Executive Architectural Technician

1. The Position

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Executive Architectural Technician (analogous to the Executive Technician grade for pay purposes).

It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies, both permanent and temporary, will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

The Executive Architectural Technician will report directly to the Senior Executive Architect as assigned, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Donegal County Council.

2. Roles, Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Executive Architect, the position involves the provision of such architectural technical or ancillary services as may be required by the Council in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of duties that the successful candidate will be required to perform:

• To assist the Housing Capital Division in the delivery of the housing programme through the development of sketch layouts to detailed design stage, site inspections, planning preparation, tender document preparation, undertaking tender processes, report writing, attending meetings, and any other assigned tasks to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of the programme within the designated timeframes and to undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility that may be required from time to time with respect to other projects as assigned by the Senior Executive Architect.

• To assist the Senior Executive Architect in establishing the need and demand for the housing service in relevant areas and to make informed recommendations.

• To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Council services and external agencies and to ensure that, in accordance with policy and procedure, programmes of work are coordinated and implemented in full with the cooperation of all relevant parties.

• To achieve targets and deadlines as outlined in an agreed and established work programme.

• To work as part of an effective, motivated and committed team and to maintain sound employee relations and morale in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation.

• To work within a cross-functional/multidisciplinary team in line with the executive structures of the Council.

• To attend meetings, including site meetings and meetings which may take place outside of normal work hours, and provide technical advice on design aspects of capital projects.

• To implement the systems necessary to support the service.

They will be expected to have the following essential skills:

• Possess strong ICT skills, particularly in graphic presentation, with associated AutoCAD and Revit experience.

• Have a detailed knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace, and have a detailed knowledge of current Building Regulations, the County Donegal Development Plan, and Quality Housing Design.

• Competent knowledge and ability to prepare sketch plans, preliminary designs, planning drawings, construction and tender drawings, and specifications.

• Working knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Have an in-depth understanding of the preparation of detailed design and contract documents for tender processes.

• Have a thorough knowledge of the Building Regulations.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of building construction and extensive experience in construction detailing in accordance with the Building Regulations.

• Demonstrate experience in the successful delivery of detailed construction information on a substantial range of projects within a tight programme.

• Competent knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and regulations.

• Work as a member of the site supervisory team on construction site visits and inspections as necessary.

• Ability to prepare Fire and Disability Certificates.

• Maintain project files and records.

• Prepare material for presentations, meetings, publications, and exhibitions.

• Have knowledge of Planning and Building Regulations, Building Standards and Codes of Practice as they relate to architectural work, including calculations for compliance using software including DEAP and BER.

• Experience of public procurement, including the use of eTenders.

• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The above list of duties is indicative rather than exhaustive.

3. Qualifications & Requirements of the Post

(a) Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

(b) Health

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

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Medical Advisor prior to appointment.

(c) Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

Hold a NCEA/HETAC National Certificate Final Examination in Architectural Technology (preferred) or a NCEA/HETAC National Certificate Final Examination in Construction Studies, or hold an equivalent professional qualification; and

Have at least five (5) years’ satisfactory experience of architectural works, including satisfactory experience in housing scheme projects; and

Be capable of dealing efficiently with the range of architectural works undertaken by a local authority, and:

• Possess a high standard of technical training and strong experience of working with AutoCAD and Revit, together with a working knowledge of BIM.

• Have excellent IT skills and be proficient in the use of technology.

• Have the ability to carry out topographical surveys.

• Have the ability to carry out as-built surveys of existing buildings and brownfield sites.

• Be familiar with the requirements of Fire and Disability Certificates.

• Possess a working knowledge of the requirements of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BC(A)R), including the production of inspection plans.

• Conduct site inspections and attend site meetings when required.

• Be capable of writing clear and concise reports.

(d) Desirable Skills

It is desirable, but not essential, that each candidate has satisfactory experience in:

• GIS software such as ESRI ArcGIS and/or MapInfo.

• Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, Project, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Adobe Photoshop and SketchUp.

• Planning and execution of surveys for mapping, etc.

• Desktop publishing software.

• Knowledge of Local Government and the Council generally.

• Knowledge and awareness of key topical and priority issues.

• Understanding of the political reality/context of issues.

(e) Core Competencies

Relevant Technical Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

• Demonstrates specific technical knowledge, experience and self-development relevant to the role of Executive Architectural Technician.

• Demonstrates experience in the use of appropriate work methods, systems and processes to achieve the successful delivery of projects while ensuring compliance with all relevant standards.

• Demonstrates experience of planning and prioritising work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints while ensuring that all statutory requirements are met, with a particular focus on housing/residential projects.

Initiative and Delivery of Results

• Demonstrates experience in problem-solving and decision-making, acting decisively with complex information and multiple stakeholders to ensure timely project completion.

• Demonstrates experience in promoting the achievement of quality outcomes, with a particular focus on housing/residential projects.

Communication Skills / Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Demonstrates experience of presenting information in a professional, confident, logical and convincing manner, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of stakeholders and proactively identifies and develops strategically important relationships.

4. Particulars of the Post

(a) General

Donegal County Council proposes to create a panel of qualified candidates for the position of Executive Architectural Technician from which it will fill any vacancy that may arise.

(b) Probation

The successful candidate shall be required to be on probation for an initial period, as determined by the Council. This period may be extended at the discretion of the Council.

(c) Remuneration

The current annual pay scale is €52,440 minimum to maximum LSI2 €62,740 (as per Circular EL 02/2026).

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

New entrants will commence on the minimum point of the scale.

(d) Base

The base for the post of Executive Architectural Technician shall be determined by the Council and will depend on the particular area and service to which the post holder is assigned.

The role of Executive Architectural Technician may involve some travel, with some trips involving overnight stays and associated costs covered by the appropriate allowances.

(e) Residence

Holders of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.