Executive Technician

Galway City Council is seeking to put in place a panel for the post of Executive Technician from which future relevant permanent and temporary contract posts will be filled.

In Galway City Council, the post of Executive Technician is located across a number of Departments including Planning, Housing, Transportation and Recreation & Amenity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Providing technical services relevant to the area of responsibility to which they have been assigned e.g. site inspection, site surveying, creation of drawings and graphics, report writing and other such duties associated with the grade relevant to the area of responsibility;

·       Operating the appropriate technology as required to carry out the work to which they have been assigned, e.g. CAD etc;

·       Working as part of a team;

·       Liaising with other Departments, members of the public, elected representatives and external agencies in relation to operational aspects of assigned work;

·       Preparation of public consultation display material and assistance at public consultation where necessary;

·       Managing work flows and producing regular progress reports on all aspects of their area of responsibility;

·       Supervision of staff assigned to them;

·       Contributing to individual staff development, personal development and team development initiatives;

·       Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time depending on the area of responsibility e.g. Planning - validation of planning applications and assessment of fees, Housing – architectural detailing of new and refurbished building etc.

The holder of the post will be required to have a good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation Regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace. They will also be required to have an understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety management in the workplace.

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority and

(a)            such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive is Manager, and

(b)            to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph,

under the direction and supervision of the Director of Services or Senior Engineer or Senior Executive Technician, Executive Engineer as appropriate, of the local authority such appropriate technical services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties including the duty of assisting the Director of Services or Senior Engineer or Senior Executive Technician, Executive Engineer (and cognate professional grades of similar ranks) as appropriate, in the supervision of the engineering and cognate services of any of the foregoing local authorities or bodies and, when required to do so, to perform the duty of acting for the appropriate senior staff during that employee’s absence.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     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.

3.     Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          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

               v.          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

             vi.          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

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

(a) have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C National Certificate Final Examination (equivalent to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in;

-                   Civil Engineering, or

-                   Geo-surveying, or

-                   Construction Studies, or

-                   Construction Studies in Building Maintenance, or

-                   Construction Studies in Architectural Graphics, or

-                   hold an equivalent qualification.

(b) have satisfactory experience, in a technician post at Grade II or higher level or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

(c)             have at least five years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II or higher level or an analogous post,

(d)            have a wide knowledge of all the technical aspects of local authority work and also a deeper knowledge of at least one section of the work,

(e)            possess adequate training and experience relating to dealings with other departments within their own organisations and with other bodies

AND

(f)              have adequate experience in the supervision and control of staff.

Driving Licence Requirement Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below).

https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licences

*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 be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·       Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·       Be self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative in a workplace environment.

·       Have good judgement and problem-solving skills.

·       Have competency in the area of information technology.

·       Have good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations.

Each candidate must include in the application details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Delivering Results

·       Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions and displays good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations;

·       Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of customers and stakeholders at all times;

·       Allocates resources effectively to deliver on operational plans;

·       Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner;

·       Ensures compliance with legislation, regulation and procedures.

Communicating Effectively

·       Deals with all relevant stakeholders in a professional, effective and efficient manner;

·       Has effective verbal and written communication skills;

·       Has strong interpersonal and negotiating skills;

·       Treats others with respect, diplomacy, tact and courtesy even in challenging circumstances;

·       Expresses themselves in a clear and articulate manner;

·       Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Personal Effectiveness

·       Takes initiative and is proactive when he or she sees the opportunity to make a contribution;

·       Manages time and workloads effectively with particular reference to statutory obligations and timeframes;

·       Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role. Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change;

·       Responds positively to the challenges of the role;

·       Learns from experience and seeks to constantly improve performance;

·       Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective public service.

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Technical Knowledge and Experience and Skills.

·       Technical Knowledge Experience and Skills

·       Knowledge of the structure and functions of Local Government.

·       Political awareness, have clear understanding of political reality and context of the organisation and develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships with all Stakeholders, in particular Government Departments and Elected Members;

·       Understanding of the role of an Executive Technician in this context;

·       Range and depth of experience relevant to the post;

·       Understanding of Health & Safety;

·       Up-to-date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility;

·       Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, correspondence etc;

·       Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems;

·       Effective budget and financial and resource management.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The annual salary (Circular EL 02-2026, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1 February 2026) is as follows:

Point

01/02/2026

€52,440 - €62,740 per year

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €52,440.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office 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 office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

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

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

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

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 35 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Residence:

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

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport. Expenses incurred in work related travel will be recompensed in line with departmental circulars.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of the State Pension Contributory).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

New Entrants From 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

FOR NEW ENTRANTS recruited on or after 1st January, 2013 as well as former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution.

Retirement Age:

Retirement age will be determined on previous Public Sector Service (if any) and will be advised on appointment.

Former Public Service Employees

Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including:

·       Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

·       Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

·       Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes.  This is a non-exhaustive list and any queries should be directed to the applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance.