Cycling & Walking Officer

Background The Programme for Government published in June 2020 includes ambitious targets, together with a significant provision of additional funding, for the development of walking and cycling schemes. The primary aim of this funding is to support the development of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure across the State. Increased numbers of people choosing an active mode of transport benefits society and the economy in a number of different ways. An acknowledged barrier to achieving a significant shift in the numbers of people making that choice is actual and perceived issues in relation to safety and accessibility. Improved, expanded and integrated networks of active travel infrastructure can address that barrier and support the fundamental change in the nature of Transport in Ireland needed to address our climate action challenge. In recent months the National Transport Authority (NTA) has developed a five-year walking and cycling infrastructure delivery plan.

Wexford County Council is keen to promote a multi-disciplinary team approach to the development and delivery of projects under the Active Travel programme. This is beneficial in terms of enhancing the overall quality of projects and brings additional skill sets to assist in the delivery of the programme. As part of this programme Wexford County Council will employ a Cycling & Walking Officer, who will be responsible for communication and promotion of cycling and walking programmes throughout the county.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST 1. CHARACTER: Candidates shall 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: (i) have experience of working closely with communities, schools, advocacy groups, public representatives and other relevant stakeholders to design, promote and implement activities and events; (ii) have a good understanding of the role of Local Government; (iii) demonstrate relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level, including report writing, presentations and funding applications; (iv) have experience of using multiple communication channels, in particular social media and websites; (v) have a career that demonstrates ability to manage and supervise staff; (vi) have experience managing financial resources within a budgetary control framework; (vii) have a good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

The ideal Candidate shall: • have a keen interest in and enthusiasm for cycling and walking; • Possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to engage and foster good working relationships with Wexford County Council internal departments and external organisations/groups; • Be capable of effectively communicating key messages of the Environment and transportation department and representing Wexford County Council to third party organisations and the general public in a professional manner; • Have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage personnel under his/her supervision to achieve maximum performance; • Be self-motivated with ability to work on his/her own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision; • Have a good understanding of transportation issues in Wexford and recognise the changing environment in which Wexford County Council operates; • Possess good organisation and IT skills and have experience of working with websites; • Have good report writing and presentation skills; • Have a willingness to learn, to participate in relevant training courses in order to execute new skills and the aptitude to engage with all new technology and information systems; • Have good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, their implications for the organization and the employee, and their application in the workplace. 4. 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 PERSON The person appointed will be able to clearly demonstrate the key competencies as set out in this Booklet. In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following: - • Be able to work within, and where necessary lead, multi-disciplined teams and have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage employees to achieve maximum performance; • Be capable of delivering the full range of quality services and implement policy decisions; • Have strong interpersonal and communication skills • Have a good knowledge of Road Traffic and Road Safety Legislation and the Governments strategy on road safety; • Have a good knowledge of Climate Change and Government Strategy and adaption plans;

DUTIES OF THE POST The duties of the post shall be to give to the local authority under the direction and supervision of its appropriate employee, such services of an executive, supervisory and advisory nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers and duties and shall include the duty of deputising for other employees of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be required in relation to the area of any other local authority.

The duties shall include but are not limited to: • Work with the Senior Engineer in Roads Department, the Road Safety Officer and the Sports Officer of Wexford County Council to develop and agree annual programme of cycling & walking promotion and safety within the county. • Work with the NTA in identifying and delivering on high quality cycling and walking infrastructure in the County • Work with all other sections of Wexford County Council to co-ordinate and promote cycling and walking throughout the County. • Identify new opportunities for the local expansion of Wexford County Council cycling & walking initiatives and help identify and generate new funding streams for both new and existing initiatives. • Act as an ambassador for Wexford County Council cycling & walking programmes and represent the organisation on appropriate occasions. • Manage and coordinate on and off-road cycle training activities, preferred cycling routes, signage and promotion. • Develop contacts with individuals, schools, businesses and other interest groups in the promotion of Wexford County Council’s Cycling Programme and National Cycling Programmes, including Cycling Week, Bike to Work Scheme and any other similar initiatives. • Ongoing liaison with schools, and other interest groups in programme introduction and development. • Liaise with event organisers at festivals and events to promote and increase awareness of the various cycling & walking programmes. • Explore opportunities for promotion of Cycling and Walking within the county including development of dedicated cycle & walking paths. • Build Cycle & Walking tourism links to develop Wexford as an attraction for new and existing visitors. • Develop cycling and walking through a multi-stranded approach encompassing safety, legislation, enforcement, training, infrastructure and promotion. • Carry out regular audits of cycling and walking facilities to feed into annual programme of works for upgrade, repair, enhancement and new works. • Develop cycling and walking plans for the main urban centres. • Develop cycling and walking strategy on a countywide basis. • Liaise with Special Projects Section of Wexford County Council on all Greenway developments. Develop links from Greenways to Urban areas to encourage greater usage. • Develop a Safe Routes to Schools Programme to include improved cycling and walking infrastructure. • Have excellent communications skills including report writing, presentation delivery and verbal. • Have reasonable computer skills and ability to use financial management systems, excel, word and bespoke databases, following training. • Any other duties that might 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: Management and Change Clear understanding of political reality and context of Wexford County Council; Embeds good governance practices into day to day activities, practices and processes; Establishes, develops and maintains positive and productive professional relationships both internally and externally to enhance service delivery; Effectively manages change, foster a culture of creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change;

Delivering Results Develops operational and team plans having regard to corporate priorities, operational objectives and available resources; Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions, pinpointing critical information and address issues logically; Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers; Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation; Ensures compliance with legislation, regulation and procedures; Performance through People Leads by example to motivate staff in the delivery of high-quality outcomes and customer service; Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives to ensure corporate policies and strategies of Wexford County Council are delivered; Effectively manages performance of individuals and teams to achieve operational plan, targets and objectives; Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team. Demonstrates an excellent level of verbal and written communication skills; Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management;

Personal Effectiveness Does more than is required or expected, anticipates situations and acts to pre-empt problems. Creates new opportunities; Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives; Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence; Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace; Has high levels of expertise and broad Local Authority knowledge relevant to his/her own area. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 1. Tenure: The post is whole-time, permanent and pensionable. 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 (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 dependent or qualified children). All persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their 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 dependent or qualified children) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme. For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from 01/01/2013, superannuation contributions are 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. 2. Probation: Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of Wexford County Council is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:- (a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such person shall hold such employment on probation; (b) such period shall be 6 months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period; (c) such person shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory. 3. Salary: The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post 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 employment or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

SALARY: €55,847 - €72,602 (2nd LSI) Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale. 4. Health: For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates, before being appointed, to undergo at their expense, a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. Defects reported as a result of this examination must be remedied before appointment. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate. 5. Retirement / Superannuation: Single Public Service Pension Scheme: Effective from 1st January 2013, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new 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. All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1 January 2013 are, in general, members of the Single Scheme. Pension Age: Minimum pension age of 66 years (rising to 67 and 68 in line with State Pension age changes). Scheme Members must retire at the age of 70 years. New entrants to the public service appointed on or after 1st April, 2004. Retirement Age will be determined by the terms of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004. The Act introduces new retirement provisions for new entrants to the public service appointed on or after 1st April, 2004. For new entrants there is no compulsory retirement age and 65 is the earliest age at which retirement benefits can be paid. In all other cases, 60 years is the minimum retirement age, with 65 years being the maximum retirement age. 6. 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.