Assistant Planner

The Candidate The ideal candidate for the position shall demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they have the following essential experience and skills: • Knowledge of planning legislation, practices, and key relevant European Directives; • Knowledge of planning issues relevant to County Kildare and its wider region; • An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary team; • Planning, operational and project management skills; • Communication/presentation and interpersonal skills; • Knowledge of local government structure and services, its mandate and activities particularly in relation to planning and development. • Time Management and organisational skills - an ability to achieve delivery of • competing demands within prescribed timelines and deadlines; • Report writing skills and IT skills.

Duties and Responsibilities The Assistant Planner’s role and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Assessment of planning applications and pre-application proposals against the Council’s policies and provide recommendations and policy responses as required; • Assisting in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Development Plan/Local Area Plan/ Public Realm Projects and Schemes and in the preparation of reports on these matters for the Chief Executive and the Council; • Assist in the investigation into Unauthorised Developments and prepare assessments and reports as required • Assisting in monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, including gathering/analysis of development and market activity; • Assisting and providing advice to the Chief Executive, appropriate Committees of the Council, individuals, groups etc., on planning related issues; • Liaising and working with relevant statutory bodies on various aspects of planning; • Assisting in the procurement and management of consultants; and • Any other associated duties as may be assigned from time to time. These duties are indicative rather than complete and are carried out under general guidance.

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.: Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: a. hold an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Planning; b. have at least two years satisfactory experience of planning work; and c. possess a high standard of technical training and experience. 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). 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 Planner 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:

Planning Policy and Practice Experience and detailed knowledge of the practical application of: • Irish Planning legislation and key relevant European Directives, including associated procedures; • Planning issues relevant to County Kildare and its wider region; • Historical, emerging and topical planning trends & issues in Ireland; • Report writing and communication of a reasoned assessment or recommendation; • Health and Safety legislation Performance through People • Effective written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders. • Motivation and positivity as part of a team; • Presents ideas clearly and effectively depending on audience.

Delivering Results

• Problem solving and decision making, particularly in situations of conflicting demands; • Excellent organisation skills and the discipline and drive to deliver the required results. • Organising work and implementing solutions, working to deadlines; • Delivering Quality Outcomes. • Strong ICT skills. Personal Effectiveness • Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles. • Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several tasks/projects concurrently. • Keeps up with current and emerging developments, trends and best practice in this area. • Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective Public Service. 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 Planner. • 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 you 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.

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, the hours of work are 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays (rotas operate for lunchtime opening). Kildare County Council also has a flexi time system in operation, details of which are available from the Human Resources Section. The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. You may be required to work overtime on various occasions. 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 The Assistant Planner reports 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 €44,853 per annum to €65,576 per annum (maximum) €67,677 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €69,782 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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