Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Car Park Attendant- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Working Life
Car park attendants' work largely depends on the type of car park they work in. Some work in only one car park and others drive to different ones during the day. Car park attendants make sure that all parking regulations are being adhered to. Many car park attendants offer valeting services.
Some attendants supervise outdoor car parks, working from a small hut at the entrance. When customers arrive, they pay the attendant who then gives them a ticket. An attendant also often directs drivers to free spaces in the car park.
Some car parks are 'pay and display', where the driver parks their car and puts money in a machine to get a ticket; they then display the ticket in their car. Here, attendants may check a group of car parks, such as those located in a town centre. They make sure that people have purchased tickets. They might also empty cash from pay and display machines and make sure that they are stocked with tickets.
In some car parks, including multi-storey and some supermarket car parks, attendants work from a small booth at the exit and take payments from drivers as they leave. They find out how much to charge by taking the driver's entrance ticket and putting it into a machine; this reads the ticket and shows the price to charge.
In some car parks, there are reserved places for regular users. Attendants may deal with bookings for these and set out cones. There may also be a security role for attendants in some car parks - patrolling the car park and using closed-circuit televisions. They also check the car park for damage to surface, lifts, ticket machines etc.
A lot of the work takes place outside in all weather conditions. They usually wear a uniform and high visibility clothing.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Take numbered tags from customers, locate vehicles, and deliver vehicles, or provide customers with instructions for locating vehicles.
- Inspect vehicles to detect any damage.
- Greet customers and open their car doors.
- Issue ticket stubs or place numbered tags on windshields, log tags or attach tag to customers' keys, and give customers matching tags for locating parked vehicles.
- Perform cash handling tasks, such as making change, balancing and recording cash drawer, or distributing tips.
- Explain and calculate parking charges, collect fees from customers, and respond to customer complaints.
- Park and retrieve automobiles for customers in parking lots, storage garages, or new car lots.
- Provide customer assistance and information, such as giving directions or handling wheelchairs.
- Keep parking areas clean and orderly to ensure that space usage is maximised.
- Call emergency responders or the proper authorities and provide motorist assistance, such as giving directions or helping jump start a stalled vehicle.
Qualities - Car Park Attendant
Some car park attendants spend a lot of time on their feet so stamina is needed, but others may spend most of the time sitting down - it depends on the kind of car park it is.
You may need number skills to work out the length of time that customers have spent in the car park, how much they owe and how much change to give them when they pay.
You should be reliable and trustworthy. You should have a responsible attitude towards security and safety. You need to be self-reliant and able to work on your own. You also need to be polite and friendly when dealing with the public.
Interests - Car Park Attendant
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Car Park Attendant
Training may be on-the-job. Some employers may run induction courses and there may be training in new procedures, such as security work and customer service. You may be required to have good verbal, written, numeracy, and literacy as part of this role.
Key Skills Certs:
- Manual Handling
- Health & Safety
- Occupational First Aid
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, retail associate.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: sales, retail, customer service.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales.
Search for Apprenticeships
Pay & Salary - Car Park Attendant
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €32k
Salary can vary as work may be part time. Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience
Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie/ Glassdoor.ie
Last Updated: January, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Car Park Attendant
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Stock control clerks and assistants; Transport and distribution clerks and assistants.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Numbers in the LFS are too small to allow for any detailed analysis. New employment permits issued in 2022 related mainly to transport and distribution clerks along with various logistics and customs roles.
The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues in sourcing freight forwarders. There was a relatively high share of jobseekers registered with DSP in December 2022 who had previously been employed as stores/despatch clerks and storekeepers.
Useful Contacts - Car Park Attendant
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Society of the Irish Motor Industry
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Retail Ireland
