Environmental Technician Grade I

The Position

Limerick City and County Council is establishing a panel from which temporary and permanent Environmental Technician Grade 1 posts may be filled.

Based in Lissanalta House Dooradoyle, the Environmental Technician Grade I will be part of the Laboratory and Rural Water team within the Environment, Rural Water and Climate Change Department.

This multi-disciplined team is involved in providing monitoring services for drinking waters, surface waters and wastewaters to meet regulatory requirements and to deliver the Rural Water Programme.

Why Join Us?

We pride ourselves on fostering a positive workplace culture where teamwork, respect, and continuous learning are at the heart of what we do.

You’ll have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects, develop your skills, and be part of an organisation that values your ideas and professional development.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisation and time-management.

• Knowledge of processing water samples for chemical and microbiological analysis.

• Understanding of the requirements of ISO 17025:2017.

• Ability to implementing analytical quality control protocols.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Full Category B driving licence.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and inclusive work environment.

• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.

• A culture that values employee engagement and wellbeing.

Employee Benefits

• Salary: €49,260–€58,368 per annum

• Leave: 30 days annually

• Hours: 35 per week

• Superannuation scheme in place

• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

• A range of Family Friendly Policies

• A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Sampling of drinking waters, surface waters and wastewaters for chemical and microbiological analysis.

• Processing water samples for chemical and microbiological analysis.

• Microbiological analysis of drinking water for E. coli, coliform bacteria, colony count, Enterococci & Clostridium perfingens using culture-based methods.

• Chemical analysis of water samples using electrochemical, photometric, and gravimetric analytical methods.

• Understanding and adhering to the requirements of ISO 17025:2017.

• Implementing analytical quality control protocols.

• Participating in proficiency testing schemes.

• Ensuring all equipment in the Laboratory is maintained and in good working order by performing performance checks.

• Partake in subcontracting samples for analysis.

• Notifying parametric failures to Laboratory Rural Water Management.

• Assist with incident response on foot of parametric failures.

• Assist with private water scheme auditing either on a scheduled basis or on foot of a water quality incident.

• Assist with the implementation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk assessment and risk management of private water supplies at source templates.

• Assist with preparation of inspection reports for review by Executive Engineer.

• Assist with operational monitoring programme and risk-based monitoring approach for regulated private water supplies.

• Conforming with H&S protocols in the laboratory and offsite sampling/inspections.

• Perform any other duties that may be assigned in supporting the Laboratory Rural Management Team in both regulatory and quality assurance obligations.

Desirables

• Experience working in an ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory.

• Good understanding and applied knowledge of microbiological and chemical analytical techniques.

• Experience in sampling and familiar with different sampling techniques.

• Good knowledge of ISO17025 standard, environmental legislation, and EPA guidance.

• A deep knowledge of drinking water quality issues.

• Experience in problem solving and investigative techniques for incidents.

• Experience in the use of Laboratory information systems and mapping systems (qGIS).

• A current, full, clean, category B driving licence and have access to own car.

• Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal office hours as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C. National Certificate Final Examination in Science in Applied Biology, or Science in Applied Chemistry.

• Have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience after attaining the qualification concerned.

• Have satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level, or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State.

• Have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level or in an analogous post.

• Have satisfactory service in a technician post at Grade I or higher level in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State.

• Possess adequate training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

The Person – Qualifications

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of applications:

i. have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C. National Certificate Final Examination in Science in Applied Biology, or Science in Applied Chemistry

or

Hold an equivalent qualification

and

ii. have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience after attaining the qualification concerned

or

(a) have satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level, or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

and

have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level or in an analogous post,

or

(b) have satisfactory service in a technician post at Grade I or higher level in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

and

(c) possess adequate training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

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.

Terms and Conditions

The Post

Subject to the availability of suitably qualified candidates a panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Director General.

The panel may be used by Limerick City and County Council to fill permanent and temporary positions that may arise for its duration.

Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Annual Leave

The successful candidate will have 30 days annual leave.

Salary

Salary scale: €49,260 - €58,368 per annum.

Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point (currently €49,260).