Executive Parks & Landscape Officer

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Character: Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health: Candidates must be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, each successful candidate must, before appointment, undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the Local Authority. On taking up employment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate.

3. Education and Experience:

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

(a) Education: Candidates shall hold a qualification in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Natural or Environmental Science (Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications).

(b) Experience:

• Have not less than five years postgraduate 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.
• Possess a high standard of professional competence and experience.
• Have the ability to work on own initiative and as a team member, and to manage and motivate staff to achieve corporate objectives.
• Have good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including interest groups and public representatives.
• Have proven ability to manage the delivery of projects on time and within budget, including dealing with procurement, contracts, and professional contractors.
• Have the ability to develop policies, guidance, and prepare technical reports as required.
• Have good knowledge of the legal and regulatory standards that apply to local authorities, including Health & Safety.

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 include a translation document.

Work Permit Requirement: All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to, and for the duration of, their contract. It is the responsibility of employees to ensure they hold a valid work permit. If at any stage the permit ceases to be valid, the employee must immediately notify Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and employment will cease immediately.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Professional experience in horticulture, landscape architecture, and/or arboriculture, particularly in design, construction, and management of public parks, open spaces, and civic spaces.
• Hold a full Irish/EU Driving Licence, free from endorsement, allowing permanent driving in Ireland.
• Satisfactory knowledge of the range and use of plant species and materials for hard and soft landscape treatments.
• Knowledge of tree management in the public arena.
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Knowledge of design and construction of recreational facilities for children, young people, and adults.
• Good IT skills, including CAD/GIS design software experience.
• Professional experience liaising with third parties and stakeholders.

JOB SPECIFICATION

1. Office: The position is whole-time, permanent, and pensionable. A panel will be formed from which permanent and temporary appointments may be made.

2. Salary: €60,255; €62,447; €64,640; €66,837; €69,032; €71,226; €73,423; €75,606; €77,813; €80,001 (1st LSI); €82,523 (2nd LSI); €83,758 (3rd LSI). Rates as at 1/02/2026. Entry point determined in accordance with Departmental Circulars. Rate may be adjusted per Government Policy.

Holders of the office shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or monies (other than salary) received by virtue of their office as required by law.

3. Superannuation Contribution:

• Class A PRSI contributors: 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.
• Class D PRSI contributors: 5% of pensionable remuneration.
• Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme: 1.5% of pensionable remuneration.

Retirement:

• New entrants (from 1 January 2013) join the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme).
• Minimum pension age linked to State Pension age (currently 66).
• Compulsory retirement age: 70.
• ISER retirees are barred from applying for positions in the same employment or sector.

4. Hours of Work: 35 hours per week for all new entrants.

5. Probation:

• One-year probationary period applies for new permanent appointments.
• Appointment ceases at the end of probation unless Chief Executive certifies satisfactory service.

6. Annual Leave: 30 days per annum in accordance with Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Circular LG(P) 07/2011.

7. Duties: Successful candidates will work as part of a multidisciplinary team with responsibilities including:

• Strategic green infrastructure planning.
• Management of maintenance operations and arboricultural management.
• Staff and resource management for best value.
• Project and contract management from design, planning to construction.
• Development management and strategic planning within the parks team.
• Natural resource management, arboriculture, and biodiversity conservation.
• Progressing the DLR Tree Strategy objectives.
• Leading and participating in multidisciplinary and interdepartmental project teams.
• Preparation, contract management, and coordination of tenders/contracts including budget control.
• Working with diverse interest groups.
• Performing duties as reasonably assigned by the Senior Executive Parks & Landscape Officer or nominee.

The post holder may also act for higher-level officers and perform duties in other local authorities as required.

8. Citizenship: Candidates must be:

• An EEA citizen (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or
• A UK citizen, or
• A Swiss citizen pursuant to EU-Switzerland agreement, or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen with Stamp 4 visa, or
• Awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or family member entitled to remain with Stamp 4 visa, or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent Irish citizen child and has residence permission (Stamp 4).

9. Location & Residence: Employees must reside in the district of their duties or within a reasonable distance. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council may assign employees to any Council premises, now or in the future, with reasonable notice.

10. Recruitment:

• Selection by competency-based interview, conducted in person or online.
• DLRCC may shortlist candidates based on application forms, aptitude tests, and preliminary interviews.
• Appeals against shortlisting or interview decisions must be submitted within five working days to recruitment@dlrcoco.ie. Decisions by HR are final.
• Panels may be formed; appointments made as vacancies arise. Panel life is one year unless extended.
• Appointments must be taken up within one month unless extended.
• Applicants withdrawing cannot re-enter the competition later.