Clerk of Works/Building Inspector

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services and shall demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of:

• Operating ICT systems

• Current building regulations and associated technical guidance documents

• Building control amendments regulations process

• Understanding the role of Design /Assigned /Ancillary Certifiers

• Minimum standards for rented houses

• The Department approval processes

• Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace;

• Planning Legislation and in particular where it relates to part 8 of the planning regulations

• Capital Works Management Framework

• Implementation of Procurement of contractors and consultants

• Local authority services, its key stakeholders and relationships

• Local government structures and its democratic role and mandate

• Current local government issues, future trends and strategic direction of the sector

• Key policies guiding the local government sector

• Public service values

• Supervision of New Builds, maintenance, management and refurbishment of existing housing stock essential

The ideal candidate should also have a good technical knowledge base and experience of the following:

• Working as a member of site supervisory team on construction site visits and inspections; (programme issues; Quality Control; Health & Safety)

• Have strong experience in house design & construction;

• Maintenance of project files and records

• Preparation of material for presentation, meetings, publication and exhibition

• Preparation of sketch plan designs & details

• Engineering survey principles and equipment

• Ability to interpret architectural & engineering drawings

• Planning and costing of projects

• Tendering of works and contract administration

• Contract management

• Administration and report writing essential

• Prioritising of work effectively

• Acting on own initiative

• Dealing effectively with conflicting demands

• Working under pressure to tight deadlines

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

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

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 of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Technical Experience & Practice

Experience of the practical application of:

• Engineering surveying, design and drawings pertaining to house construction and building surveying

• Key design software packages to include AutoCAD and GIS applications

• Management of service and construction works

Knowledge, appreciation and understanding of:

• Building control legislation

• Contract and construction processes, procedures and practices

• Health and Safety legislation

• Public procurement processes

• Utility services and connections

• Property conveyance and land registry procedures

• Minimum standards for rented houses

Delivering Results:

• Problem solving and decision making

• Thinking creatively

• Organising, planning, co-ordinating and prioritising work programmes

• Managing resources and achieving efficiencies

• Delivering quality outcomes

• Identifying problems of a technical / civil / architectural / building nature and providing and contributing towards technical detailing, design and specification solutions.

• Co-operating with decisions and implementing solutions.

• Effective care and use of council resources and equipment.

• Complying with all council rules and relevant legislation.

• Delivering quality technical, civil & architectural work and services.

Interpersonal Communications:

• Negotiating, influencing and liaising with others

• Team-working

• Communicating effectively

• Establishing and maintaining key internal and stakeholder relationships

Personal Effectiveness:

• Resilience and personal well-being

• Integrity & Public Service values

• Personal motivation and initiative

• Understanding the structures and environment within which the local authority sector operates

• Political awareness

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Details of Key Duties and Responsibilities are outlined under “Particulars of Office”

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

(a) hold a degree in Engineering or architecture;

OR

(b) hold a National Certificate / National Diploma in Construction Studies or Civil Engineering issued by the National Council for Education Awards / Further Education Training Awards Council;

OR

(c) in the case of an office involving building construction work – as an alternative to the qualification at (a) – be a member of the Institute of Clerk of Works of Ireland, or possess a full course certificate in building issued by the Technical Instruction Branch of the Department of Education or a first class Technological Certificate (Intermediate stage) or a Technological Certificate (Advanced Stage) issued by the Department of Education or have had satisfactory supervisory experience of building work, including housing;

(d) have an adequate knowledge of civil engineering works or of building construction;

(e) be capable of writing clear and concise reports, keeping works records, measuring and recording all variations from contract and reading drawings

(f) have a satisfactory knowledge of the surveying, levelling and setting out of works.

Experience:

Each candidate must satisfy the local authority that he/she has had adequate experience of a type which would render him/her suitable to perform satisfactorily the duties of the office for which he/she is a candidate.

* Copies of qualifications must be attached to support this application. Failure to provide qualifications will deem this application invalid.

2. Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels 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.

3. Driving Licence

The Holder of the Post of shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

4. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

5. 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.

* 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.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a period of time at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2. Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €57,895 - €70,730 LSI 2

3. Duties:

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority, and

a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, is Chief Executive, and

b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority, or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

Under the direction and supervision of the appropriate line manager, the position involves the provision of such architectural or ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory, or executive nature as may be required by the Council in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties. The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

• To assist the Housing Department in Housing related activity including the delivery of the Housing Capital Programme, through 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 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.

• Supervising the construction and repair of dwellings including extensions, adaptations and of the other works required to deliver projects on budget and on time;

• Certification of proper use of materials and preparation of costings of work done;

• Preparation of clear and concise reports using IT, keeping works records, measuring and recording all variations from contract and reading drawings;

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies

• To assist in identifying and agreeing work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensuring their subsequent implementation.

• Manage and supervise staff, as the position demands.

• To work as part of an effective, motivated and committed team and to maintain sound employee relations and morale in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation.

• To work within a cross-functional/multidisciplinary team in line with the executive structures of the Council.

• To support the Council and Municipal District operations.

• To carry out duties in a politically neutral manner, with a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.

• To provide specialist technical assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required

• Carrying out regular site inspections, examining and inspecting construction work before, during and after the project has been completed

• Working with other Council Departments and agencies as required to produce collaborative solutions and resolve problems as they arise

• Representing the Council in Court when required

• Assessing and reporting on grant applications in both private and social housing

• Carrying out such other duties as may be assigned by the County Council from time to time;

4. Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

5. Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunertation will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

6. Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

7. Sick Leave:

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

8. Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.

9. Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (ie. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

10. Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

11. Travel:

Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.

Offaly County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

12. Recruitment & Selection Processes:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description. An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form. On occasions a short listing interview may take place.