assisting arts service to set up and dismantle exhibitions. Ensuring building and all furniture, fixings, fitting and equipment are kept clean, fresh and tidy at all times. Ensuring that toilet facilities are cleaned daily and regularly checked. Drawing up schedules of work for self and cleaner/assistant caretaker in consultation with Arts Centre Co-Ordinator. Carrying out or delegation of minor maintenance such as changing bulbs, repainting walls and display boxes, etc. Completing time sheets. Ordering and maintaining cleaning stores and equipment safely and tidily. Maintaining tidy stores of arts materials and equipment. Operating and checking simple equipment as required. Reporting and recording malfunctions of equipment, accidents, dangerous occurrence, etc. Logging and controlling loan of equipment, etc. Carrying out weekly fire safety checks to include checking emergency lighting, testing the fire alarm and ensuring fire escapes are kept clear Dealing with the public by telephone and in person with regard to enquires after office hours. Arranging the hospitality for meetings, previews, functions etc. in consultation with arts service or relevant officer. To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements. To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. Personnel Specification CATEGORY: EXPERIENCE Essential Experience of caretaking and cleaning duties in a similar role, including experience of using relevant machinery (e.g. burnisher). Responsibility for the security of a building, including operating an alarm system. Experience of dealing with the public. Previous experience in record keeping. Desirable A minimum of 1 years experience of caretaking and cleaning duties in a similar role, including experience of using relevant machinery (e.g. burnisher) and responsibility for the security of a building, including operating an alarm system. Demonstrated experience of good customer care skills. CATEGORY: KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Ability to work without supervision. Understanding and appreciation of the needs of the public. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. CATEGORY: OTHER REQUIREMENTS Essential Applicants must be prepared to work overtime in the evenings and at weekends regularly when the service demands. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary. *Hours of Duty Normal hours of work are 10 per week. The post holder will, however, be expected to work such hours as are necessary for the efficient discharge of the duties of the post which will include occasional daytime and/or additional weekend work. The post holder will also have responsibility to work unsupervised. Regular hours as laid out below: Thursday 9am-2pm Friday 9am-2pm