Executive Architectural Conservation Officer

The Competition

The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which permanent and temporary posts may be filled at Architectural Conservation Officer Grade as vacancies arise.

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they:

• Have a satisfactory knowledge of Kildare’s history and of its historic building typologies and spaces

• A good working knowledge and understanding of architectural conservation and of its role in the planning and development process

• Have experience of participating in managing and leading multi-disciplinary teams

• Have a proven track record of delivering results

• Understand Local Authority services and structures in Ireland, particularly as they relate to the conservation function, or can quickly acquire same

• Be capable of working in close consultation with key stakeholders and working collaboratively with a diverse range of bodies and representative groups

• Be experienced in contributing to the operational and strategic conservation processes and in the implementation of the agreed aims of same

• Have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills

• Have experience of budget management and ensuring value for money

• Possess strong ICT and presentation skills

The Executive Architectural Conservation Officer will report directly to the Senior Executive Planner or Senior Planner or other relevant person as determined by the Senior Planner.

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 advise Kildare County Council in relation to the architectural heritage and conservation provisions and requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), and any subsequent National and European legislation

• To contribute to the development of a conservation policy for inclusion in the Councils’ Plans and to promote and implement such policies

• To prepare responses to Architectural Conservation related submissions received either as part of any review of the Kildare County Development Plan or any emerging Local Area Plan

• To attend meetings as required, where issues of Conservation arise

• To identify, evaluate and provide advice on structures, groups of structures, areas and other features of architectural heritage of historical, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical significance, with a view to making recommendations regarding their inclusion in/exclusion from a Record of Protected Structures and on development objectives

• To provide advice to owners and occupiers of structures included in a Record of Protected Structures on good practice in the conservation of such structures, on the availability of assistance, including financial assistance, for such conservation

• To assess and make recommendations on Section 5, Section 57 Declarations and Section 59 Notices in accordance with statutory requirements

• To monitor the state of repair of structures included in a Record of Protected Structures, and if necessary, make recommendations on the need, if any, for the planning authority to take enforcement action in such cases

• To report and advise on planning applications where conservation and/or architectural issues arise

• To assist with and provide advice concerning the scheme of grants for the conservation of protected structures, including assessing the condition of buildings and the suitability of works, prioritising applications, recommending appropriate conditions, and inspecting works in progress and on completion

• To consult with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, State Agencies, Voluntary Bodies and European Organisations on matters of architectural conservation

• To maintain a database of drawings and photographs relating to protected structures, groups of structures and areas, and other features of architectural heritage significance

• To advise on Local Authority Developments where conservation issues arise

• To prepare and give evidence in court and at oral hearings where issues of conservation are involved

• To advise on the sources of funds for conservation and related works

• To lead, motivate and engage staff to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans

• To comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in Kildare County Council

• To communicate effectively whether verbally or in written communications with all stakeholders including staff, elected members, community groups and the public

• To demonstrate effective project management skills in order to undertake all assigned tasks in a timely manner

• To effectively and efficiently manage budgets and ensure value for money at all times

• Have good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and their implications and applications in the workplace

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 and Experience etc.: Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold a recognised qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 in a technical discipline related to the built environment including but not limited to architecture, structural engineering, building surveying or spatial planning; or A qualification at NFQ Level 8 in which the historic built environment was a major subject including but not limited to archaeology, history of art or architectural conservation; or A postgraduate qualification at NFQ Levels 9 or 10 in which the historic built environment was a major subject

(b) After attaining the qualification referred to at (a) above, have five years’ satisfactory experience relevant to the post (or four years for registered architects) (c) Have a satisfactory knowledge of architectural heritage, design and conservation, strategic planning and urban design, and the legal framework governing architectural conservation and planning (d) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience appropriate to the nature of the work undertaken, including administrative experience, and have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation

Desirable but not essential:

• Conservation Architect at Grade 1 or 2 level

• Knowledge in and appreciation for architectural history

• Knowledge of good conservation practices

• Postgraduate qualification in Architectural Conservation

Please supply copies of any certificates, diplomas or degrees you may have with the application form. If qualifications were obtained outside of Ireland, please supply a comparability statement with your application.

