General Services Supervisor

The General Services Supervisor is responsible for the effective supervision of staff, resources, and works under the control of Galway City Council. The role involves ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation, managing performance, and delivering high-quality services. The following is a non-exhaustive list of duties:

People and Performance Management

·        Supervise and direct Foremen, Gangers, and General Operatives, ensuring work is carried out efficiently and to required standards.

·        Manage team performance, address underperformance, and conduct performance and probation reviews as required.

·        Ensure training compliance for self and team, maintaining accurate training records.

·        Promote a positive, safe, and productive work environment.

Health & Safety Compliance

·        Implement and enforce Galway City Council’s Health & Safety policies and procedures across all works, depots, and sites.

·        Ensure staff and contractors adhere to all relevant legislation and safety requirements.

·        Maintain and manage Health & Safety training records.

·        Oversee the safe operation of plant, machinery, and equipment.

Asset and Equipment Management

·        Ensure Council equipment, plant, and tools are properly maintained, fit for purpose, and safeguarded against damage, neglect, or loss.

·        Maintain accurate records of all materials, tools, and equipment in use.

Operational Delivery

·        Plan, schedule, and monitor works to meet agreed programmes and budgets.

·        Inspect works regularly, ensuring compliance with standards and specifications.

·        Liaise with and supervise contractors and sub-contractors engaged by the Council.

·        Respond to operational emergencies, including severe weather.

Administration and Reporting

·        Maintain accurate records, including timesheets, diaries, and reports on works, incidents, and costs.

·        Prepare requisitions for materials and ensure compliance with procurement procedures.

·        Provide reports and returns as required by the Engineer in charge or other appropriate officer.

Customer Service and Compliance

·        Deal with members of the public in a courteous and efficient manner.

·        Serve statutory notices and provide evidence in court when required.

·        Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Planning Acts, Roads Act, Litter & Water Pollution Acts, and Health & Safety Act.

Note: This specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. The post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the role and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     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.

3.     Citizenship:

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

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

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          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

               v.          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

             vi.          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

·       Have a standard of education that would enable them to efficiently perform their duties and must be capable of making satisfactory reports including producing electronic reports on matters pertaining to the duties of the post.

·       Have appropriate multifunctional experience relative to the position and in particular should have experience in a supervisory capacity in dealing with both skilled and unskilled workers and contractors

·       Have experience in the management of people and their performance and where necessary undertake dispute resolution.

·       Hold a full unendorsed Category B Driving Licence, valid in Ireland.

·       Hold a current safe pass card.

·       Have knowledge of computer systems particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.

·       Be competent and have such training and experience as shall be considered acceptable by the Council to enable the person appointed to perform the duties of the post. In particular candidates should have satisfactory knowledge of Civil Engineering works.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·       Be capable of translating into effect civil engineering works from working drawings.

·       A satisfactory knowledge of civil engineering construction techniques for example plumbing, pipe laying, blocklaying, water and drainage systems, road construction and maintenance, sanitary maintenance, sewers, open spaces and other services for which the Council has responsibility.

·       Be capable of producing clear and concise electronic reports, keeping work records and measuring and recording accurately the quantities of work done by those supervised.

*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.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The weekly salary (Circular EL 07-2025, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1st August 2025) is as follows:

01/08/2025

Point 1

€905.24

after 1 year

€922.53

after 2 years

€939.79

after 3 years

€957.58

after 4 years

€975.26

after 5 years

€993.03

after 6 years

€1,011.25

after 7 years

€1,029.36

after 8 years

€1,047.95

after 9 years

€1,066.70

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e €905.24 per week.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

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

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 39-hour week. Duties may require attendance outside normal working hours, including early morning starts (from 5:00 a.m.), evenings, weekends, and as required for operational or emergency situations, including severe weather events.

The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and to co-operate with the use of technologies for recording such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 25 days per annum.

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

A current, full, unendorsed Category B driving licence valid in Ireland is required. The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport. Expenses incurred in work related travel will be recompensed in line with departmental circulars.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers 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 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 the State Pension Contributory).

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.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

New Entrants From 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

FOR NEW ENTRANTS recruited on or after 1st January, 2013 as well as former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution.

Retirement Age:

Retirement age will be determined on previous Public Sector Service (if any) and will be advised on appointment.

Former Public Service Employees

Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including:

·       Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

·       Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

·       Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes.  This is a non-exhaustive list and any queries should be directed to the applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. 

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or the collective agreement outlined above. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Offer of Appointment

Galway City Council shall require persons to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint them.

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence of qualifications or experience claimed in their applications.