Architectural Conservation Officer

The Architectural Conservation Officer shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

Overall responsibilities: -

Strategy, Collaboration and Integration

• Develop and support innovative approaches to architectural heritage and regeneration in the development and implementation of international and national policies for increased environmental, economic and social sustainability and resilience.
• Manage, enable and co-ordinate collaboration and effectively communicate and transfer specialist and technical conservation knowledge within a multi-disciplinary context to the benefit of the organisation.
• Be an active member of the Local Authority Heritage Team working to enhance the management, conservation, and promotion of built, natural, and cultural heritage and integration of heritage functions across the County.

 Governance, Statutory Functions and Policy Making

• Drafting Declarations under Section 57 and Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, as amended, and advising owners and occupiers of protected structures and buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas, through the Local Authority Planning Department, in relation to works to those structures which would or would not require planning permission;
• Liaising with relevant Departments within the Council (including the Planning Section), 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;
• Prepare, maintain and review the Record of Protected Structures, Architectural Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Planning Control as set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act.
• Increase recognition, enhance value and safeguard architectural heritage through informed governance and policy analysis and development.

Funding, Activation and Administration

• 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.
• Operate and effectively administer grant schemes within required timeframes for optimal outcomes.
• Provide expert knowledge and project management, support in the activation, preparation and delivery of funding streams pertaining to rural and urban regeneration, conservation and enhancement of the historic built environment, climate action projects and sustainable development programmes.

Communications, Engagement, Education and Advocacy

• Support and assist owners of historic properties, historic building professionals, and interested parties through the effective communication and delivery of up to date guidance and advice, this may take the form of production of guidance documents, information leaflets, workshops, webinars, events and public consultation.
• Participate in research and development in the area of architectural heritage and the wider cultural agenda.
• Coordinate with communities to curate events as part of the annual National Heritage Week.
• Promote the values of heritage, best practice and high professional standards through effective communication, innovative interpretation, training and sharing of knowledge.

Specific Duties: -

• Advising the local authority 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;
• Contributing to the built heritage conservation policies and objectives in Local Authority plans and to promote and implement such policies;
• Preparing conservation reports on planning applications, Part 8 applications and compliances;
• Providing conservation advice and reports on area plans and projects;
• Managing Conservation Grants Schemes and supervising associated conservation works;
• 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 draft 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);
• 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 (including the Planning Section), 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;
• Applying 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;
• Attending meetings as required, where matters of Architectural Conservation arise;
• Preparing and giving evidence in court and at oral hearings where issues of conservation are involved;
• Communicating effectively whether verbally or in written communications with all stakeholders including staff, elected members, community groups and the public;
• Producing an annual report on activities for the Heritage Council as well as internal line management;
• Actively participate as a member of the County Heritage Forum;
• Working with property owners and communities to curate events as part of National Heritage Week in collaboration with the Heritage Officer;
• Providing effective project management in order to undertake all assigned tasks in a timely manner;
• Effectively and efficiently managing budgets and ensure value for money at all times;
• Have good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and their implications and applications in the workplace;
• Lead, motivate and engage staff to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans;
• Comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in the local authority;
• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Architectural Conservation Officer and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

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

3.      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.

4.      Education, Training and Experience

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed applications: -

(a)     Hold a recognised qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 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

a 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

A postgraduate qualification at NFQ Levels 9 or 10 in which the historic built environment was a major subject;

(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.

5.      Driver Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

• Hold a postgraduate qualification (NFQ Levels 9 or 10) in architectural conservation, spatial planning, architectural design, or urban design; or a postgraduate qualification in which the research subject related to the theory and practice of architectural conservation, strategic planning, architectural design, or urban design; or have a recognised accreditation in architectural conservation;
• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, urban design, and/or architectural conservation management;
• Experience and/or qualification in project management.
• Have a satisfactory knowledge Monaghan’s history and of its historic building typologies and spaces
• A good working knowledge and understanding of architectural conservation and of its role in the planning and development process
• 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

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Oversees qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are outlined in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Competency

Management and Change

Strategic AbilityDisplays the ability to think and act strategically. Can translate strategy into operational plans and outputs. Evaluates capacity and performance against objectives. Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful strategic outcomes.

Political Awareness

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the organisation.

Networking and Representing

• Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders. Builds networks of technical and professional contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the organisation it represents.

Bringing about Change

• Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change. Develops and initiates change management programmes to meet end objectives. Influences others and fosters commitment to change.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

• Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operations. Delegates, tracks and monitors activity. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used effectively to deliver on operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services. Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard. Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Performance through People

Leading and Motivating

• Motivates others individually and in teams to deliver high quality work and customer focused outcomes. Develops the competence of team members and helps them meet their full potential. Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility, and a strong customer service ethos.

Managing Performance

• Effectively manages performance including underperformance or conflict. Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

• Recognises the value of communicating effectively with all employees. Actively listens to others. Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Presents ideas clearly and effectively to individuals and groups.

Personal Effectiveness

Relevant Knowledge

• Keeps up to date with current developments, trends, and best practice in their area of responsibility. Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role. Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

• Demonstrates appropriate and positive self- confidence. Remains calm under pressure and operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace. Integrity Behaves in an honest, trustworthy, and respectful manner and is transparent, fair, and consistent in dealing with others.

Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

• Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.

Essential Requirements

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government;
• Knowledge and understanding of current local government issues and advocate practical approaches to addressing them;
• Clear and realistic views of future trends and strategic direction of local government;
• Understanding the role of an Architectural Conservation Officer in this context

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Competition

Monaghan County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the post of Architectural Conservation Officer (Specific purpose contract).

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.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

The salary scale for the post is: -

€60,255, - €62,447 – €64,640 – €66,837 – €69,032 – €71,226 - €73,423 - €75,606 - €77,813, €80,001, 1st LSI €82,523, 2nd LSI €83,758

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply: -

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

(b)             such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period;

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

Hours of Duty:

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Health

For the purpose 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.

Superannuation:

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.