Foreperson Grade 2

Overview

Annes Grove Gardens has been in state care since 2015 and is undergoing a major reinstatement programme to restore one of Ireland’s great gardens to its former glory. Comprising 190 acres, this riverside property is the home of plant collections assembled by the late Richard Grove Annesley, Robinsonian style gardens and an early 18th century Queen Anne house.

The Role

The Foreperson Grade 2 is a supervisor working grade. He/she will provide leadership and direction for the day-to-day operation of Annes Grove Gardens with particular responsibility for events, building maintenance, gardens and parklands development and maintenance, staff supervision and security. The jobholder will liaise closely with Building Maintenance Services and Architectural Services on maintenance and development issues in the House and associated buildings, and will be responsible for the line management of the Gardening and General Operative teams and concessionaries within his/her area of operation.

Planning permission has been granted for the restoration and development of the house, buildings on the estate and the development of a new OPW compound. The Foreperson will also have a key role to play in facilitating and progressing the development of those works and the associated works including on the implementation of the Invasive and Alien Species Management Plan. The Foreperson also plays an important role engaging with key local and institutional stakeholders.

The Role

The Foreperson Grade 2 is a supervisory working grade. The primary function of the jobholder is to manage all areas of Annes Grove Gardens and estate including structures. The jobholder is also responsible for the management of staff, visitor facilities, concessionaries and contractors within his/her area of operation and for the effective management of the horticultural aspects of the site. The Foreperson Grade 2 must be available for overtime as and when required.

The Foreperson also works closely and collaboratively with the Foreperson at Doneraile Court nearby with which some staffing resources are shared with some staff working between both sites.

Essential Eligibility Requirements (at the closing date):

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Hetac Level 7, or equivalent; *

Note: * Irish or Foreign qualification (deemed in a similar field of study) recognised as equivalent to the above qualification on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Craft Gardener (post qualification);

• Hold a current full, clean driving licence (without endorsement) – minimum category B & W;*

Note: * (1) If your Irish driving licence is restricted to driving cars with an automatic transmission only (denoted by the code 78 appearing on the licence), you are not eligible.

(2) From 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged. It is vital that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK/NI licence for an Irish driving licence. Further information available on: www.ndls.ie

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Failure to supply copies of requested documentary evidence, as detailed above, with your application will deem your application invalid and will therefore be disqualified. (Do not forward original documents with application form). Original documents will be required if you are invited to interview.

Candidates should note that the admission to a competition does not imply that the Office of Public Works is satisfied that they fulfil the essential entry requirements. Therefore, the onus is on candidates to ensure that they meet these requirements prior to submitting their applications.

Desirable Requirements

• Hold a current Safe Pass Card;**

Note:* Where a current safe pass card is not available, it will be a requirement of this role, that the successful candidate will successfully complete a Safepass Course immediately after appointment.

• Proven leadership ability, staff supervisory experience in effectively managing teams;

• Horticulture and or historic horticulture experience including a track record in effective project planning, scheduling and implementation;

• An understanding of Landscape Management;

• Ability to work collaboratively with management peers on other sites including in a resource sharing context;

• Suitable experience in the conservation of built and natural heritage.

Other Skills and Competencies

• A strong interest in Estate Management with a thorough knowledge of Health & Safety;

• Be able to demonstrate proven leadership skills including motivational skills and communication skills;

• Have a good working knowledge of and ideally experience of implementing the OPW Grievance and Disciplinary procedures for State Industrial Employees.

Pay

€962.02 - €1,149.73 per week

The successful candidate, upon appointment, will be paid at the appropriate point of the pay scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Increments may be awarded subject to satisfactory performance and to changes in the terms and conditions relating to salary increments in the Civil/Public Service generally.

Important Note: Increments may be awarded subject to satisfactory performance and to changes in the terms and conditions relating to salary increments in the Civil/Public Service generally.

Payment will be made weekly by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of an officer’s choice. Payment cannot be made until a bank account number and bank sort code has been supplied to the Office of Public Works. Statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate.

Additional Payments

Various subsistence/allowances are paid where appropriate. Where applicable, overtime of time and a half or double time is payable for any hours worked in excess of 39 hours a week.

