Assistant Chief Fire Officer

The Candidate It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that he/she possesses: • Excellent professional/technical knowledge and skills • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • An ability to prepare & present technical reports • Problem solving skills • Knowledge & site experience in fire safety building practices • Planning and organisational skills • Excellent team leadership skills • An ability to work independently or within multi-disciplined teams

• Strong ICT and presentation skills • A good knowledge of Local Government structure & functions • A good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health & Safety legislation and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities The duties of the office are to give the local authority and;

(a) 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 direction and supervision of the Chief Fire Officer, such engineering services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature as may be required by the local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers and functions. When required to do so, to perform the duty of acting for engineering/fire service employees of higher rank during the absence of such employee of higher rank. Holders of the post may also be required to perform duties in relation to Fire Operations, Fire Safety and Major Emergency Management, if they are assigned to them. Holders of the post will undergo such training as it is considered appropriate to the performance of the duties of the post and will be expected to conduct in a competent manner the following activities: • Validate and process Fire Safety Certificates, in accordance with the Building Control Regulations. • Assess & evaluate alternative engineering approaches to fire safety compliance in existing & proposed buildings. • Assess applications for the remediation of fire safety defects. • Prepare & present technical reports, as required. • Carry out inspections in accordance with the Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003, Building Control Act 1990, and Kildare County Council’s Community Fire Safety Policy (including during performance inspections), and give evidence in court where required. • Undertake technical site inspections, as required • Issue notices as an Authorised Officer in accordance with the Fire Service Act 1981 & 2003 and attend and give evidence in court where appropriate. • Deal with queries from members of the public, public representatives etc.

• Give advice and talks on fire safety to all members of our community which may be out of normal working hours.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications 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. Education, Training and Experience etc.: a) Hold, in the National Framework of Qualifications: I. A degree 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 science or technology related discipline including, physics, chemistry, environment 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 qualifications in a fire related discipline including fire safety, emergency management or emergency services. b) Have satisfactory knowledge of one or more of the following: • Principles and practices of fire safety, • Fire services 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 e) Be competent to perform efficiently the duties of the office and possess the appropriate qualities,

Please supply copies of any certificates, diplomas or degrees you may have with the application form. Driving Licence Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below), free from any endorsements within two years of appointment. They must be a competent driver and, shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. The council must be indemnified on their insurance.

https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licences Competencies for the post of Assistant Chief Fire Officer Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note to these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by the candidates:

Management and Change Strategic Ability Displays the ability to think and act strategically to ensure that their functional responsibility is properly aligned with purpose, mission and vision of the Council. Bringing About Change Effectively manages the introduction of change, fosters a culture of creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change. Influencing and Negotiating Brokers agreement with others, to their team’s objectives Takes a long-term pragmatic view when required. Performance through People Managing Conflict Effectively identifies and manages conflict and potential sources of conflict or employee dissatisfaction Communicating Effectively Recognises the value of and requirement to communicate effectively with all employees. Has effective verbal and written communication skills. Has good interpersonal skills. Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making Can pinpoint the critical information and can address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions Delivering Quality Outcomes Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services, which are linked to the corporate priorities, with a focus on continuous improvement. Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Personal Effectiveness Qualifications and Knowledge Achieves a proficient level of knowledge, skills and formal qualifications, where necessary. Engages in regular critical reflection on feedback and experiences in the workplace and acts on these to enhance personal development. Integrity Is honest and trustworthy in all dealings. Adopts an even-handed approach and is fair, consistent and open in all matters. Models and promotes appropriate social, ethical and Council standards in all interactions. Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective Public Service. Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles. Does more than is required or expected, anticipating situations and acting to pre-empt problems. Takes action within the bounds of own ability.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government including service requirements. Knowledge of current local government issues. Understanding of the role of an Assistant Chief Fire Officer Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Kildare County Council. Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

Particulars of Employment The Post The post is wholetime (i.e., 35 hours per week) and appointment may be permanent or temporary. Location Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense. Drivers Licence Successful applicants employed by Kildare County Council will be required to use their transport on occasions on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport. It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance for business use and to indemnify Kildare County Council with the indemnity specified on the insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis. Commencement Kildare County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Kildare County Council shall not appoint them. Working Hours The current working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Kildare County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government Circulars. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Kildare County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking system. Reporting Arrangements Assistant Chief Fire Officers report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee of Kildare County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose. A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Probationary Period of Employment Where a person is permanently appointed to Kildare County Council, the following provisions shall apply – a) there shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position on probation; b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at their discretion, extend such period; c) such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory; d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts; e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

Remuneration €57,909 per annum to €76,887 per annum (maximum) €79,311 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €80,498 per annum (LSI 2) (after 6 years satisfactory service at maximum)

On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates employed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history. Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employees nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g., P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

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