Chief Architectural Technician

The Position

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Chief Architectural Technician (analogous to the Chief Technician grade for pay purposes).

The Council has a requirement for a Chief Architectural Technician within the Housing Capital Division. This division is primarily responsible for planning, managing and delivering new build housing projects.

It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies both permanent and temporary will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

The Chief Architectural Technician will report directly to the Senior Executive Architect, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Donegal County Council.

Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Executive Architect, the position involves the provision of such Chief Architectural Technician or ancillary services as may be required by the Council in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties.

The successful candidate will be required:

• To assist the Architectural Services’ section in the delivery of housing, under the Government’s action plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030’, through innovative design, site inspection, planning preparation, tender document preparation, undertaking tender processes, report writing, meetings, and any such other tasks as required by the management team to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of the programme, within the designated time frames and also to undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities that may be required from time to time with respect to other projects as assigned by line management.

• To play a leading role in the implementation of the agreed strategies to meet and to expand or improve the range, quantity or quality of existing services and to recommend changes in strategies, as required.

• To develop and maintain effective working relationships, both internally and with external agencies and to ensure that, in accordance with policy and procedure, programmes of work are co-ordinated and implemented in full, with the co-operation of all relevant parties.

• To achieve and maintain similar collaboration with local development agencies in accordance with evolving policy on closer integration of local government and local development.

• To play a leading role in identifying and agreeing work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensuring their subsequent implementation.

• To manage, mentor and supervise staff, as the position demands.

• To work equally well as part of a team or on their own initiative.

They will be expected to:

• possess excellent professional and technical knowledge and skills relevant to the position.

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of building construction and extensive experience in construction detailing in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations.

• play a leading role in overseeing and co-ordinating the production of planning, tender and construction drawings/details, specifications and associated contract documentation for housing schemes.

• be capable of working and carrying out managerial responsibilities on their own initiative.

• be capable of dealing efficiently with the range of architectural work undertaken by a local authority.

• possess excellent organizational skills including optimization of drawing and information systems.

• have a strong sense of ownership of their work and attention to detail.

• play a leading role in promoting the development of quality control systems both in internal teams and with external consultants and contractors.

• advise on Modern Methods of Construction and appropriate mechanisms for delivery for projects to meet programmes and targets.

• possess a good working knowledge of Autocad and/or Revit experience in the use of same.

• have a strong foundation and ability in the use of technology, and a proven record in the review and introduction of new technology.

• advise and assist in the transition of the section in the adoption of BIM, in line with the Government’s strategy for Public Capital Works projects.

• play a leading role in developing best practice procedures.

• possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• assist in the development of systems to comply with the reporting requirements of external bodies.

• have a good working knowledge of statutory consent processes (Part 8 Planning, etc.).

• have a good knowledge of Public Procurement regulations and standards.

• have a good knowledge of all surveying techniques.

• have an excellent understanding of safety management in the workplace and onsite, including a detailed knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and regulations and take responsibility for applying as appropriate.

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

The above list of duties is indicative rather than exhaustive.

Official Languages (Amendment) Acts, 2021

So that the Local Authority may meet its statutory obligations, a satisfactory competence in the Irish Language is deemed essential for appointment/assignment/re-assignment to Gaeltacht-based offices and offices serving Gaeltacht areas. Competence to be of a level where one can operate through the medium of Irish and provide services to the public in Irish, as per the provisions of the Official Languages (Amendment) Acts, 2021. An assessment of this competence may form an integral part of the recruitment and selection process.

(a) Character:

Candidates shall be of good character.

(b) Health

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

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Medical advisor prior to appointment.

(c) Education, Training, Experience etc.

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

• Be capable of dealing efficiently with the range of architectural works undertaken by a local authority, and possess a high standard of technical training and strong experience of working with Auto Cad, Revit together with a working knowledge of BIM;

• have excellent IT skills and be proficient in the use of Technology;

• have the ability to carryout topgrahical suveys;

• have the ability to carry out as-built suveys of existing buildings and brown field sites;

• be familiar with the requirements of Fire and Disability certificates;

• possess a working knowledge of the requirements of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R) including the production of inspection plans;

• site Inspections and attending site meetings when required;

• be capable of writing clear and concise reports.

