Executive Technician

THE POSITION

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Executive Technician – Geographic Information Systems.

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

The Executive Technician GIS is responsible for compiling, analysing, and visualising data using GIS software to support both departmental and corporate needs, as well as developing and publishing interactive mapping applications and data dashboards through enterprise or cloud-based platforms. It includes managing and maintaining datasets, including schema documentation, and recommending improvements to data processes.

QUALIFICATIONS1. 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, Experience, etc.

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

(a)

(i) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major awards (i.e. honours degree) or higher in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plus 2 years directly relevant, recent experience.

OR

(ii) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major awards (i.e. honours degree) with Geographic Information Systems taken in the final year and at least 3 years directly relevant, recent experience.

OR

(iii) A qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major awards (i.e. ordinary degree) or higher in Geographic Information Systems plus 3 years directly relevant, recent experience.

OR

(iv) A qualification at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plus at least 4 years directly relevant, recent experience.

and

(b) Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE: 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. Failure to do so will deem your application inadmissible.

The onus is on the candidate to ensure that the relevant qualification is listed on their application form.

In the event that an offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to submit all relevant educational qualifications in order to meet the requirements above.

DRIVING LICENCE / TRAVEL

The holder of the office will be required to hold a valid Irish/EU full driving licence for Class B vehicles or a licence acceptable to the NDLS for exchange, free from endorsement and disqualification.

They must be a competent driver and shall drive a motor car in the course of his/her duties and, for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority. The Local Authority must be indemnified on their insurance.

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

DUTIES

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to an Executive Technician – GIS.

a) Creation, updating and maintenance of Planning and Property GIS databases specific to the preparation, monitoring and review of the property portfolios.

b) Graphic production of a wide range of maps.

c) Creation, updating and maintenance of the registers and property portfolios by ensuring that data entry is in the correct format.

d) Preparation of datasets to be sent to Department websites, e.g. MyPlan.

e) Data collection and research for corporate-wide land and property plans.

f) Surveys of land use, vacant properties and services of towns and villages.

g) Preparation of mapping and graphic design in Council plans.

h) Conversion of GIS layers into other formats, e.g. AutoCAD, Google Earth, MapInfo.

i) Research and preparation of charts, diagrams and maps for publications by Wicklow County Council, e.g. URDF / RRDF applications.

j) Assist with the implementation of both internal and external MapViewers.

k) Liaise with other departments, members of the public and external agencies in relation to operational aspects of assigned work.

l) Preparation of public consultation display material and assistance at public consultations.

m) Manage workflows and produce regular progress reports on all aspects of the area of responsibility.

n) Operate the appropriate technology as required to carry out the work to which he/she has been assigned, e.g. CAD, Graphics, PowerPoint.

o) Maintain and update, on an ongoing basis, existing mapping and GIS datasets as required.

p) Transform GIS data into different formats and re-project using FME.

q) Support the use of standards and best practices in regard to metadata and data cataloguing.

r) Production and use of map services and datasets from external organisations such as Ordnance Survey Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Geological Survey of Ireland.

s) ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro map creation, printing and user support.

t) Provide training and support in GIS-related software and systems to Council staff.

u) Provide training and support to the public on all public-facing GIS systems.

v) Any other duties which may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

a) Proficiency in the use of the ESRI Geographical Information Systems Suite, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap and ArcGIS Online.

b) Possess good IT and presentation skills. A knowledge of Python or Arcade scripting languages, knowledge of Structured Query Language including spatial queries, and experience in the use of ETL software such as FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) will be considered an advantage.

c) Have a good understanding of safety management in the workplace, including health and safety legislation and regulations.

d) Possess good professional knowledge and skills.

e) Be able to work independently or within multidisciplinary teams.

f) Be capable of working on their own initiative.

g) Possess good interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage with a wide range of people.

h) Possess good organisational skills.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Strong presentation, reporting and communication skills.

• Technical proficiency and hands-on experience required for the role.

• Ability to deliver results on time and to a high standard.

• Strong sense of ownership of work and attention to detail.

• Ability to be proactive, take ownership, be a self-starter and follow through without supervision.

• Commitment to self-development and enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and embracing new technologies.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with Council staff, Councillors, partners, external agencies and suppliers.

• Well-developed presentation and negotiation skills; able to communicate clearly and confidently with staff and stakeholders both orally and in writing.

• Ability to meet day-to-day and project targets.

• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A panel may be formed from which future Executive Technician – GIS positions may be filled.

The position will be full-time and pensionable.

The successful candidate(s) may be assigned, as required, to any of the Municipal Districts/Directorates under the Chief Executive’s control or to any premises/location in use by the Council now or in the future.

Duties

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and:

(a) To such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001–2014, is Chief Executive; 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 general direction and control of the Chief Executive, or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, the holder shall provide such appropriate professional, technical and ancillary 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 servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body.

The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.

Probation

Where persons who are not already permanent officers of a Local Authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold office on probation.

(b) Such period shall be nine months. This period may be extended at the Chief Executive’s discretion.

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

Salary

€52,440 – €62,740 per annum (includes 2nd LSI) – EL 02/2026

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time in line with national policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Starting pay shall be determined in accordance with appropriate Departmental Circular letters.