Civil Technician

THE ROLE

Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which temporary and permanent vacancies for Civil Technician Grade II may be filled.

The purpose of the position of Civil Technician Grade II is to provide draughting, technical, and ancillary services in all fields of Local Authority work, including engineering, architectural, technological, and planning services, as may be required under the direction and supervision of the relevant engineering/cognate grade or their appointed representative.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. The post holder may also be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post and contribute to the development of the role while in office.

The actual duties will depend on the placement of the post but generally include:

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of Local Authority work.
• Use technical software packages such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and ArcGIS.
• Have knowledge of surveying, including the use of GNSS GPS systems, Total Stations, and Automatic Levels.
• Understand and be knowledgeable of the regulations and guidelines used in road design.
• Assist in the production of preliminary plans, detailed design drawings, contract documents, and drawings.
• Work on the preparation of documents for Part VIII Planning and other statutory applications.
• Assist in the preparation of CPO maps, Land Registry maps, and other legal maps.
• Carry out Land Registry and folio searches.
• Comply with Westmeath County Council's Health and Safety Management System.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a project team and be flexible.
• Prepare reports, conduct surveys, record data, and process information as required.
• Prepare and implement traffic management plans.
• Perform day-to-day administrative duties, including maintaining files and preparing reports and related documentation.
• Read and review maps, technical drawings, and structural specifications.
• Supervise contractors on site and ensure works are carried out according to specifications and design requirements.
• Interact with members of the public, providing information and advising them of upcoming works.
• Be responsible for the efficient use of resources, including labour, plant, and materials.
• Undertake inspections, take records or samples, compile reports, and assist in developing best practice procedures.
• Undertake training as required.
• Act for a Technician of a higher rank during their absence or when required.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Senior Engineer, Chief Technician, or their nominee.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will demonstrate through their application and interview that they have:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good graphic presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare and present technical reports.
• Ability to interpret and critically analyse scientific data.
• Good organisational skills and discipline.
• Strong ICT skills.

QUALIFICATIONS1. Character

Candidates must be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates must be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of being able to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, Training and Experience

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

Either

Have passed the NCEA/HETAC National Certificate Final Examination or 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

Have satisfactory service immediately preceding the closing date in:

• A Technician Grade II post; or
• An analogous post under a Local Authority or Health Board in the State.

Please note:

• Non-Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from QQI confirming comparability with the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
• Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by an official translation document.

4. Driving Licence

Candidates must:

• Hold a current, clean, full driving licence (minimum Class B); and
• Have access to a car at all times for work purposes.

5. Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), comprising the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen and holds a Stamp 4 visa; or
• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or an eligible family member with a Stamp 4 visa; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is the parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state, the UK, or Switzerland and who holds a Stamp 4 visa.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Satisfactory knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of Local Authority work.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D, including the preparation of preliminary plans and detailed design drawings.
• Knowledge of surveying, including the principles of GPS, Total Stations, and Automatic Levels.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability to demonstrate initiative and sound judgment in the workplace.
• Experience in sampling and familiarity with different sampling techniques.
• Knowledge and skills required to undertake the duties and the ability to follow direction.
• Capacity to contribute to and work effectively as part of a dynamic team.
• Ability to prepare and present technical reports.
• Ability to interpret and critically analyse scientific data.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements and relevant guidelines.
• Ability to provide support to more senior officers when required.
• Ability to work well with colleagues, the public, and wider stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills and experience.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE1. Salary

The current salary scale for the post of Civil Technician Grade II is:

€34,716 to €51,626 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 scale will be determined in accordance with 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:

• Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 dated 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.
• Subject to statutory deductions, including PAYE and PRSI.

Annual increments are subject to satisfactory:

• Attendance
• Conduct
• Performance
• National agreements

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

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 appropriate scheme will be provided before appointment.

For employees paying the Class A PRSI rate:

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

Additional contributions may apply under the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme.

For employees paying the Class D PRSI rate:

• Contribution of 5% of pensionable remuneration.
• An additional 1.5% contribution may apply under the relevant dependent pension scheme.

The pension scheme is contributory and provides:

• Pension benefits
• Retirement gratuities
• Death gratuities

A minimum of two years' service is required to qualify for pension benefits under the traditional scheme.

For members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme:

• Contributions are 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration.
• Pension benefits are based on career-average earnings.
• Pensions are coordinated with the State Contributory Pension.

The compulsory retirement age for new entrants under the Single Scheme is 70 years.

3. Probation

• Appointees shall serve a probationary period following appointment.
• The probation period shall be one year, although the Chief Executive may extend it at their discretion.
• An appointee shall cease to hold office at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Executive certifies that their service has been satisfactory.

The Local Authority may require successful candidates to take up appointment within one month of the offer, or within such extended period as the Local Authority may determine at its absolute discretion.

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