Education Authority Northern Ireland
Cleaner - 3 posts

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School Cleaning Operative
RESPONSIBLE TO: Cleaning Supervisor or other authorised person.
JOB PURPOSE
Undertake, as part of a team, the cleaning of any area within the premises as designated by the line manager.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Cleaning Tasks
- Sweep, suction clean, mop, dry buff, spray clean, spray wax, machine scrub and dry, strip and re-polish floors using appropriate equipment.
- Clean and remove stains from soft floor surfaces (carpets/matting) using appropriate methods.
- Clean toilet and shower areas, including fixtures, fittings, and other surfaces.
- Clean, wash, and dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings, and internal surfaces up to 3.35M. Polish furniture where necessary.
- Empty and clean internal litter bins, removing litter to designated collection points.
Health and Safety Compliance
All duties must adhere to:
- The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- Relevant acts, statutory instruments, and regulations
- COSHH Regulations and codes of practice
Procedural and Administrative Responsibilities
- Follow standard operating procedures for covering sick colleagues (per Education Authority policy).
- Report absences and submit necessary paperwork signed by the Building Supervisor.
- Wear protective clothing issued by the Authority when performing task duties.
- Wear flat-soled enclosed-toe footwear during cleaning.
- Care for and report defects in issued cleaning equipment immediately.
- Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.
Scope of Work
- Perform duties up to and including work graded at your level, if within your competence.
- Accept training for higher-level duties when required (no additional payment for routine training beyond your grade).
Safeguarding and Equality Requirements
- Promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and respect for equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998).
- Work in educational institutions requires adherence to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007.
- Enhanced disclosure check (cost: £33.00) is mandatory for this post.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Notes to Job Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how you meet all criteria for both essential and desirable categories in your application.
- Applicants must show evidence of meeting criteria by the closing date (unless otherwise specified).
- Shortlisting will consider essential criteria first. Desirable criteria may be applied if the applicant pool is excessive.
Section 1: Essential Criteria (Shortlisting & Interviews)
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | A minimum of three months’ demonstrable working experience in cleaning. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Legal & Compliance | Must be willing to undergo OAHS training (per the Education Authority’s cleaning service policy). | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Section 2: Additional Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)
Knowledge & Experience (Interview-Based)
- Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Requirements of a School Cleaning Operative
- Cleaning methods and machinery
- Health & Safety (including COSHH)


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Skills & Abilities (EA’s Game Changing People Model)
Applicants should evidence:
- Ability to use own initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills (proficiency in English required).
- Organisation and planning skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- A flexible and instructional approach to work.
Values Orientation (Interview-Based)
Must reflect EA’s ethos and values, aligning with promoting equality, excellence, and fairness in education.
Section 3: Desirable Criteria (Shortlisting Applied if Needed)
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | One year’s cleaning experience outside the home environment. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Skills | Demonstrable experience using commercial cleaning tools (e.g., buffing machinery). | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Equality, Safeguarding & Disclosure
- The Education Authority is committed to providing equality of opportunity and ensuring non-discrimination.
- All appointments in educational settings require an Enhanced Disclosure from the OAAHS (covering criminal and family background checks).
- Applicants should be prepared to front the cost of this disclosure (£33).
For full applicant guidance or further benefits of an EA role, refer to the provided links in the original posting.
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