Assistant Engineer (Electrical)

DUTIES

• Implement the processes and systems of the Section to maintain and improve services.

• Carry out engineering or ancillary duties assigned, working independently or as part of a team.

• Provide support to ensure the efficient and safe operation of systems including electrical power supplies, wireless and fiber communications and PLC control, IP Networks and infrastructure.

• Liaise and monitor staff / contractors to deliver projects and electrical / mechanical and civil work processes.

• Supervising and managing staff performance, conduct and development and associated industrial relations issues as required.

• Undertake periodic audits on site to staff / contractors / data and prepare concise reports to advise of compliance and implement improvements.

• Supporting all aspects of the delivery of project delivery including, the development of the project brief, managing design / planning / procurement processes, construction supervision, programme management, quality management, dispute resolution, financial management and testing and performance evaluation as required in accordance with best practice project management, contract management and financial management procedures.

• Preparing budgets, ensuring that works are implemented within allocated budgets and ensuring accurate and timely draw down of scheme funds from funding agencies.

• Prepare and configure information in asset and works management and diagnostic systems to optimise for efficient operations.

• Evaluate systems for efficient and sustainable operation and identify improvements to meet sustainable 2030 energy, carbon and climate action targets.

• Prepare technical aspects of contracts to deliver the new equipment / systems and maintenance services.

• Ensuring efficient and effective response to all stakeholders in particular ESB Networks to ensure the timely delivery of works.

• Implement Council’s Corporate Health and Safety systems ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation and regulations.

• Implement assigned actions in the Team operational plan and Performance Management and Development System.

• Liaising with other local authorities, government departments and statutory agencies including compiling, preparing and presenting reports as necessary to a variety of stakeholders.

• Maintain high quality records of work and provide timely progress reports.

• Carrying out such duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved. Accordingly, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post, as may be assigned from time to time, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the role while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Experience, etc.

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

a)

(i) hold at least an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering.

Level 7 must be equivalent to at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Accumulation System) credits.

OR

(ii) hold an ordinary bachelor’s degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and a post graduate master’s degree (level 9 on the NFQ) in Engineering.

OR

(iii) hold a master’s degree (level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Engineering attained after completing an integrated master’s level programme of at least a 4 year duration and which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accreditation body internationally.

Note: Level 8 and 9 qualifications (on the National Framework of Qualifications) must be accredited at Chartered Engineer (CEng) level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent international body (for example Washington Accord).

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

(b) Have at least two years’ satisfactory relevant engineering experience.

(c) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience.

(d) Possess a high standard of administrative experience.

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

(f) Driving Licence

Candidates must hold a current clean driving licence (Class B) for the relevant vehicle class they are driving, free from convictions and medical limitations that do not permit them or prevent them driving their own vehicle, or a vehicle provided by Cork City Council. Should you be disqualified from driving you may be subject to an appropriate sanction which may include demotion / suspension or other disciplinary action.

Desirable Skills

• Hold a recognised level 7 in the National Framework of Qualification or equivalent professional qualification in Electrical Engineering.

• Be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas - Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions, Communicating Effectively and Delivering Quality Work and Services.

• Knowledge of the design of electrical systems and services and an understanding of the electrical maintenance requirements.

• Have satisfactory experience in lighting or traffic signal / ITS design, Low Voltage (LV) cable design or installation, site electrical installation.

• Knowledge of health and safety legislation and safety regulations.

• Have relevant experience in Lighting design or Traffic signals or ESB Network distribution systems.

• Have good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders including interest groups and public representatives.

Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview (should they be called) that they possess these competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date.

IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS AND CONTRIBUTING TO SOLUTIONS

Evaluates issues and situations in a logical and objective manner in order to arrive at effective solutions. Makes decisions in a timely, clear, and well informed way.

• Analyses issues in a logical and rational manner considering all relevant information, policies, and procedures including legislation.

• Shows good judgment and balanced decision making.

• When evaluating a complex issue, considers a range of factors beyond the immediate situation.

• Has the conviction to make and stand over decisions based on limited information, where necessary.

• Is solution focused.

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

Recognises the value of and requirement to communicate effectively. Has effective verbal and written communication skills. Has good interpersonal skills.

• Good communicator with the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships.

• Ability to give and receive information accurately and clearly and ability to take instruction.

• Demonstrates good written and verbal skills when required and has good interpersonal skills.

• Strong ability to deal with the public.

• Identifies and manages conflict and potential sources of conflict.

DELIVERING QUALITY WORK AND SERVICES

Implements high standards of service delivery. Abides by the laws, regulations and policies and procedures affecting your employment and the discharge of your duties.

• Undertakes training as required to continuously improve quality work output.

• Makes best use of time to complete allocated tasks.

• Participates actively in the development of team pride in providing an excellent service.

• Ability to plan, organise and schedule work / tasks to ensure they are completed on time and to specification.

• Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised and maintain a positive, constructive, and enthusiastic attitude to their role.

• Makes timely and reasoned decisions or recommendations, within their area of operation, in a consistent, fair, and transparent manner.

• Is responsible for the proper use, care, custody and maintenance of all Council equipment, plant, supplies and materials.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€47,770 - €50,438 - €52,425 - €54,487 - €56,600 - €58,748 - €60,915 - €63,083 - €65,250 - €67,421 - €69,603 - €71,834 (LSI 1) - €74,068 (LSI 2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02 / 2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

• The standard working week is 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, require evening or weekend work.

• Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

• All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.

Garda Vetting

This post may come within the scope of the Local Authorities Garda Vetting Scheme. Further information is available in our Candidate Information Booklet, which provides details on vetting requirements, the format of the competition, the principal conditions of service, and data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Cork City Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, civil or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion, or belief.

Closing Date

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:00 pm on Friday, 6th March 2026.