Fitter Mechanic

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Eligibility Requirements are the minimum requirements required for the position and are set out by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for administrative and technical/engineering grades. For outdoor grades and some specialised grades, the minimum eligibility requirements are set out by Kilkenny County Council Human Resources Department in consultation with the relevant Line Manager as they are not set centrally by the Department. Applicants will be required to submit scanned images of documentation to establish the applicant meets the following minimum eligibility criteria:

Character

Each candidate must be of good character. Employment of the successful candidate shall be subject to satisfactory references.

Health

Each candidate must be free from any defect or disease which would render them unsuitable for employment and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. If after undergoing the medical, you do not take up the post the cost of the medical must be refunded to the Council.

EDUCATION, training, experience

PLEASE NOTE:

• FAILURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS I.E. QUALIFICATIONS, I.D. ETC., AT SUBMISSION STAGE WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN AN INVALID APPLICATION.

• CANDIDATES SHOULD SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT THEIR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION.

• APPLICANTS WITH NON-IRISH QUALIFICATIONS CAN AVAIL OF THE ON-LINE RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDED BY QUALITY AND QUALIFICATIONS IRELAND (QQI) AND MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF SAME WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS.

• FAILURE TO FULLY COMPLETE EACH QUESTION ON THE APPLICATION FORM MAY DEEM YOUR APPLICATION INVALID (ANSWERS WHICH REDIRECT TO OTHER RESPONSES ARE NOT PERMITTED).

(a) Possess a standard of education sufficient to enable him/her to keep with efficiency of the books and records necessary for maintenance record keeping.

(b) have served a recognised apprenticeship, and hold a recognised certificate as a fitter/mechanic, in a Mechanical Engineering trade

(c) Have a good knowledge and experience in RSA requirements for maintaining, diagnosing and repairing of HGV and LCV’s for CVRT and vehicle maintenance and repair.

(d) have experience in the maintenance of a broad range of vehicles and equipment including diesel engine trucks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems etc.

(e) have a working knowledge of auto-electrics including truck electrics, instrumentation etc.

(f) have a knowledge of fire appliances & fire service equipment including fire pumps (Kilkenny County Council will provide ongoing training to successful candidates in this area.)

(g) be proficient in welding techniques.

(h) be a competent driver with class “B” & “C” Driving Licence, without endorsement.

Citizenship

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

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

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) 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

(e) 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

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

IT IS DESIRABLE THAT EACH CANDIDATE SHALL:

Have practical experience in repairing and maintaining the following vehicles: Volvo, Scania, Man trucks and 4wheel drive jeeps

Have a high focus on Health and Safety and also operated Safety Management systems.

Possess adequate training and at least 3 years’ experience in the last 6 years as a Fitter/HGV Mechanic.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DUTIES OF THE ROLE SHALL INCLUDE:

The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. The Fire Service Fitter Mechanic will be required to work on the following:

The person employed will be required to carry out all the duties allotted to him/her by the Fire Authority through the Senior Fire Officer and other supervisory staff, relative to the repair and maintenance of the Fire Service appliances, equipment and premises and any other such duties.

He/she will be required to work in any of the premises used by Kilkenny Fire Authority, including any other premises that may be acquired in the future. He/she may also be required to work at the scene of Fire Service incidents.

He/she will keep and furnish such records and reports relating to his/her duties as directed by staff. He/she will operate such systems (including information technology e.g. Flex) as are necessary to achieve maximum efficiency in the position.

The post-holder will be available, if called on, for night, weekend or other duties outside of normal hours, when required. To this end he/she will carry a mobile phone when not contactable by land line.

He/she may be required to drive a van in the course of his/her duties

The post-holder will comply with requirements of Kilkenny County Council’s Corporate Safety Statement and the Fire Service Safety Statement, legislation/regulations as may be in force from time to time, including any such policies introduced by Kilkenny County Council

The post-holder will operate any machinery, appliances, equipment and associated items as required including operating existing technology and any new technology that may be introduced in the future and be responsible for such items under his/her control.

Delivery of replacement equipment and Personal Protection Equipment to stations as directed.

Instruction to crews on new appliances and equipment, where applicable

Other duties as may be assigned from time to time. The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

TYPE OF POST

To form a panel from which Permanent/Temporary/Fixed Term/Specific Purpose contract posts may be filled.

SALARY

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to Kilkenny County Council any fees or other monies (other than 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. In accordance with EL05/2019 persons who are not serving Local Authority employees must be placed on the minimum of the scale. Where a person being appointed is a serving Local Authority employee normal starting pay rules will apply. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government policy. The current salary scale for the position is €796.52 (point 1) to €917.38 (after 9.5 years) gross weekly pay.

SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTION

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012

New members joining the public sector on or after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. It applies to all first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as former public servants returning to the public sector after a break of more than 26 weeks. Your contributions will be made up of 3% of your gross pensionable remuneration and 3.5% of your net pensionable remuneration (your gross pensionable remuneration less twice the value of the Contributory State Pension). Your normal retirement age under this scheme is the same age at which you can claim the Contributory State Pension. The minimum age for receipt of this pension is Age 66. There is a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment after 6th April 1995 and prior to 1st January 2013:

Persons who became pensionable employees after 6th April 1995 and prior to 1st of January 2013, without a break in employment, will join the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Contributions are payable at the rate of 1.5% of your basic salary, 3.5% of basic salary less twice two times the value of the Contributory State Pension and a further 1.5% is payable for spouse and children’s contributions (*non-officer grades pay a co-ordinated contribution: ‘Non-New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 6th of April 1995 and prior to 1st April 2004) have a minimum retirement age of 60 and a compulsory retirement age of 70. ‘New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 1st April 2004 and prior to 1st January 2013) have minimum retirement age of 65 with no compulsory retirement age.

Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment before 6th April 1995:

Their minimum retirement age is 60 and they have a compulsory retirement age of 70 as per Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Circular Letter CL/2/2019. Contributions are 5% of basic salary and 1.5% of basic salary toward Widow’s & Orphan’s or Spouse & Children’s Scheme.

PENSION ABATEMENT

If the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service or in the Public Service, please note that the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (Section 52) includes a provision which extends abatement of pension for all Civil and Public Servants who are re-employed where a Public Service Pension is in payment. This provision to apply abatement across the wider public service came into effect on 1 November 2012. This may have pension implications for any person appointed to this position that is currently in receipt of a Civil or Public Service pension or has a preserved Civil or Public Service pension which will come into payment during his/her employment in this position. Prior to appointment, successful applicants will be obliged to complete a declaration in relation to previous Public Service pensionable employment. Please note: In applying for this position, you are acknowledging that you understand the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

PENSION ACRUAL

A 40-year limit on total service that can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one pre-existing public service pension scheme (i.e. non-Single Scheme) as per the 2012 Act shall apply. This 40-year limit is provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. This may have implications for any appointee who has acquired pension rights in a previous public service employment.

PROBATION

The following provisions shall apply to probation:

There shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such person shall hold such office on probation,

such period shall be 12 months, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period,

such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of a period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person in such office is satisfactory.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for each successful applicant, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by Kilkenny County Council. In the event the applicant does not take up the post following the preemployment medical, he/she will reimburse Kilkenny County Council the cost of the medical examination, as per a previously signed understanding.

HOURS OF WORK

39 hour working week will be five days – Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm & Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm with a ½ hour lunch break. Applicants will be expected to be available for overtime work if and when required by the Council. Overtime at the appropriate rates may be paid for any periods worked in excess of the normal working week. The Council reserves the right to alter the working week as and when required.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave entitlement for this position is 25 days per annum in accordance with Department of Environment, Community & Local Government Circular LG(P) 07/2011.

TRAVEL

When required to do so holders of the office shall hold a full Irish driving licence for class B vehicles free from endorsement and disqualification and, shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority. It is Kilkenny County Council policy that all staff using their private cars for work purposes, regardless of the frequency should:

Indemnify Kilkenny County Council on their personal insurance policy

Note business class on their personal policy

It is the obligation of the driver/owner to ensure that the vehicle is fit to be on the public road.

When applicable for specific roles, travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and any other relevant documents. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

LOCATION

The initial assignment will be in the Fire Service, Fire Brigade HQ, Gaol Road, Kilkenny.

SAFETY, HEALTH & WELFARE

The holder of the post shall comply with Kilkenny County Council’s Safety Management System. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the Safety statement for his/ her section and all the associated safety & health risk assessments, safe systems of work, and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the Safety Statement and its requirements may result in disciplinary action.

TRAINING

It is a condition of employment that successful applicants will be required to participate in training programmes as required by the Chief Fire Officer relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The post-holder will be expected to abide and adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Kilkenny County Council.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may include:

Stage 1: Submission of completed applications and required supporting documents.

Stage 2: Eligibility & Shortlisting of applicants on the basis of information submitted in the applications and supporting documents.

Stage 3: A competency-based interview which may be conducted face to face or by way of remote interview.

Stage 4: Panel formation.