Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Qualifications for the Post of Assistant Chief Fire 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. New entrants to the Fire Service must be medically fit to undertake operational training associated with fire services work.

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

(a) Hold, in the National Framework of Qualifications: (i) a degree at Level 8 in engineering, architecture, or other building construction related discipline, or (ii) a professional qualification equivalent to one of the foregoing awarded by the relevant professional body, or (iii) a degree at Level 8 in a science or technology related discipline including physics, chemistry, environmental or computer science, information communications technology; or a fire-related discipline including fire safety, emergency management or emergency services, or (iv) a degree at Level 8 together with a Level 9 qualification in a fire-related discipline including fire safety, emergency management or emergency services.

(b) Have a satisfactory knowledge of one or more of the following:

• Principles and practices of fire safety

• Fire service operations

• Major emergency management

• Technological and industrial processes

• Telecommunications and information technology

(c) Have at least five years satisfactory relevant experience, including adequate experience in at least one of the areas specified at (b) above.

(d) Have a high standard of training in one or more of the areas specified in (b) above and, in the case of a new entrant to the fire service, successfully complete basic fire-fighter training and Breathing Apparatus Initial Wearers Course before the expiry of the probationary period.

(e) Be competent to perform efficiently the duties of the office and possess the appropriate qualities.

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 Role

Reporting to the Chief Fire Officer, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer will be required to be a team player in any of the main disciplines of Carlow Fire & Rescue Service: Operations, Prevention, Civil Defence, Building Control and Major Emergency Management.

The assignment will be to the Carlow Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Green Lane, Carlow, covering the county as a whole as well as the four retained stations.

As an Assistant Chief Fire Officer, the successful candidate will have an important role in the management of staff. The role will assist with the management of the Fire Service Learning & Development Centre, Hacketstown, and associated duties.

The successful candidate will also be required to assist in co-ordination of national QQI training on two days per week (for an initial period of two years) on behalf of the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management.

The Duties

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the employees from time to time by the local authority and shall include deputising for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to the area of any other local authority.

The duties of an Assistant Chief Fire Officer include giving to the local authority and: (a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001 and Local Government Reform Act 2014, 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), under the direction and supervision of the appropriate professional employee, such fire or ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory, or executive nature as may be required.

These duties shall include the exercise or performance of any of the local authority’s powers, functions and duties, including assisting Senior Fire Officers in the supervision of engineering, fire, or cognate services of any of the foregoing local authorities or bodies.

In addition, when required, the successful candidate will be required to perform the duty of acting for appropriate professional employees of higher rank during their absence.

The duties include, but are not limited to:

• Management of all aspects of fire service operational activities in accordance with the Fire Authorities Operational Plan

• Attendance at incidents as an authorised rostered Senior Fire Officer, drill nights, and exercises out of normal working hours

• Inspections in accordance with the Fire Service Act 1981 & 2003, Building Control Act 1990, and Carlow County Council’s Community Fire Safety Policy (including during performance inspections), and providing evidence in court where required

• Management of the Fire Authorities Community Fire Safety programmes and providing advice and talks on fire safety to all members of the community (may be outside of normal working hours)

• Issuing enforcement notices as an authorised officer in accordance with the Fire Service Act 1981 & 2003 and attending court when appropriate

• Validation and processing of Fire Safety Certificates, Disability Access Certificates, and Commencement Notices in accordance with the Building Control Regulations 1997 - 2020

• Compilation of information and reporting on inspections, fire service training and operational activity, fleet management, and Health, Safety & Welfare Act 2005 requirements

• Management of the Fire Authorities Integrated Safety and Quality Management Systems ensuring annual reaccreditation to ISO 45001 & ISO 9001

• Management of Carlow County Council’s Major Emergency Plan including participation in local and regional MEM training

• Any other duties as assigned

Rostering Agreement

The terms of the Senior Fire Officer Rostering Agreement 1996 (or as amended) will apply to this post.

Competency Based Application Form

A Competency Based Application Form requires candidates to describe personal achievements to demonstrate competencies required for the position.

• Describe situations from your own experience that best illustrate the specific competency.

• Examples may be drawn from employment, community, sporting, or voluntary settings.

• Do not use the same example for more than two areas of competence.

• The interview board may request additional examples demonstrating the required skills.

Key Competencies

Strategic Management and Change

• Strategic Ability: Think and act strategically. Translate strategy into operational plans. Evaluate capacity and performance. Demonstrate innovation to achieve strategic outcomes.

• Political Awareness: Understand the political reality and context of the organisation.

• Networking and Representing: Develop positive relationships with stakeholders. Build technical and professional networks. Promote a positive organisational image.

• Bringing about Change: Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change. Develop and initiate change management programmes. Influence others and foster commitment to change.

Delivering Results

• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Address issues logically, act decisively, and make informed decisions.

• Operational Planning: Contribute to operational plans and develop team plans. Delegate, track, and monitor activity. Maintain service and customer care standards.

• Managing Resources: Allocate, use, and evaluate resources effectively. Promote cost reduction and minimise waste.

• Delivering Quality Outcomes: Ensure services meet or exceed standards. Evaluate outcomes and implement improvements.

Performance through People

• Leading and Motivating: Motivate teams and individuals to deliver high quality work. Develop competence of team members. Lead by example.

• Managing Performance: Manage performance, address underperformance or conflict. Empower people to deliver operational objectives.

• Communicating Effectively: Communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written forms. Actively listen and present ideas concisely.

Personal Effectiveness

• Relevant Knowledge: Keep up to date with best practice, statutory obligations, and health and safety legislation.

• Resilience and Personal Wellbeing: Remain calm under pressure and operate effectively in complex environments.

• Integrity: Behave honestly, transparently, and consistently.

• Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement: Be enthusiastic, self-motivated, set challenging goals, and engage in reflection to improve performance.

The Post

• Permanent, wholetime, and pensionable.

• The post holder shall not engage in gainful occupation outside the local authority that conflicts with duties.

• Subject to local authority terms and conditions, including re-assignment.

Salary

• €59,658 - €61,829 - €64,000 - €66,175 - €68,349 - €70,521 - €72,696 - €74,857 - €77,043 - €79,209 - €81,706 (LSI1) and €82,929 (LSI2)

• Entry point determined by Department Circulars. New entrants placed on minimum of scale. Adjustments may occur in line with government policy.

Hours of Work

• 35-hour week with flexibility for evenings and weekends as necessary.

• Flexi time scheme: Earliest start 8am, latest start 10am; earliest finish 4pm, latest finish 6pm. Lunch 30 minutes to 2 hours between 12:30pm – 2:30pm.

• Additional hours compensated with Time in Lieu (no overtime). All hours recorded per Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and 2001.

Health

• Successful candidates must undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the local authority.

Residence

• The holder shall reside in the district of duty or within a reasonable distance.

Probation

• 12-month probation (extendable at Chief Executive’s discretion).

• Probation may be terminated with one week’s notice.

• Assessments conducted during probation.

Annual Leave

• 30 days per annum.

Sick Leave

• Terms of Public Service Sick Pay Scheme apply.

Location/Work Base

• Carlow Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Green Lane, Carlow.

• Council reserves the right to assign to any premises. Travel arrangements at employee expense.

Driver’s Licence & Travel

• Full, unendorsed Class B licence required.

• Provide and maintain own car.

• Travel expenses reimbursed according to Department Circulars and Council Policy.

Training

• Participation in relevant training programmes is a condition of employment.