Architectural Conservation Officer

Character:

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health:

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Education, Experience etc.:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) hold a recognised qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications developed in a technical discipline related to the built environment including but not limited to architecture, structural engineering, building surveying or spatial/town/urban planning;

OR

hold a recognized qualification at NFQ Level 8 in which the historic built environment was a major subject including but not limited to archaeology, history of art or architectural conservation;

OR

hold a recognized postgraduate qualification at NFQ Levels 9 or 10 in which the historic built environment was a major subject, including but not limited to archaeology, history of art or architectural conservation;

(b) after attaining the qualification referred to at (a) above, have five years’ satisfactory experience relevant to the post (or four years for registered architects);

(c) have a satisfactory knowledge of architectural heritage, design and conservation, strategic planning and urban design, and the legal framework governing architectural conservation and planning;

(d) possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the work undertaken, including administrative experience, and have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation;

(e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

The Candidate:

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they:

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of Carlow’s history and of its historic building typologies and spaces

• Have a good working knowledge and understanding of architectural conservation and of its role in the planning and development process

• Have experience of participating in managing and leading multi-disciplinary teams

• Have a proven track record of delivering results

• Understand Local Authority services and structures in Ireland, particularly as they relate to the conservation function, or can quickly acquire same

• Be capable of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and working collaboratively with a diverse range of bodies and representative groups

• Be experienced in contributing to the operational and strategic conservation processes and in the implementation of the agreed aims of same

• Have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills

• Have experience of budget management and ensuring value for money

• Possess strong ICT and presentation skills

Driving Licence:

Holders of the post must hold a full unendorsed driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Carlow County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy.

The Post:

The post is temporary, wholetime and pensionable. The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority, or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Health:

For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Probation:

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such persons shall hold such position on probation,

(b) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period,

(c) such persons shall cease to hold such position at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory,

(d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one week’s notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts,

(e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

Hours of Duty:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week. The working hours may be reviewed at any time and the Council reserves the right to vary the hours or days as required. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary.

Carlow County Council operate a flexible time scheme with the earliest start time of 8.00 a.m. and latest start time of 10.00 a.m. and the earliest finishing time of 16.00 p.m. and latest finishing time of 18.00 p.m. A lunch break consisting of a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours must be taken between 12.30 p.m. and 14.30 p.m. The Flexi Leave Scheme is available, on request.

There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities and Time in Lieu on a time for time basis will apply. Overtime does not apply to this post. All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

Duties:

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and

(a) to such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the City and County Management Acts, is Chief Executive, and

(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph

under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate professional/technical and ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.

The duties to be assigned include the following, although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

➢ To advise Carlow County Council in relation to the architectural heritage and conservation provisions and requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and any subsequent National and European legislation

➢ To take part in Carlow County Council’s working groups and multidisciplinary teams in developing and delivering projects with heritage aspects such as URDF, RRDF, Town Centre First and Thrive, including New European Bauhaus funding

➢ To attend internal preplanning and public meetings as required, where issues of Conservation arise

➢ To maximise grant awards for architectural heritage and conservation funds from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council, for both private and public projects

➢ To contribute to the heritage conservation policies and objectives in Local Authority plans and to prepare, promote and implement such policies. To prepare responses to Architectural Conservation related submissions received either as part of any review of the County Development Plan or any emerging Urban Area Plan

➢ Preparing conservation reports on planning applications, Part 8 applications and compliances

➢ Managing Conservation Grants Schemes (HSF, BHIS and CMF) and supervising associated conservation works

➢ To provide advice to investors, developers, owners and occupiers of structures included in a Record of Protected Structures on good practice in the conservation of such structures, on the availability of assistance, including financial assistance, for such conservation

➢ Inspecting buildings of historic and/or architectural interest in the functional area of the Local Authority, to survey and record their principal external and internal features

➢ Organising and managing research relating to protected structures and proposed protected structures under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and reviewing and updating the Council’s Record of Protected Structures (RPS)

➢ Researching, inspecting and drafting proposals for the designation of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs)

➢ Compiling and updating inventory data, architectural conservation databases, related webpages, and the RPS GIS database

➢ Reviewing and evaluating Ministerial Recommendations and the recommendations of the surveys undertaken in the relevant county area by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)

➢ Assisting with the drafting Declarations under Section 57 and Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, as amended, and, through the planning department, advising owners and occupiers of protected structures and buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas in relation to works to those structures which would or would not require planning permission

➢ Liaising with relevant Departments within the Council, State Agencies, Voluntary Bodies and European organisations on architectural conservation policy and matters relating to Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) and built heritage generally

➢ Apply for and deliver projects funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other government departments and agencies, including the Heritage Council and other available sources

➢ To prepare and give evidence in court and at oral hearings where issues of conservation are involved

➢ To communicate effectively whether verbally or in written communications with all stakeholders including staff, elected members, community groups and the public

➢ To produce an annual report on activities for the Heritage Council as well as internal line management

➢ To actively participate as a member of the County Carlow Heritage Forum

➢ To work with property owners and communities to curate events as part of National Heritage Week in collaboration with the Heritage Officer

➢ To provide effective project management in order to undertake all assigned tasks in a timely manner

➢ To effectively and efficiently manage budgets and ensure value for money at all times

➢ To have good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and their implications and applications in the workplace

➢ To lead, motivate and engage staff to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans

➢ To comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in the local authority, undertake training to comply with identified needs and to maintain Continuous Professional Development

➢ To comply with and support the development of Health and Safety Policies

➢ To undertake any other such duties as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.