General Operative

Essential Criteria

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

• Have a standard of education such as will enable the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.

• Possess a current Safe Pass and submit it with the application form.

• Have a reasonable knowledge of the requirements of Health and Safety legislation.

Recruitment

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

The Post of General Operative

The office is whole-time and pensionable. The applicable pension scheme will be determined on appointment based on individual candidate employment history.

Duties

A variety of labouring and ancillary duties in roads, street cleaning, and related areas may include, but are not limited to:

• Flagman duties to manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic

• Pothole repair work

• Clearing drains

• Signage cleaning/repairs

• Concrete footpaths and road repairs

• General road maintenance activities

• Assisting in contractor supervision

• Assisting in road improvement, surfacing, and strengthening activities

• Loading and unloading building and road-making materials, including gravel, chippings, pipes, fencing posts, and barrels of bitumen

• Traffic management duties

• Street sweeping

• Manual handling

• Operating various equipment as required

• Record keeping as directed by Supervisor

• Maintenance of open spaces, grass cutting, and strimming

• Environmental clean-ups

• Waste collection and disposal

• Litter collection and emptying litter bins

• Playground inspections and maintenance

• Weed control

• General housekeeping duties in various yards and depots

• Compliance with Health & Safety requirements

• Carrying out Health & Safety duties as directed by the engineer or authorised supervisor

• Other duties as assigned by the engineer or authorised supervisor

You shall perform duties appropriate to your grade as assigned, carry out instructions related to the performance of duties, and work according to established practices or as negotiated. Employees must attend all necessary training and apply skills and knowledge as required.

The postholder is required to perform assigned duties with a duty of care for personal safety, fellow employees, and the public, in compliance with Louth County Council’s Health & Safety Management System. Working safely and in full compliance with relevant legislation and construction regulations is a primary responsibility.

Particulars of Post

Wages

Wages shall be fully inclusive and as determined from time to time. Any fees or monies received by virtue of the office, aside from inclusive salary, must be paid to the local authority. Wages shall follow the Local Government General Operative scale: €684.25 – €765.29 gross per week.

Health

Successful candidates may be required to undergo a medical examination by a qualified practitioner nominated by the local authority, at the candidate’s expense. The cost will be refunded on taking up appointment.

Location of Post

Louth County Council reserves the right to assign the postholder to any department, premises, or district in use by the Council, subject to reasonable notice. Changes in location will not result in disturbance money or compensation. The postholder must provide their own mode of travel to and from work.

Residence

The postholder shall reside in the district of their duties or within a reasonable distance.

Hours of Work

The postholder will work a 39-hour week at times notified by the Council. Hours are subject to the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme apply.

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum (pro rata for fixed term). The Council’s leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Leave and public holiday arrangements are governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1977 (as amended).

Probation For candidates not already permanent officers of Louth County Council:

• A probationary period of 9 months applies from the date of employment.

• The Chief Executive may extend this period at their discretion.

• The postholder shall cease to hold office at the end of probation unless service is certified as satisfactory.

Superannuation

• A. Non-Officers joining the Public Service after 1 January 2013 must join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. PRSI contributions: 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration, including Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme contributions.

• B. Non-Officers who became pensionable prior to 1 January 2013 and liable for Class A PRSI contribute 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration, including contributions to Dependent’s Pension Scheme.

References

Applicants must provide the names of two responsible persons, not related, at least one being a current or former employer. The Council may seek written and verbal references from previous employers, educational institutions, or other organisations and determine their relevance and merit.

Start Date

The successful candidate will commence on the direction of the Directors of Service and/or Chief Executive. Failure to take up the appointment as directed may result in non-appointment at the Council’s discretion.