Applicants should, at the date of applying, hold a full valid Irish/EU licence for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence (link). They must be competent drivers and shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. The council must be indemnified on their insurance.

Competencies for the Post of Architectural Conservation Officer

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of the following headings. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form, as any shortlisting or interview processes will be based on the information provided.

• Displays the ability to think and act strategically from a corporate, conservation and planning perspective

• Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests, including Government Departments and Elected Members

• Ability to negotiate, influence and adopt a partnership approach with all stakeholders

• Sustains a positive image and profile of the local authority

• Effectively manages the introduction of change and overcomes resistance to change

• Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation/regulations including Health & Safety, Planning & Procurement

• Leading and managing teams or projects

• Motivation and positivity as part of a team

• Managing performance

• Communicating effectively

• Ability to establish positive relationships with their team, internal and external stakeholders

• Strong ability to negotiate and influence others

• Problem solving and decision making, particularly in situations of conflicting demands

• Organising work programmes and implementing solutions

• Working to deadlines

• Managing resources and achieving efficiencies

• Delivering quality outcomes

• Resilience and personal well-being

• Integrity and public service values

• Personal motivation and initiative

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

• Personal vision for the future of planning in County Kildare

• Political awareness

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government, including service requirements

• Knowledge of current local government issues

• Understanding of the role of an Architectural Conservation Officer

• Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Kildare County Council

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

The Post The post is whole-time (i.e., 35 hours per week) and appointment may be permanent or temporary.

Location Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

Commencement Kildare County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such other longer period as the Council at its absolute discretion may determine, Kildare County Council shall not appoint them.

Working Hours The current working hours are 35 hours per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (rotas operate for lunchtime opening). A flexi-time system is in operation; details are available from the Human Resources Section. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work. You may be required to work overtime on various occasions. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Employees are required to record hours using a clocking system.

Reporting Arrangements Architectural Conservation Officers report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee of Kildare County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate. A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, involving discussions between the employee and line manager regarding performance and conduct.

For permanent appointments, the following provisions apply:

a) There shall be a probation period after appointment takes effect b) This period shall be 12 months; the Chief Executive may extend it at their discretion c) The person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the probationary period unless certified satisfactory d) Termination during the probation period may occur with one week’s notice under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts e) Assessments will occur during the probation period

• €59,067 per annum to €78,425 per annum (maximum)

• €80,897 per annum (LSI 1) after 3 years’ satisfactory service at maximum

• €82,108 per annum (LSI 2) after 6 years’ satisfactory service at maximum

On appointment, successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale unless otherwise applicable due to verified public service employment history. Salary is paid fortnightly by PayPath to the nominated bank account. The pay cycle may be revised during employment. Remuneration is subject to statutory deductions, including P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Annual increments are subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance. Increments may be withheld if performance is not satisfactory.

Employees will contribute to the Local Authority Superannuation Scheme at the appropriate rate. Depending on their status, the following schemes may apply:

• Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 (as amended)

• Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004

• Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act 2012

Retirement Age:

• Non-new entrants: Compulsory retirement at 65

• New entrants (post-2004): Minimum retirement age is 65, with no mandatory age

• Single Scheme members (from 1 January 2013): Retirement age starts at 66, rising to 67 in 2021, and 68 in 2028. Compulsory retirement age is 70.

The annual leave entitlement is 30 days per year. Leave is governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the sector’s nationally agreed scheme. The leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Any additional office closures (e.g., Christmas) will be deducted from annual leave. These will be communicated yearly.

The officer must reside in or at an address convenient to the Local Authority, as approved by the Chief Executive.

This is a whole-time position. Officers may not engage in private practice or external business that interferes with official duties.

Employees must adhere to all current and future codes of practice and organisational policies, including:

• Code of Conduct

• Health and Safety

• Communications

• Data Protection

• Equality

• Staff Mobility

• Attendance Management

• Use of Electronic Equipment

Employees are required to attend and participate in training as decided by the Council and apply learning in daily work.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Council must protect the health and safety of all employees. Employees must cooperate, avoid improper conduct, and avoid placing themselves or others at risk.