Community Warden

The Role: Community Wardens are frontline service employees who are involved in the delivery of a wide range of key local authority services in the heart of communities. The Community Warden service has a Countywide remit which may involve the distribution of duties on a functional, electoral or geographic area basis. The distribution of duties in this way may be adjusted from time to time in the interests of flexibility and organisational efficiency.

For the most part Community Wardens will be required to carry out duties as outlined below throughout the County, to include rotation between areas as required, with flexibility to move geographically across the County in response to requirements.

The successful candidate will be required to work under the direction and supervision of the appropriate line manager and carry out duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her in relation to his/her employment and as may be appropriate.

The Qualifications:

(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) Have reached a standard of education sufficient to enable them to carry out the duties of Community Warden satisfactorily;

(ii) Have adequate experience relevant to the post and the ability to work on own initiative without constant supervision;

(iii) Be able to demonstrate an awareness/understanding of the role and function of a Community Warden;

(iv) Be capable of writing clear and concise reports and keeping work records;

(v) Have a good knowledge and previous experience in Safety, Health & Welfare at Work and in dealing with the public;

(vi) Hold a current full Class B Driving Licence, free from endorsement;

(vii) Hold a valid Safe Pass Card*

Each candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at interview (if called for interview) that s/he has:

• previous experience in dealing with the public and providing a direct Customer Service.
• previous experience of working under supervision and reporting to Authority.
• a proven ability to work with others as part of a team and to take direction from Authority.
• previous experience in record keeping and preparing reports.
• an ability to work on their own initiative.

Applications will be short-listed on the basis of the information provided on the application form.

*Where a candidate does not hold a current valid Safe Pass Card this requirement must be met prior to taking up any offer of Community Warden position (meeting this requirement will not be permitted to delay any appointment process and the onus is on the candidate to ensure that they have met the requirements in a timely manner).

The Ideal Candidate Shall Have:

• An understanding of the role of a Community Warden.
• Knowledge, experience and training relevant to the duties outlined for a Community Warden.
• The ability to plan and prioritise work effectively and to work under pressure (both independently and as part of a team).
• The capability of keeping work records and recording accurately the quantities of work.
• A flexible and adaptable approach with the ability to multi-task.
• Good judgement and problem solving skills.
• Strong initiative, organization skills and discipline, and the drive to deliver the required results.
• Effective interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical and other reports for line managers.
• Good ICT skills and an ability to use technology (eg. hand-held smart technology etc.) as required.
• Experience in dealing with the public and a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services.
• An excellent knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.
• A strong understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety and staff resource management in the workplace.
• A good understanding of how local authorities operate.

Skills/Aptitudes for the Post:

Candidates should have all the skills/aptitudes required of a Community Warden and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Community Warden as identified in the following skills/aptitudes framework.

Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based around these skills/aptitudes and the associated information provided by candidates.

It is in candidates’ interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of their experiences relevant to this post in the application form.

Knowledge/Experience and Skills:

• Directly relevant experience having regard to the duties of the post.
• Required knowledge, understanding and training for the role.
• Understanding of the role of a Community Warden.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience and knowledge of health and safety regulations in the workplace.
• Understanding of the importance of ensuring that workplace health and safety guidelines and procedures are followed.

Communication Skills & Customer Focus:

• Relates well to others and maintains positive working relationships, sharing information and knowledge as appropriate.
• Takes pride in the quality of service delivered and seeks to improve it.
• Is respectful, courteous and professional, remaining composed even in challenging circumstances.
• Represents the organisation positively and professionally when dealing with members of the public and other stakeholders.
• Communicates and reports effectively.

Delivering Results:

• Capacity to organise, plan and prioritise work programmes.
• Follows procedures, ensures compliance and maintains appropriate records.
• Demonstrates problem solving, judgement and decision-making skills.
• Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges and responsibilities.
• Delivers quality work and services.

Personal Effectiveness:

• Manages time and workload effectively.
• Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to the role.
• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.
• Responds positively to the challenges of the job and is proactive in addressing issues and problems.
• Is self-motivated and committed and demonstrates a strong customer service ethos.
• Is professional in performing the role and in carrying out their responsibilities.

Principal Terms and Conditions:

Posts which may arise during the lifetime of this panel may be whole time permanent or whole-time temporary. The first appointment off the panel will be a permanent position.

The duties shall be such as may be assigned from time to time by the County Council under the general direction and supervision of the Chief Executive, or such person as may be delegated by the Chief Executive, and shall, in particular, include the following:

(i) Enforcement Duties in accordance with the enforcement objectives/responsibilities of Leitrim County Council under relevant Legislation and associated Regulations and Bye Laws, including but not limited to, Litter Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution, Air Pollution, Protection of the Environment, Waste Management, Waste Presentation, Public Health, Roads & Traffic, Parking, Casual Trading, Control of Horses, Control of Dogs, Pounds, Derelict Sites, Planning, Housing etc.

(ii) Inspecting, Monitoring and Reporting Duties on matters arising in relation to areas such as:

(a) Waste Management Legislation

(b) Household Waste Bye Laws and Litter Bye Laws - issue fines / court preparation and attend same.

(c) Traffic Warden Duties - issue fines / court preparation and attend same.

(d) Upkeep of Amenities and Attractions.

(e) Local Authority Estates.

(f) Hazards or other problems identified which require rectification by Leitrim County Council (eg. hazards on footpaths, damage to signage, inadequate road marking, defective public lighting etc.).

(iii) Other General Duties including the following:

(a) Be familiar with relevant policies, bye-laws and legislation.

(b) Monitoring and Upkeep of Leitrim County Council Amenity Areas, Playgrounds and Tourist Attractions.

(c) Monitoring and Upkeep of Recycling Centres and Civic Amenity Sites.

(d) Monitoring and Upkeep of Life Saving Equipment at Water Amenities.

(e) Produce reports and attend meetings to represent service as required.

(f) Record and collate daily activities including time and area patrolled; incidents and issues encountered, course of action taken; anticipated time and method of resolution.

(g) Attend and give evidence in court.

(h) To liaise with Council officers in reporting and dealing with fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, noise and pollution complaints.

(i) Monitor and seek solutions to car parking issues at problem locations.

(j) Work outside regular hours.

(k) Be helpful and courteous to members of the public at all times.

(iv) To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and general duties of the post, as may be assigned.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, 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.

Community Wardens will be required to liaise with An Garda Siochana at local level, and also with local Area Engineers and other appropriate officers of Leitrim County Council.

Employees must attend at all training courses deemed necessary by their employer for their area of work, including in relation to new systems, processes, devices and equipment and utilise such systems, processes, devices and equipment in the course of work.

The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Leitrim County Council’s Health & Safety Management System. Working in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation and construction regulations, will be the primary responsibility of all Community Wardens.

Remuneration:

The Salary scale (weekly) for the post of Community Warden (aligned to Waterworks Caretaker Grade V Scale), is within the range (Scale effective from 1st February 2026):

• On Recruitment €844.48
• after 1 year €852.00
• after 2 years €859.38
• after 3 years €867.38
• after 4 years €875.38
• after 5 years €883.51
• after 6 years €891.47
• after 7 years €898.95
• after 8 years €906.42
• after 9 years €911.39

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with relevant Departmental Circulars.

Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Residence:

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof and will be required to serve in the Local Authority’s Offices, or wherever assigned by the Local Authority.

Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Department now or in the future. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.