Benefits

As well as a rewarding and challenging career, some of the benefits of working in the Office of Public Works include:

• Competitive pay with yearly increments for satisfactory performance

• Public Sector pension

• 25 days of annual leave per year

• Access to well-being programmes to support a healthy work-life balance

• Opportunity to avail of the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme, and the tax saver public transport pass

• Opportunity to join the Public Service Credit Union

• Access to Shorter Working Year Scheme;

• Facility to apply for career breaks;

• Learning and development opportunities.

• Opportunities for promotion through internal and open competitions.

Leave Arrangements

• Full paid maternity leave

• Parental leave

• Paternity leave

• Parents leave

• Adoptive leave

• Paid force majeure

• Paid bereavement leave

• Carers leave

• Paid study and exam leave

Annual Leave and Public Holidays

Annual Leave is granted in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Currently the maximum allowance is 25 days per annum. Annual leave allowance for staff working less than full-time is calculated on a pro-rata basis to that of a full-time equivalent. Good Friday is a fixed day of annual leave. Public Holidays will be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

Requirements and Principal Duties of a Foreperson Grade 2

Note: The following list, which is not exhaustive, sets out the broad range of duties that may be required to be undertaken by a Foreperson Grade 2 in National Historic Properties:

• To manage, motivate, supervise and train staff within his/her area of operation, as directed by management;

• To liaise daily with staff to develop and manage work schedules in conjunction with them;

• To work closely with Guide staff, as relevant, developing their understanding of the content of the property, enabling them to deliver targeted guided tours to visiting groups;

• To take responsibility for all staff and any students of the property, paying particular attention to time keeping, punctuality, rostering, performance management and attendance at work;

• To ensure that pay-related matters such as overtime, holidays, time off, accident reports and all staff records are managed as directed by management;

• To engage in the preparation and transmittal of wages, as required;

• To ensure that all mandatory training of staff within his/her area of operation takes place as and when required;

• Manage staff probation;

• To assist in dealing with any grievance, bullying harassment and sexual harassment and disciplinary matters that arise within his/her area of operation, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the relevant State Industrial Employees' policy documents;

• To ensure that all aspects of the fabric of the property are maintained in good condition, adopting a proactive approach to avoid its degradation;

• To ensure a maintenance programme is in place and liaise with architects as required;

• To liaise with all OPW personnel including, but not exclusively, Architects, Engineers and Building Maintenance Services;

• To liaise with Building Maintenance Services on metalwork and other maintenance issues, preparing requisitions as necessary;

• To liaise with and direct the Head Gardener and gardening staff in relation to the Gardens and Parklands;

• Identifying faults, placing calls to the M & E Helpdesk and ensuring works are managed correctly in a historic stone building;

• To liaise with and manage contractors on site ensuring that the highest level of work is delivered in a safe manner;

• To arrange and supervise the careful maintenance of all records/reports required. These records/reports may take the form of asset management systems, vehicle and machinery records, service reports and health and safety management systems that are currently in place or may be put in place in the future;

• To perform the role of Safety Supervisor of the site;

• To assist Management in procuring works, preparation of tender documents for goods and services and managing them on the site;

• To liaise with caterers to ensure that the catering concession or contractors and other licensees on site abide by their signed agreements and operate in a safe manner and provide good customer service;

• To liaise with suppliers of services to the property, ensuring that there is compliance with agreed work methods and procedures as appropriate to their business;

• To assist in the preparation of safety statements for Annes Grove Estate and Gardens and to be familiar with the Health & Safety Statement;

• To ensure compliance with health and safety requirements where temporary constructions are concerned;

• To ensure that all staff adhere to Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations in force; to attend all Health and Safety committee meetings, that appropriate records are kept and that staff members abide by the Safety Statement;

• To ensure that all staff adhere to Health, Safety and Welfare regulations in force;

• To liaise with Gardaí, Fire Brigade, and any other Emergency Services as required;

• To ensure that adequate Personal Protective Equipment is ordered, available on site and is worn as directed;

• To manage the fabric of the property in such a way as to avoid accident or injury to visitors and staff;

• To liaise with the contracted security company on all security matters on a daily basis;

• Adhering to all duties in relation to procurement as outlined in Office Notices & ISO procedures;

