General Operative

Applications on the official form are invited from qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which Permanent or Temporary appointments may be made as General Operative Shift for positions as they arise.

CHARACTER:

Candidates shall be of good character.

HEALTH:

Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, ETC.

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

(a) have attained such a standard of education as would enable the candidate to carry out efficiently the duties of the position;

(b) have a current unendorsed category B Driving Licence

(c) have a good knowledge of the services provided by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council;

(d) have an ability to work within a team and the ability to motivate and encourage team members to achieve maximum performance;

(e) possess good communication and customer awareness skills;

(f) have a willingness to learn and aptitude to use all new technology and information systems and have a natural aptitude for the use of equipment;

(g) have a good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHALL:

• Be committed to and conscious of providing a professional service both to internal and external customers;

• Have satisfactory experience relative to the duties outlined for General Operatives;

• Possess good organisation skills as regards sequence of tasks, equipment required for the day and the arranging of required health and safety documentation required to complete the tasks at hand;

• Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision;

• Have an ability and willingness to learn and execute new skills and participate in appropriate training courses where required;

• Have a current unendorsed category C Driving Licence;

• Have completed manual handling training and possess a current and valid Safe Pass Registration Card;

• Hold a current CSCS card for Signs, Lighting and Guarding (3 day).

• Have basic computer skills

Each candidate will demonstrate at interview, that they have:

• have a good knowledge of the services provided by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council;

• have an ability to work within a team and the ability to motivate and encourage team members to achieve maximum performance;

• possess good communication and customer awareness skills;

• have a willingness to learn and aptitude to use all new technology and information systems and have a natural aptitude for the use of equipment;

• have a good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace;

• Self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative and ability to use judgement in a work place environment;

• Ability to apply previous experience to the role;

• Capacity to contribute to and work well in a team to maintain a positive work environment in line with the Council’s Dignity and Respect Policies.

• Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal hours as required.

• Understanding of the role

• Demonstrate a positive customer service attitude and engage with the public in a respectful and courteous manner;

• Pride in completing tasks to a high standard while contributing to the overall quality of the service delivered by the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

JOB SPECIFICATION

The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed from which permanent and temporary appointments will be made.

WAGES:

The hourly wage scale for the position of General Operative - Shift, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is outlined below.

€18.71; €19.21; €20.44; €20.53; €20.61; €20.69; €20.78; €20.87; €20.95; €21.04; €21.04; €21.04; €; €21.11; €21.11; €21.11; €21.19 (Rates at 01/08/2025).

An eating on site and travelling allowance will also be applicable. Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services, which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

DUTIES:

The duties of the General Operative – Shift, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, will be consistent with the services provided by the Infrastructure & Climate Change Department and shall include:

• Implementing the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s work programmes to the agreed standard consistently;

• Delivering services in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council;

• Engage with the public in a courteous and helpful manner, representing the Council with professionalism and pride.

• Carrying out operational/ manual work at the instruction of supervisors, which is likely to involve working outdoors and at times in adverse weather conditions;

• The general duties assigned to Cleansing staff will cover all aspects of cleaning the public places, some of the duties will include, sweeping, weedkilling, bin emptying, inspection of site equipment, and cleaning ups in public conveniences and public areas and other duties as are assigned from time to time.

• Co-operating with the varied nature of the role and working to achieve departmental goals and priorities in a flexible manner;

• Work collaboratively with team members to meet task deadlines and maintain a positive work environment.

• Delivering operational services as required by the employing department;

• Contributing to the management of public spaces, reporting issues that need to be addressed and supporting with the Council’s broader objectives;

• Working effectively as part of a team/crew;

• Taking responsibility for on-site Health and Safety issues;

• Implementing all Health and Safety regulations and other relevant regulations in the workplace as required;

• Submitting any report, whether written or verbal, as and when instructed by his/her supervisor;

• Using new technology when required;

• Undertaking any course of training, tool box talk, briefing or any form of training organised by the Council, which they are designated to attend;

• If assigned to another team/crew in the future, carrying out duties related to such team/crew.

• Providing cover for team members during absences to ensure the objectives of the work crew is achieved, including driving a mini sweeper during team member absences

• They may be required to drive a car/van in the course of their duties, but this vehicle will not be available for use driving to/from work on a daily basis, and also use a mobile phone or tablet.

• They will be required to operate all equipment provided, including any new technology which may be introduced in the future;

The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by the Council. The duties of the post are to give to the local authority and to

a) The local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive 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 referred to in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such officers as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate Inspector, management, administrative, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary services 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 and to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to them by the Chief Executive from time to time.

UNIFORM/PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):

As a condition of employment, the holder of the post will be required, at all times when on duty, to wear such uniform and /or items of personal protective equipment as are specified from time to time by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTION:

Persons who become pensionable officers / employees 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 Local Authority at 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 social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). 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. All persons who become pensionable officers / employees of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

RETIREMENT:

New Entrants recruited to the Public Service on or after 1 January 2013 Pensionable public servants (new joiners) recruited to the Public Service for the first time on or after 1 January 2013 (the commencement date of the Single Scheme) will be members of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

Pension age Minimum pension age is linked to the State Pension age which is currently 66 but may be subject to change. Compulsory retirement age Scheme members must retire at the age of 70.

