Executive Parks & Landscape Officer

The Executive Parks and Landscape Officer will work as part of a team that plans, designs, develops and manages the public parks, open spaces and public realm of Cork City Council.

The Executive Parks and Landscape Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of strategies, policies and standards around the provision and management of the public realm. The Parks & Recreation team contributes to the management and protection of biodiversity, climate change, planning and the overall appearance and presentation of Cork City, and the successful candidate may be involved with these activities.

The Executive Parks and Landscape Officer will report directly to the Senior Parks & Landscape Officer, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Cork City Council.

The Ideal Candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at interview:

• Satisfactory professional knowledge and experience of public realm, landscape and urban design.

• Knowledge of the legislation, policies, procedures, and regulations guiding the design, operation and management of the public realm.

• Have a good understanding of Planning Laws, Policies and Procedures and familiarity with Planning Applications, Large Scale Residential Developments, Local Area Plans and the Development Plan.

• Knowledge of current recreational needs, interests, trends, and facilities.

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and requirements for the upkeep of buildings, facilities, playgrounds, grounds, and equipment.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices in the management of natural resources within parks and open spaces.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrates the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including Elected Members, Communities, Sporting Clubs and Organisations, other public bodies and internal City Council Departments.

• Experience in managing staff and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams.

• Knowledge of public procurement processes.

• Knowledge and practical experience of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations and their application in the workplace.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of construction activities, including construction methods, equipment, specifications and contracts and experience in contract delivery.

• Competency and experience in the area of information technology; with well-developed skills including Microsoft Word, Excel or similar and Computer Aided graphic design.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices in the management, protection and enhancement of green infrastructure assets.

• Knowledge of the principles and practice in the incorporation of natural based sustainable drainage systems into landscapes.

• Ability to organise, evaluate and present information effectively both orally, graphically and in writing.

• Excellent project management skills.

• A willingness to take ownership of problem-solving and lead where necessary.

• Capacity to work on their own initiative.

• An understanding of Local Authority services and structures or have the ability to quickly acquire same.

• Be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas – Delivering Quality Outcomes & Ensuring Compliance, Performance through People and Managing Resources.

DUTIES

• Planning, designing, and directing improvements to local, regional parks, green spaces and the public realm and increase the amenity value of these spaces for recreation and biodiversity.

• Tendering and procurement in relation to supplies, services and capital projects.

• Preparation, contract management and co-ordination of tenders/contracts; including budgetary control.

• Managing grant aided projects including application and reporting requirements.

• Management and support of the Parks and Recreation outdoor staff in their duties.

• Assist in the planning, managing, monitoring and reporting of work programmes when required.

• Advise on the management and control of invasive species.

• Correspondence administration including ensuring that responses issue in accordance with customer standards.

• Providing advice to 3rd parties, including Cork City Council departments on the protection, maintenance and enhancement of green infrastructure and the design and management of open spaces.

• Dealing efficiently, effectively and professionally at all times with stakeholders including elected members, community groups, businesses and residents.

• Liaising with and responding to other local authorities, government departments and statutory agencies where required.

• Collaborating with other departments and disciplines of the Council to achieve corporate objectives.

• Provision of reports to the Council, Council committees, (including Local Area Committees & Strategic Policy Committees) and attendance at such meetings as may be required.

• Research and development of policy proposals.

• Implementation of relevant actions under the Council’s Climate Action Plan.

• Advising on larger private planning applications.

• To work with a diverse range of interest groups in the interest of fulfilling their duties as Executive Parks & Landscape Officer.

• Deputising for the Senior Parks & Landscape Officer as required.

• Carrying out other duties as required from time to time.

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved. Accordingly, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post, as may be assigned from time to time, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the role while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

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

3. Education

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

a) Hold a qualification in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Natural or Environmental Science (level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications).

4. Experience

Candidates shall also:

a) Have not less than five years post graduate satisfactory experience of planning, design, development and management of one or more of the following: Parks, Heritage Landscapes and Gardens, Open Spaces, Green Infrastructure, Public Realm and Urban Design, Urban Forests, Sports Grounds, Recreation and Play facilities, Burial Grounds, Community Gardens and Allotments.

b) Possess a high standard of professional competence and experience,

c) Have the ability to work on their own initiative and as a team member and to manage and motivate staff to achieve corporate objectives,

d) Have good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders including interest groups and public representatives,

e) Have proven ability to manage the delivery of projects on time and within budget, including dealing with procurement, contractors, professional consultants,

f) Have the ability to develop policies, strategies, best practice guidance and the preparation of technical reports as required; and

g) Have a good working knowledge of the legal and regulatory standards that apply to local authorities, including Health and Safety.

5. Driving Licence

Candidates must hold a current clean driving licence (Class B) for the relevant vehicle class they are driving, free from convictions and medical limitations that do not permit them or prevent them driving their own vehicle, or a vehicle provided by Cork City Council. Should you be disqualified from driving you may be subject to an appropriate sanction which may include demotion/suspension or other disciplinary action.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€59,658 - €61,829 - €64,000 - €66,175 - €68,349 - €70,521 - €72,696 - €74,857 - €77,043 - €79,209 - €81,706 (LSI 1) - €82,929 (LSI 2)

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 at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

• The standard working week is 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, require evening or weekend work.

• Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

• All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.

Garda Vetting

This post may come within the scope of the Local Authorities Garda Vetting Scheme. Further information is available in our Candidate Information Booklet, which provides details on vetting requirements, the format of the competition, the principal conditions of service, and data protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Cork City Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, civil or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race, ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion, or belief.