(d) Desirable Skills

It is desirable but not essential that each candidate has satisfactory experience in:

• GIS Software such as ESRI ArcGIS and/or Mapinfo;

• Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, Project, Access, and PowerPoint;

• ADOBE Photoshop and Sketchup;

• Planning and execution of surveys for mapping etc;

• Desk Top publishing software

• Knowledge of Local Government & the Council generally.

• Knowledge and awareness of key topical and priority issues.

• Understanding of political reality / context of issues.

(e) Core Competencies

• Relevant Technical knowledge and Experience.

o Demonstrate specific technical knowledge and experience, relevant to the role of Chief Architectural Technician.

o Demonstrate experience in the use of appropriate work methods, systems and processes to achieve the successful delivery of projects, while ensuring compliance with all relevant standards.

o Demonstrates experience of planning and prioritising work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, while ensuring that all statutory requirements are met, with a particular focus on housing / residential projects.

• Initiative and Delivery of Results.

o Demonstrates experience in problem solving and decision making, acting decisively with complex information and multiple stakeholders to ensuring timely project completion.

o Demonstrates experience in promoting the achievement of quality outcomes, organising the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard.

• Performance through people.

o Demonstrate the ability to work with, lead and motivate others, individually and in teams to deliver high quality work.

o Demonstrate experience communicating effectively and managing performance, empowering people to achieve or exceed organisational goals.

(a) General

Donegal County Council proposes to create a panel of qualified candidates for the position of Chief Architectural Technician from which it will fill any vacancy that may arise.

(b) Probation

The successful candidate shall be required to be on probation for an initial period, as determined by the Council. This period may be extended at the discretion of the Council.

(c) Remuneration

The current annual pay-scale is €57,451 minimum to max LSI2 €74,488 (as per Circular EL 02/2026).

Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.

New entrants will commence on the minimum point of the scale.

(d) Base

The base for the post of Chief Architectural Technician shall be determined by the Council and will depend on the particular area and service to which the post holder is assigned.

The role of Chief Architectural Technician may involve some travel, with some trips involving overnight stays and associated costs covered by the appropriate allowances.

(e) Residence

Holders of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

(f) Working Hours / Annual Leave

The normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

Annual leave allowance will be a maximum 30 days for all applicants.

(g) Requirement to Drive

Candidates may be required:

(a) to possess a full current category B Driving Licence.

(b) to have their own vehicle available for use while performing their duties and the associated costs will be covered by the appropriate allowances.

(h) Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(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 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 or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

(i) Conflicts of Interest

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 duties as a local authority employee.

(j) Garda Vetting

Candidates for the post of Chief Architectural Technician may be subject to Garda Vetting. Please note if required all candidates must attain a satisfactory Garda Vetting Disclosure prior to appointment, otherwise the offer of employment will be withdrawn.

In the event where a Garda Vetting Disclosure indicates that there is a case pending, then the appointment cannot proceed at that time and the offer of employment will be withdrawn. The candidate will however retain their position on the panel and will be considered for the next vacancy should same arise within the lifetime of the panel.

A. Application Form

• Applications must be made on the official online application form and all sections of the form must be fully completed.

• Please do not submit a CV with your application. Only information contained in the online application form will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for the post.

• Applications must be received by the deadline specified on the system.

B. Short Listing & Interview

Candidates may be short-listed for interview on the basis of information supplied. In the event of a short-listing exercise being required, an Expert Panel will convene to examine and assess the application forms against a set of pre-determined criteria, based on the requirements of the job. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form.

Where it is considered, by reason of the number and standard of applications received, that it would be reasonable not to admit all candidates to the interview, only persons likely to attain at the interview a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment shall be called for interview.

Candidates should note that interviews may be held within a short timeframe of the closing date of the competition.