Environmental Lead, Grade VI

Environmental Lead, Grade VI (10.010 (2026))

Permanent Full-Time

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland

Job Title: Environmental Lead, Grade VI Reference No: 10.010 (2026) Department / Directorate: Environmental Office, I&SS Directorate Reports to: Environmental Manager

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4, voluntary, academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4,000 people from 63 different countries, it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800,000 people and is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.

The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region, which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties, and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation, the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.

TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.

The Hospital is ambitious, recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future, largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a “Hospital without Walls” always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.

TUH Vision and Values The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do. Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:

• Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
• Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
• Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
• Equity – for patients and staff

At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care. A full overview of TUH is available on https://tuh.ie/About-us/

purpose of the role: The Environmental Lead will support the effective management, development and continuous improvement of environmental services within Tallaght University Hospital. The post holder will provide operational leadership across designated areas of the Environmental Services function, ensuring that services are delivered to a consistently high standard and in accordance with hospital policies, national standards, legislation, infection prevention and control requirements, health and safety requirements, environmental standards and regulatory requirements. The Environmental Lead will work closely with the Environmental Manager and wider hospital management teams and will play a key role in service development, auditing, procurement and contract management. The post holder will also deputise for the Environmental Manager as required, providing continuity of management and decision-making in their absence.

Key Responsibilities 1. Operational Leadership

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership and support to Environmental Services within TUH.
• Assist the Environmental Manager in ensuring the efficient, safe and effective delivery of environmental services.
• Coordinate and monitor service delivery across designated hospital areas, ensuring appropriate standards are consistently maintained.
• Support the management of staffing, work allocation, attendance, performance and operational issues within the service.
• Provide guidance and direction to Environmental Services staff and promote a positive culture of professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Respond appropriately to operational issues, escalating matters to the Environmental Manager where required.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, nursing, infection prevention and control, facilities and other hospital departments.
• Manage Core for staff within the office.

2. Deputising and Management Support

• Deputise for the Environmental Manager during periods of absence or when requested.
• Assume delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Environmental Services function when deputising.
• Attend relevant meetings and represent the Environmental Services function as required.
• Support management in the implementation of departmental policies, procedures, service plans and strategic objectives.

3. Tenders, Procurement and Contract Management

• Participate in upcoming and future tendering and procurement processes within the department, including preparation of specifications, evaluation of submissions and implementation of awarded contracts.
• Assist in the development of tender documentation, service specifications, key performance indicators and quality requirements.
• Support the Environmental Manager in the implementation of new contracts.
• Monitor the performance of external contractors and service providers against agreed contractual standards and KPI’s.

4. Auditing, Quality and Compliance

• Develop, coordinate and participate in regular environmental services audits across the hospital.
• Monitor compliance with relevant hospital policies, procedures, standards and legislative requirements.
• Work with relevant departments to address audit findings and monitor completion of corrective and preventative actions.
• Prepare audit reports and provide relevant information and recommendations to the Environmental Manager and other stakeholders.
• Support the department in preparation for internal and external inspections, reviews and regulatory audits.

5. Infection Prevention and Control

• Work closely with Infection Prevention and Control personnel to ensure environmental cleaning and related services support the hospital's infection prevention and control objectives.
• Ensure cleaning and environmental standards are appropriate to the clinical risk associated with different hospital areas.
• Assist in the review and implementation of cleaning methodologies, schedules, standards and procedures.
• Participate in initiatives arising from infection prevention and control audits, incidents or outbreaks where required.

6. Environmental Sustainability

• Support the hospital's environmental sustainability objectives and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve recycling and resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and improve sustainable working practices.
• Assist with monitoring and reporting on relevant environmental performance indicators.
• Support the implementation of environmental policies and sustainability programmes across the department.

7. Health and Safety

• Ensure that Environmental Services activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, hospital policies and risk management procedures.
• Identify hazards and operational risks and ensure appropriate controls are implemented.
• Participate in risk assessments, incident investigations and the development of corrective actions where required.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture throughout the Environmental Services team.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training in relation to their duties.

8. Staff Management and Development

• Support the Environmental Manager in the management and development of Environmental Services staff.
• Assist with staff training and ongoing development.
• Identify training and development needs and assist in the implementation of appropriate programmes.

9. Service Development and Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of Environmental Services.
• Lead and/or participate in departmental improvement projects.
• Review existing processes and recommend improvements based on audit findings, staff feedback and best practice.
• Assist in the development and review of departmental policies, procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Use appropriate data and performance information to support service planning and decision making.

10. Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Develop effective working relationships with clinical and non-clinical departments throughout the hospital.
• Liaise with Infection Prevention and Control, Asset Care, Procurement, Health and Safety, QSRM and other relevant functions.
• Represent the department at relevant meetings and working groups as required.

Qualifications & Experience required Must have:

• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent

Or

• Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher i.e. Fetac Level 5
• Have satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills

And

• 4 years’ relevant experience which includes administration experience in the Health Sector environment or service related industry
• Minimum of 1 years Supervisory / Management experience
• 3rd level qualification in a relevant field
• Practical experience of use of IT systems / packages
• Fluent command and understanding of the English language to include spoken and written word
• Willingness to attend HR Management workshops to ensure policies and procedures are implemented within their department

Desirable:

• Experience of using data, KPIs and performance information to monitor and improve services.
• Experience of undertaking audits, inspections and quality improvement activities.
• Experience of contract management and/or procurement processes
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control requirements within a healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of health and safety, environmental and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Experience in the Health Sector environment.

Reward & Recognition

• Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales,

1st June 2026: €58,477 - €71,441 (LSIs)

• These particulars are subject to change in line with overall public pay policy. Point on scale allocated is based on relevant HSE Circulars.
• The appointment is permanent and pensionable.
• The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
• Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

Application process Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered. All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.

TUH is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination in accordance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004. The Hospital values diversity and recognises the benefits of having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We are committed to equality of access to positions within the Hospital. All recruitment activity and documentation will encourage applications from all potential candidates without discrimination.

Informal Enquiries to: Anthony O’Toole, Environmental Manager Closing Date: Before close of business on: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Interviews: will be held on the week commencing 9th November 2026.

TUH Core Competencies:

Please go to www.tuh/careers (http://www.tuh/careers) for details of the core competencies

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs. Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Garda Vetting Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy. Point on Salary Scale New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies. Probation The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001. Termination of Employment The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment. Sick Leave

• There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
• In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.

Information Technology & data

• Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
• Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.

Pension Arrangements and Retirement age There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital: (a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) (b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) (c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances. (a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65. (b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age. (c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety

• All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
• Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
• Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control

• All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
• All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
• All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
• All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management

• Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management You must manage data as per TUH obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1988 – 2018 and GDPR.

Confidentiality As an employee of Tallaght University Hospital, you acknowledge and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all patient data, medical records, and or other personal and / sensitive data you may encounter in the course of your employment. As you have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients, their families and /or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. You agree to uphold the highest standards and professional integrity and to exercise discretion and caution in handling all confidential information. By accepting employment with Tallaght University Hospital you affirm your commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all information entrusted to you. Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015 Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.