Environmental Technician Grade I

QUALIFICATIONS

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

Education, training & experience

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

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

Fulfil the following requirements

(i) 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

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

or

(iii) 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

(b) Possess adequate staff training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

Candidates should hold a current full clean driving licence.

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

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas: ‐ Delivering Results, Personal Performance and Personal Effectiveness.

• Have appropriate ICT skills, e.g. proficiency in Word, Excel, other computer programmes particular to specific project work, e‐mail etc.

• Have the knowledge and skills to undertake duties, including the ability to: take direction/follow instructions.

• Organise and prioritise work effectively.

• Work well with the public and colleagues.

• Be flexible in their approach to work.

• Be able to communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner.

• Have strong relevant technical capability.

• Have a strong sense of ownership of their work and attention to detail.

• Have a strong sense of innovation and problem solving.

• Have an awareness of IT Networks and GIS Platforms.

• Work equally well as part of a team or on their own initiative.

• Have a strong foundation and ability in the use of technology, and a proven record in the review and introduction of new technology.

• Have a track record of achievement and delivery of results.

• Have a knowledge of GDPR and its application in a GIS environment.

Environmental Technician Grade 1 - Laboratory

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

Environmental Technician Grade 1 – Environment

• An understanding the investigation of complaints under various environmental regulations

• An understanding of evidence gathering, chain of custody in the event legal proceedings are instigated;

• Knowledge of environmental legislation and EPA guidance;

• A good knowledge of water quality issues;

• Experience in problem solving and investigative techniques for pollution incidents.

Duties

The duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Environmental Technician Grade 1 - Laboratory

• Conduct sampling of drinking water, surface water and wastewater using appropriate sampling techniques

• Preparation of samples for analysis in the Laboratory

• Analysis of nutrients in drinking water/surface water/wastewater using an automated UV – Vis spectrophotometer

• Sampling, monitoring and analysis of public and private drinking water, wastewater treatment facilities, licensed facilities.

• Troubleshooting and diagnosing analytical issues with these instruments

• Undertaking general chemical analysis using electrochemical methods (e.g. pH, conductivity)

• Performing conventional chemical analysis using gravimetric & volumetric analytical methods (e.g. suspended solids)

• Using photometric methods of analysis (e.g. BOD, Turbidity)

• Participating in proficiency testing for chemical analysis (e.g. EPA Intercalibration, LGC Aquacheck, UK HSA)

• Ensuring all equipment in the Chemical Laboratories is maintained and in good working order

• Implementing analytical quality control protocols used in chemical analysis

• Notifying non-conforming work to the Assistant Scientist

• Conducting H&S risk assessments & abiding with health & safety measures in the Laboratory

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

• Other work that may be assigned by the Laboratory Manager (Executive Scientist).

Environmental Technician Grade 1 - Environment

• Implementation of European Union Directives and National Legislative/Environmental Protection Agency monitoring and reporting requirements with regard to waste management, surface water quality, wastewater, air, noise and producer responsibility

• Coordinate with the EPA, WERLA and other environmental state agencies, as required

• Carry out environmental pollution and waste management inspections in accordance with Legislative/EPA requirements and take enforcement action, including farm inspections and onsite DWWTS assessments

• Investigate, report on and take enforcement action in relation to environmental pollution and waste management complaints

• Evaluate and report on planning applications

• Monitoring, surveying and management of landfill sites, civic amenity/recycling sites and bring bank networks

• Implementation/enforcement of licencing requirements for effluent discharges, air emissions and forestry activities

• Implementation/enforcement of licencing requirements for Waste Collection Permits, Waste Facility Permits, Certificates of Registration

• Implementation/enforcement of Casual Trading Bye-Laws

• Preparation of reports on implementation of EU Directives and interpretation/evaluation of results

• Incident reporting and follow up

• General administration duties, dealing with queries, customers and complaints

• Supporting line‐managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in delivering services/projects

• Promote and implement required health & safety standards, including the Council’s Safety Management System and undertake safety related work and reporting, as required

• Assist in preparation of Annual Environmental Report and other technical reports

• Document/information management and use of information technology

• Preparation of litter and waste plans and investigation of complaints

• Any other duties that may be required from time to time.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Range and depth of relevant environmental technician experience

• Demonstrates required technical knowledge, understanding and training for the role

• Up to date with current developments, trends and best proactive in their area of responsibility

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team

• Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, correspondence etc.

Delivering Results

• Problem solving and decision making

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

• Following procedures, ensuring compliance and maintaining appropriate records

• Understands and complies with the required work quality standards including Health & Safety

• Managing resources, and achieving efficiencies

• Delivering quality outcomes

Performance through People

• Motivation and positivity as part of a team

• Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility and strong customer ethos

• Building and maintaining positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

• Effectively manage performance

• Communicating effectively

• Takes initiative and is proactive when they see an opportunity

Local Government Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge of current local government issues and advocate practical approaches to addressing them.

• Clear and realistic view of future trends and strategic direction of local government.

• Understanding the structures and environment within which the local authority sector operates and the role of an Environmental Technician Grade I in this context

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The office is whole-time and pensionable. This panel will be used to fill both Permanent and Temporary posts as they arise.

PROBATION:

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply;

(a) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such position on probation,

(b) such period shall be one year but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period,

(c) such persons shall cease to hold such position at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

SALARY: €48,760 - €57,790 (2nd LSI) per annum

Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.

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

In accordance with EL02/2011 persons who are not serving Local Authority employees must be placed on the minimum of the scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government policy.

Garda Vetting/Child Safeguarding

Successful candidates may be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures and will be required to complete Appendix V of the County Council’s Child Protection Policy.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

Residence

Roscommon County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district 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.

Annual Leave

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. Annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum (inclusive of days pre-allocated for Christmas period). The annual leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December.

Working Hours

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time.

Superannuation

Candidates will be informed of their superannuation position at the time an offer of appointment is being made.

Recruitment

Selection of candidates for appointment shall be by means of a competition conducted by or on behalf of Roscommon County Council.

The Selection Process may include the following:

• Online Aptitude Testing

• Short-listing of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application;

• Preliminary interview, which may also include a presentation;

• Competitive interview, which may also include a presentation;

• Work sample/role play/media exercise, and any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate.

Please note that Roscommon County Council reserves the right to hold any part of the selection process by way of remote/video-call platform or other appropriate methodology. Panels may be formed on the basis of such a selection process. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may be appointed to this post