In all other cases, staff recruited on or after 1 January 2013 who were employed in the Public Service on 31 December 2012 or within a period prior to 31 December 2012 not exceeding 26 weeks will retain their existing pension scheme terms and conditions. In certain circumstances, e.g. where the public servant was on secondment or approved leave or remains on the same contract of employment, the 26-week rule does not apply.

HOURS OF WORK:

The General Operative - Shift - Cleansing , Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, will be required to work as part of a Rota as outlined below Rota / Working hours The rota is based on a continuously revolving week, with the period of time taken to return to the same week being 8 weeks, i.e. if a shift starts on a Thursday it will take 8 weeks before this working week comes around again. The rota will be based on a 4 days worked, 4 days off scenario. Under this proposal the following should be noted.

It is intended that anybody on the shift arrangement will not be required to work more than 4 days in a row.

Each shift group will work 4 days on and 4 days off.

In each 8 week period, there will be an average of 39 hours worked per week

In each 8 week period, there will be an average of 3.5 days worked per week

The following hours are worked on the following days:

▪ 11 hour day • Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

▪ 12 hour day • Friday

The following are the working hours each day:

▪ 11 hour day • 7am to 6.30pm

▪ 12 hour day • 7am to 7.30pm

In each 8 week period, there will be 4 Saturdays and 4 Sundays worked

In each 8 week period, there will be 3 full weekends off.

If a staff member is unable to attend work, an annual leave day can be used to facilitate this. Swapping between various staff members in the different shift groups will not be allowed. The full rota is shown below with the two separate shift groups highlighted in different colours.

The holder of the position may also be required to work outside his/her assigned hours of duty. Any work which the holder of the post is authorised or required to do after completion of a normal day’s work will be paid at the rates as agreed and appropriately sanctioned, or whatever alternative arrangement is applicable.

ANNUAL LEAVE:

Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. As the arrangement has an average of 3.5 days per week the holiday entitlement will be 17.5 working days per annum which is equivalent to 5 weeks @ 3.5 days per week annual leave Prior authorisation is essential before annual leave is taken. The granting of annual leave at any particular time is always subject to the requirements of the council and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure. The final decision in allocating leave rests with Management. You are expected to avail of your leave allowance during the current leave year, and permission from Management must be given before any portion of the allowance may be carried forward. If when your employment terminates, paid holidays already taken by you exceeds the paid holiday entitlement on the date of termination, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will deduct the excess holiday pay from any termination pay. You will be paid for any accrued leave on termination of employment.

PROBATION:

When a person is not already a permanent officer of a Local Authority within the public service Ireland and is appointed to a permanent office the following provisions shall apply, that is to say:-

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

b) Such period shall be one year;

c) Such person 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 person in such office is satisfactory.

LOCATION & RESIDENCE:

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council reserves the right to assign Employees to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future subject to reasonable notice.

RECRUITMENT:

Pursuant to article 8 of the Local Government (Appointment of Officers) Regulation, 1974, the Minister has given directions as follows:

i. Selection of candidates for appointment shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or behalf of the Local Authority. The interview will be competency based and candidates will also be required to demonstrate knowledge of the key duties and responsibilities for this role. Please note that the interview may be held in person or on online.

ii. DLRCC reserves its right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. Following receipt of all applications, job applicants may be shortlisted for assessment based on the extent to which they meet the criteria from the job description and / or where it would not be practical to interview all applicants. Aptitude Testing may in some circumstances be used to facilitate the shortlisting process. If required, the testing will be performed through a 3rd party provider and submission of an application for employment is regarded as consent to share your information for the purposes of short-listing and recruitment. Your information will be provided for the sole purpose of shortlisting suitable candidates and for no other purpose. Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council will ensure any 3rd party fully complies with GDPR and Data Protection legislation. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for this position under each competency heading which are detailed above. Short-listing does not suggest that candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. Short-listing may take the form of Desk-top Short-listing, Aptitude Test and/or Preliminary Interview or combinations thereof.

iii. If a candidate wishes to appeal either a short-listing or interview board decision, they must do so within five working days of being notified of this decision. The appeal must clearly state the grounds of appeal which must be emailed to The Appeals Officer recruitment@dlrcoco.ie

, the HR Department will evaluate the grounds of the appeal. If grounds for an appeal are not upheld, HR Management will notify the candidate in writing of this outcome and no further action will be taken. If the grounds upon which the appeal is made are upheld, the HR Department will notify the candidate of this outcome and corrective action will be taken. The decision of the HR Department on the appeal is final.

iv. Panels may be formed on the basis of such interviews. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Local Authority that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. The life of the panel will not be more than one year reckoned from the date of the formation of the panel unless extended.

v. The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the Local Authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the Local Authority shall not appoint them.

vi. An applicant who withdraws their application at any stage of the competition will not be permitted to re-enter the competition at a later stage.