Vacancy: Cathedral Sacristan/Cleaner

Reporting to: Cathedral Facilities Manager

Place of Work: St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh

Hours: 30 hours per week between 8.00am and 2.30pm, Monday – Friday

Salary: £13.45 per hour

Applications: In writing/email with CV to Alex Mileto, Cathedral Facilities Manager, Cathedral House, 61 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JD complexmanager@stmaryscathedral.co.uk

Closing date: Friday 20th November 2026

Purpose

To support the work of the Cathedral by setting up for, and clearing up after, liturgical celebrations, and by keeping the Cathedral and the parish rooms clean and tidy.

Dimensions

The Cathedral Complex - incorporating the Cathedral, the sacristies, offices, parish rooms and accommodation in 61-63 York Place, requires a great deal of day to day maintenance. The job holder reports to the Facilities Manager and may also communicate with parishioners, visitors, volunteers and visiting clergy.

Key Outputs

  • Set up for and clear up after liturgical celebrations in the Cathedral.

  • Clean the interior of the Cathedral, the Sacristies and immediate environs of the complex. Work with the Cathedral cleaning volunteers when necessary.

  • Clean and maintain the votive candle stands.

  • Keep tidy the paved area and steps outside the Cathedral, including weed control.

  • Polish silverware and brassware.

  • Clean the parish rooms, including the toilets and the kitchen area.

  • Assist the housekeeper with cleaning tasks in 61/63 York Place.

  • Maintain small areas of grass and shrubs.

Authorities and Limitations

  • No line management responsibilities.

  • Reporting any maintenance issues or safety hazards.

  • Observe and report any damage.

  • Hands on, to take initiative and deal with issues.

Job challenges and problem solving

  • Ensure that everything necessary for the liturgical celebrations is in place.

  • Ensure that the Cathedral and the parish rooms are kept clean and safe.

  • Respond to varying levels of demand and prioritise effectively.

  • Manage expectations effectively.

  • Challenge to prevent waste and optimise services.

Qualifications/Experience

  • Some knowledge of the liturgy of the Catholic Church to be able to appropriately prepare for liturgical celebrations an advantage.

  • Knowledge of and experience in cleaning to a high standard.

  • Ability to follow a cleaning schedule, but also adaptable to changing circumstances (events etc).

  • Good communication.

  • Reliability, integrity, honesty and high energy levels.

  • Since the work is of a physical nature, the sacristan must be fit enough to carry out the required lifting and cleaning duties.

Competencies

  • Liturgical knowledge an advantage.

  • Attention to Detail.

  • Organisation.

  • Contribution to results.

  • Preference for action.

  • Teamwork.

Terms and Conditions

Six month probationary period.

Payment £13.45/hour or salaried equivalent.