• Ensure proper and efficient use of all stores and materials supplied to sites in your charge;

• Report any misuse/abuse of the OPW time, materials, equipment by staff/contractors on site or any serious misconduct or breaches in discipline;

• Undertake the management and handling of animals including the maintenance of records for any deer or cattle herds on site ensuring OPW compliance with all statutory obligations;

• To assist in the development and planning of the property, its collections and public role;

• To liaise with the HEO and/or Park Superintendent and/or OPW management for Annes Grove Gardens on landscape maintenance issues;

• To engage in the organisation and planning of events arising both on a regular basis and at short notice;

• To arrange facilities for events, state visits, shows, etc. and ensure smooth running of same;

• To assist Management in dealing and liaising with neighbouring properties and landowners;

• To carry out other duties which are considered appropriate to the grade, and as directed by National Historic Properties management.

Additional Duties specific to Annes Grove Gardens:

• Ensure proper and efficient use of all stores and materials supplied to sites in your charge;

• Report any misuse/abuse of the OPW time, materials, equipment by staff/contractors on site or any serious misconduct or breaches in discipline;

• Undertake the management and handling of animals including the maintenance of records for any deer or cattle herds on site ensuring OPW compliance with all statutory obligations;

• Support and liaise with contractors, specialists and event organisers working at the historic properties in your charge;

• Manage site records as required;

• To assist in all other duties as may be directed by the HEO, Park Superintendent or senior management.

Training & Development

• Attend and successfully complete relevant training courses in conservation, construction, supervision, management, health and safety, I.T. etc., as required by the OPW;

• Liaise with the NHP management to establish the extant competencies and the competencies required for employees within his/her area of operation; arrange required training, planning ahead on a multi-year programme;

• Under PMDS or other approved performance management and development systems, plan the training needs of your staff, with input from the Estate (Service) Manager/NHP Management.

The Foreperson Grade 2 is required to:

• Demonstrate flexibility and mobility, consistent with the needs of the service;

• Contribute to and maintain a good team spirit and an effective team-working environment;

• Remain calm while working under pressure when effectively dealing with incidents;

• Make sound judgements in emergency situations;

• Work on own initiative in accordance with supervisor/manager instructions whilst being an effective part of a larger team;

• Apply excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills coupled with a professional, polite and courteous manner when dealing with colleagues, management and the public;

• Apply a positive, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver an effective work presence;

• Carry out all work in an efficient and safe manner, in accordance with the directions of the supervisor/manager, with regard to self, colleagues and the public through understanding, observance and application of Health and Safety requirements;

• Successfully undertake training as and when required;

• Be capable of meeting the full range of the requirements of the position;

• Carry out other duties deemed by the supervisor/manager as reasonable and appropriate to the grade and to the position, which may be assigned from time to time;

• Co-operate with the operation of and introduction of new work practices and technology.

Special conditions apply

• Flexibility in attendance is required, including evening, weekend and public holiday attendance as and when required;

• Working without management supervision and/or alone;

• A neat appearance is essential;

• Manual handling and lifting of awkward / heavy loads;

• Environmental awareness;

• Working at heights and in confined spaces;

• Working in inclement weather conditions;

• Management of traffic and plant movement;

• Dealing sensitively with members of the public;

• Hazards – sharps, chemicals, traffic, wildlife, uneven/soft ground, disorderly members of the public;

• Working in Estate House and Parkland environments.

General Skills, Expertise and Competencies

• ICT usage and application;

• Supervision, management and rostering of staff;

• Organisational, planning and administrative skills;

• Communication, interpersonal and numeric skills;

• Analysis and decision-making;

• Leading and managing teams.

• Compilation, updating and management of safety plans;

• Event management;

• Management of hospitality, especially in hosting high profile events and visits;

• Management and monitoring of construction and refurbishing projects.

Contacts with:

• Staff of the Office of Public Works;

• Members of the public;

• Service/utility providers;

• Other public bodies, local authorities, external contractors and suppliers;

• Land and property owners;

• Representatives of the Annesley family who live on the estate.

Reporting Function:

The Foreperson Grade 2 reports to the National Historic Properties management team and to any other person to whom authority has been delegated.

This job description is intended as a general guide to the range of duties and it is neither definitive nor restrictive.