The New Solutions Programme is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Union, through the European Social Fund Plus.

The Rediscovery Centre is currently recruiting an experienced and enthusiastic Furniture Technician & Operations Assistant to join our team. 

The Rediscovery Centre contains four social enterprises working in the reuse and repair sector, all based within our circular economy visitor centre in Ballymun. These social enterprises (Rediscover Furniture, Rediscover Fashion, Rediscover Paint and Rediscover Cycling) are internally known as the Rediscovery Centre’s Eco-Cluster and their activities follow a pre-approved set of standard operating procedures. All of our social enterprise run distinct training programmes with Community Employment and TUS participants to develop transferable green skills in order to enhance future job prospects. 

The main focus of this role is to, for part of the working week, assist the Rediscover Furniture Programme Manager manage the day-to-day activities in our busy furniture social enterprise includes manual handling, and furniture reuse and repair working with manual and other furniture related equipment.  

Following a successful application to the Social Innovation Scaling-Up Fund, the Rediscovery Centre’s New Solutions project will pilot and refine our Eco-Cluster and demonstration centre model in up to three regions creating training materials, engaging local communities, and building a national framework to increase reuse activity and support Ireland’s just transition goals.  

The other part of the working week will be spent supporting the Eco-Cluster Operations & Training Manager in delivering New Solutions project objectives. This support work will involve supporting the Eco-Cluster operations & training manager in the development of operational modules development and piloting in hubs. It will also include helping with the day to day running of the broader Eco-Cluster. 

Excellent interpersonal skills, a can-do attitude and team working skills are essential. Flexibility with regard to time commitment is required with the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work. 

Working at the Rediscovery Centre 

In line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, staff members exemplify our values to support the organisation’s five key objectives.

• Sustainability: we implement and promote environmental, social, and economic practices that can be maintained long-term without compromising our environment or the ability of others to meet their needs.
• Integrity: we live by what we say. We are transparent, honest, open and ethical in all that we do.
• Force for Good: we pioneer creative solutions, support people to think differently about how we live and inspire bold action towards Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable way of life.
• Equality: we promote an inclusive circular economy, leaving no one behind, and ensure that social equality is delivered through the solutions we provide.
• Excellence: we aim for excellence, professionalism and to be innovative leaders in the circular economy and sustainability.
• Collaboration: We actively collaborate and foster collaboration internally and externally at all levels, within and across sectors. We value the input of all stakeholders, recognising the broad remit of the circular and social economy. 

The Role 

Reporting to: Eco-Cluster Operations & Training Manager 

Place of Work: Rediscovery Centre, Boiler House, Ballymun, Dublin 9, D09 HK58 

Hours of Work: 5 days per week (with evening and weekend work as required)  

Specific Purpose Contract: The role supports the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund and is expected to continue until 31 March 2028 

As part of this role specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:  

• Assist Training and Operations Manager with  
  • New Solutions operations modules development and pilot for all Eco-Cluster teams and hubs
  • Measuring and monitoring Eco-Cluster progress success  
  • Health & Safety policies and procedures at the Rediscovery Centre  
• Support furniture Programme Manager in furniture reuse, repair, restoration, redesign, design and upcycling activities
• Assist with the co-ordination and supervision of Eco-Cluster operations
• Scheduling collections and deliveries for the Eco-Cluster, including relevant administration (i.e. delivery receipts and health & safety aspects)
• Maintain project records in relation to materials & equipment inventories, stocks, transport, training and customer care  
• Help promote & develop Eco-Cluster and associated Rediscovery Centre projects
• Participate in company events, promotions and meetings as required
• Liaise with all departments and staff of the Rediscovery Centre as required
• Assist with general marketing, retail and customer service activities associated with the EcoCluster
• Any other duties determined necessary for the successful operation of Rediscover Furniture and other Rediscovery Centre associated operations 

Required qualifications and experience  

• Relevant qualifications in, or previous experience of, working in the Furniture sector, e.g. carpentry / cabinet making, training, design, etc.
• Good computer literacy (MS, Google Workspace), including calendar management
• Good technical skills related to working with Furniture (Design, Build, Upcycle & Repair)
• Committed to ensuring high quality standards
• Full clean driving license (valid for use in Ireland)
• Ability to work across multiple teams and on own initiative  

Desirable attributes  

• Experience of working well to strict deadlines
• Excellent customer service skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Some experience in teaching or mentoring
• Manual handling training & other Health & Safety training
• Experience in specific furniture skills, i.e. upholstery, French polishing, painting and finishing skills 

Terms and conditions of employment  

Note: This summary is supplied for information only and does not constitute contractual terms. 

This is a fixed-term full-time contract of service, five days over seven, with a probationary period of 3 months.  

Remuneration: €35k per annum  Some work outside normal office hours will be required from time to time. 

This position is subject to satisfactory references, Evidence of permit to work in Ireland, Garda Vetting and foreign police clearance (if applicable).  

Full clean driving license (valid for use in Ireland) is needed.