Civil Technician

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties may include but are not limited to the following, and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Below are examples of the role and responsibilities of a Civil Technician Grade II within various departments. However, the lists below are not exhaustive, and the duties may overlap or vary within each area.

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

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of local authority work.

• Use of technical software packages such as AutoCAD or Civil3D/ArcGIS.

• Have a knowledge of surveying, including the use of GNSS GPS systems, Total Station and automatic levels.

• Understand and be knowledgeable of the regulations and guidelines used when designing roads.

• Assisting in the production of preliminary plans, detail design drawings, and contract documents and drawings.

• Working on the production of documents for Part VIII Planning or other statutory applications.

• Assisting in the preparation of CPO maps, land registry maps and other legal maps.

• Carrying out land registry and folio searches.

• Comply with the Westmeath County Council Health and Safety Management System.

• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a project team and be flexible.

• Prepare reports, survey and record data, and process information as required.

• Prepare and implement traffic management plans.

• Perform day-to-day administrative tasks i.e. maintaining files, preparation of reports and related documentation.

• Read and review maps, technical drawings and structural specifications.

• Supervise contractors on site and ensure that all works are carried out as per specification and in compliance with the design requirements.

• Interact with members of the public, providing information and informing them of upcoming works.

• Be responsible for the efficient use of resources, including labour, plant and materials, when supervising the above.

• Undertake inspections, take records or samples and compile reports, assist in developing best practice procedures.

• Undertake any training as required.

• Act for a Technician of a higher rank during his/her absence or as required to do so.

• Carry out any other duties that may be assigned by the Senior Engineer/Chief Technician or his/her nominee from time to time.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at interview that he/she has:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Good graphic presentational skills

• Ability to prepare and present technical reports

• An ability to interpret and critically analyse scientific data

• Good organisation skills and discipline

• Strong ICT skills

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Character

Candidates will be of good character.

2. 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.

3. Education, Training, Experience etc.

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

Each candidate must:

(a) Have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C National Certificate Final Examination/Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) in:

Civil Engineering

or

Geosurveying

or

Mechanical Engineering

or

Construction Studies

or

Architectural Technology/Graphics

OR

Hold an equivalent qualification,

OR

(b) Have satisfactory service, immediately preceding the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, in a technician post at Grade II level, or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State.

• 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. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

4. Driving Licence

Hold a current clean full driving licence (minimum Class B) and have access to a car at all times for use in their work.

5. 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 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.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate that they have:

• Satisfactory knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of local authority work

• Knowledge in AutoCAD or Civil3D, including the preparation of preliminary plans and detail design drawings

• Knowledge in surveying, including the principles in using GPS, total stations, and automatic levels

• Strong verbal communication skills

• Self-motivation with a record of demonstrating initiative and judgment in a workplace environment

• Experience in sampling and familiarity with different sampling techniques

• Knowledge and skills to undertake duties and the ability to follow and take direction

• The capacity to contribute to and work well as part of a dynamic team

• The ability to prepare and present technical reports

• The ability to interpret and critically analyse scientific data

• Knowledge of Health and Safety and relevant guidelines

• Ability to provide support to a more senior officer as and when required

• The ability to work well with colleagues, the public and wider stakeholders

• Strong IT experience

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. Salary

The current salary scale for the post of Civil Technician Grade II is €34,716 to €51,626 (including Long Service Increments) gross per annum as per Circular EL 07/2025. Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.

Entry point of this 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 1st 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 by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. 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.

2. Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of 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 to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from the date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1 January 2013, contributions are 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration.

The compulsory retirement age for new entrants is 70 years. Minimum pension age is 66 years, rising in line with State Pension age changes.

3. Probation

(a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation.

(b) Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period.

(c) The person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the probation period unless the Chief Executive certifies that the service is satisfactory.

4. Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements.

5. Working Hours

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to work outside of normal hours, including evenings and weekends. All hours worked will be subject to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 as amended.

You may be required to complete a timesheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations 2001.

6. Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

7. Location

Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate 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.

8. Code of Conduct / Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codes of practice, including the Code of Conduct of Employees and all organisational policies.

9. Training

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

10. Safety and Welfare

Westmeath County Council, as an employer, is obliged to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees.

Employees must comply with all safety and health rules and regulations, use protective equipment, and attend required training.

11. Driver’s Licence & Insurance

It is desirable that the post holder holds a full driving licence for Class B vehicles and may be required to use their motor car for duties.

Travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with relevant policies.

12. Garda Vetting

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment.

13. Employee Benefits

Examples of current employee benefits include:

• Allocation of 30 days annual leave per annum (pro-rata)

• Access to Flexi Time Scheme

• A range of family-friendly policies

• Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme

• Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme

• A range of learning and development opportunities

• Paid maternity and paternity leave

• Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council Social Club

• State-of-the-art office accommodation in Civic Headquarters

• Automatic enrolment in a pension scheme

• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme