Assistant Engineer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which temporary or permanent vacancies for the position of Assistant Engineer in Monaghan County Council shall be filled. Our Engineers play a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure and development of Monaghan. The Assistant Engineer role can include responsibility for the management and successful delivery of a range of major and minor capital projects, responsibility for the management and effective delivery of a range of services and responsibility for the management and supervision of assigned staff. The Assistant Engineer will work under the control of the Senior Engineer/Senior Executive Engineer or Executive Engineer, or other officers designated by the Director of Services or Chief Executive.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Engineer shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the Local Authority for which the Assistant Engineer is responsible and carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The actual duties will depend on placement of the post, but in general they will include but are not limited to the following:

• To supervise, control and carry out engineering or ancillary duties to include the preparation and management of work programmes.
• To identify infrastructural needs and oversee the design and delivery of infrastructural projects including the procurement and management of consultants and contractors using current best practice project management, contract management and financial management procedures.
• To manage and supervise staff as required.
• To provide support to a more senior officer as required.
• To manage any budget allocated as effectively and efficiently as possible.
• To propose improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of existing practices/systems.
• To work with senior management in devising and implementing strategies leading to improved efficiencies in delivery of services.
• To act when required for a more senior employee during his/her absence for any reason.
• To represent the County Council at meetings with elected members, community/general interest groups, businesses, and residents when required.
• To deal with representations from elected members and community organisations.
• To prepare reports for meetings, as required.
• To liaise with other local authorities, government departments and statutory agencies.
• To implement safe systems of work in accordance with Monaghan County Council’s Health and Safety Procedures.
• Such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably assigned.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Assistant Engineer 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 because 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

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

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

OR

(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and a post graduate masters degree (level 9 in the NFQ) in Engineering;

OR

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

(b)             have at least two years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;

(c)              possess a high standard of technical training and experience;

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

Desirable Requirements

The ideal candidate for the position shall have:

-        A minimum of 2 years relevant experience in civil or structural engineering

-        the ability to work under pressure (both independently and as part of a team)

-        the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.

-        the ability to self-motivate to achieve good performance.

-        the ability to motivate, empower, encourage, and achieve maximum efficiency and value for money from the personnel and processes under his/her control.

-        experience of managing and scheduling a multiannual portfolio of projects within budget and on time.

-        a track record of delivering results.

-        an understanding of Local Authority services and structures in Ireland or can quickly acquire same.

-        the capability of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and in seeking co-operation and consensus with a whole range of bodies and representative groups.

-        experience in meeting regularly with stakeholders, providing updates, presentations, and reports, taking customer feedback, and ensuring any learning from same is used to enhance the operations of the organisation.

-        experience in contributing to the operational and strategic planning processes and in the implementation of the agreed aims of same.

-        excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.

-        good knowledge and awareness of statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, the implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

-        experience of managing finance and budgets and ensuring value for money.

-        the skills to schedule/programme the carrying out of work.

-        an understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace.

 - possess strong organisational and ICT skills.

-        a focus on the customer and on service improvement including taking ownership and resolving issues arising.

Candidates must also:

• have the knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the post concerned.
• be suitable on the grounds of character.
• be suitable in all other relevant respects for appointment to the post concerned.

Candidates, if successful, will not be appointed to the post unless they:

• agree to undertake the duties attached to the post and accept the conditions under which the duties are, or may be required to be, performed.
• are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to the position.

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 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.

Essential Requirements

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of Local Government

• Understands the role of an Assistant Engineer

• Range and depth of experience relevant to the post.

• Understanding of health and safety

• Experience of compiling, preparing, and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems
• Effective budget and financial and resource management

Management and Change

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. Can act decisively in an environment of multiple stakeholders and complex information to ensure decisions are made in line with objectives.

Operational Planning

Plans projects to determine rationale, objectives and deliverables, resource requirements, timelines, and milestones, reporting requirements and evaluation methods. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

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 and Communicating effectively

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.

Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

Actively listens to others and shares information with relevant stakeholders. 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 works to keep knowledge and skills up to date. Anticipates situations and acts to pre-empt problems. Creates new opportunities. Is persistent when faced with difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection to identify how own performance can be improved.

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 form which permanent and temporary vacancies for the post of Assistant Engineer shall be filled. The post(s) shall be wholetime, permanent 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.

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: -

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

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. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Health

To 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.

Superannuation contributions

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/Spouses & Childre’s scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

New entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.

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