Assistant Planner

QUALIFICATIONS

1. CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH

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

3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, ETC.

Candidates shall:

(a) Hold a qualification in Planning (at least Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications);

(b) Have at least two years of satisfactory experience of planning work; and

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

4. 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, 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 as a result 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, the UK or Switzerland and has a Stamp 4 visa.

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Good knowledge of planning legislation and the principles, practices, and techniques of planning.
• An understanding of strategy formulation processes for the achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
• Good knowledge of current and future planning issues facing County Westmeath.
• A strong commitment to delivering quality public services.
• Ability to work positively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to demonstrate competence in:
• Good report writing skills and strong IT skills.
• Good knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge, of local government functions, services, and activities, particularly in relation to planning and development.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflicting demands.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage several programmes and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think laterally and maintain a solution-oriented mindset when dealing with a wide range of issues.
• Awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and employee, and their application in the workplace.

Particulars of Post1. Salary

The current salary scale for the post of Assistant Planner is €47,270 - €73,335 gross per annum (including Long Service Increments), in accordance with Circular EL 07/2025.

Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.

The entry point on the salary scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the first point of the scale in accordance with current Government policy as set out in:

• Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28 January 2011; and
• Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5 February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly through PayPath directly into the employee's nominated bank account. The pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to statutory deductions, including PAYE and PRSI.

Annual increments are payable subject to satisfactory:

• Attendance
• Conduct
• Performance
• National agreements

Increments may be withheld where performance, attendance, or conduct are not satisfactory.

You agree that, in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies, the Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your wages, in accordance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section 5(5), for reimbursement of the overpaid amount.

2. Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of either:

• The Local Government Superannuation Scheme; or
• The Single Public Service Pension Scheme

is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided before appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority and pays the Class A PRSI rate will contribute:

• 1.5% of pensionable remuneration; plus
• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.

A further contribution of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration is payable under the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme.

A person paying the Class D PRSI rate will contribute:

• 5% of pensionable remuneration for superannuation; and
• 1.5% of pensionable remuneration if a member of either:

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with:

• The Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998; and
• The Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

The scheme is contributory and provides:

• Pension benefits
• Retirement gratuities
• Death gratuities

To qualify for a pension under the traditional scheme, a new entrant must complete at least two years of service with a local authority.

For members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (effective from 1 January 2013):

• Contributions are:
• Pension and retirement lump sum are based on career-average earnings.
• Pensions are coordinated with the State Contributory Pension.

Under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

• The compulsory retirement age for new entrants is 70 years.
• Minimum pension age is 66 years, increasing to 67 and 68 in line with State Pension age changes.

Under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004:

• There is no mandatory retirement age for New Entrants from 1 April 2004.
• Pension benefits are payable from age 65.
• New entrants are not required to retire solely on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a New Entrant, as defined by the Act, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

3. Travel

Holders of the post shall:

• Hold a full Class B driving licence.
• Provide and maintain a motor car for use in the course of their duties, to the satisfaction of the local authority.

Travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of official duties will be reimbursed in accordance with:

• Relevant Department Circulars; and
• The Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.

Westmeath County Council must be indemnified under the employee's motor insurance policy.

If, during employment:

• Your licence is revoked, even temporarily; or
• You receive endorsements that may affect your duties,

you must notify the Council immediately.

4. Safety and Welfare

The holder of the post shall cooperate with the requirements of:

• Westmeath County Council's Safety Statement; and
• The Major Emergency Plan.

The post holder must familiarise themselves with all safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment.

5. Training

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attached to the post.

6. Probation

Where a person is not already a permanent officer of a local authority and is appointed to a permanent office:

(a) They shall serve a probationary period.

(b) The probationary period shall be one year, although the Chief Executive may extend this period at their discretion.

(c) The person shall cease to hold office at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Executive certifies that their service has been satisfactory.

7. Annual Leave

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days.

Annual leave, payment for annual leave, and public holiday arrangements are governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, as amended.

8. Employee Benefits

Examples of current employee benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave per annum (pro rata).
• Family-friendly policies.
• Optical Benefit Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Option to join Westmeath County Council's Social Club.
• State-of-the-art office accommodation at the Civic Headquarters.
• Automatic enrolment into a pension scheme.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.

9. Retirement

• New entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at 65 years and must retire at 70 years.
• Existing public servants who became pensionable after March 2004 may retire at 65 years and must retire at 70 years.
• Existing public servants who became pensionable before March 2004 may retire at 60 years and must retire at 70 years.

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