Junior Foreperson - Parks Department

About the Role

The City Council is dedicated to delivering excellent public services by working collaboratively with strategic partners, businesses, community, and neighbourhoods to ensure that the city continues to thrive as a place to live, study, visit and work. As Junior Foreperson Parks Department, you will be contributing to achieving our vision of leading Cork to take its place as a world class city. Our people are committed to our values of public good, trust & integrity, respect, a people centric approach, responsibility, and innovation.

Cork City Council invites applications, on the official application form, from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which temporary and permanent vacancies for the post of Junior Foreperson Parks Department may be filled.

Cork City Council invites applications from suitably qualified employees of Cork City Council for inclusion on a panel from which temporary and permanent appointments may be made.

Cork City Council reserves the right to assign employees to any depot in use by the Parks Department, now or in the future, subject to reasonable notice.

• Assistant General Foreperson

• General Foreperson

• Executive and/or Senior Parks and Landscape Officer

• Or other appropriate officer

• To act under supervision in a working supervisory capacity for work in connection with the provision and maintenance of the Parks Department and such other relevant duties as may be required including:

  • Develop, coordinate and implement the parks, open/green space planting, maintenance and development programme

  • Maintain high levels of presentation in public parks, gardens and open spaces

  • Manage all aspects of staff performance (discipline, competence, timekeeping, safety compliance)

  • Provide written (including typed) and verbal reports as required

  • Carry out Toolbox Talks and Safety Inspections

  • Use computer-based systems and technologies to assist in operations

  • Assist in physical work activities as required

  • Maintain accurate records of materials, operations, and Health & Safety documentation

  • Ensure safe and efficient use of tools, machinery, and equipment

  • Undertake training courses as required

  • Ensure all works comply with Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Acts

  • Deal with public queries and complaints courteously and keep management informed

  • Act as Assistant General Foreperson when needed

  • Perform other duties as may be assigned

Note: The above is not an exhaustive list and the post holder may be required to take on additional duties appropriate to the post.

1. Character Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Education, Training, Experience, etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• (i) Hold a recognised qualification (Level 6 NFQ) in Horticulture or have not less than 5 years' experience in planning, planting and maintaining parks / green spaces, and have a demonstratable aptitude for this type of work

• (ii) Have a good education and ability to provide written reports

• (iii) Demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in managing staff

• (iv) Have satisfactory knowledge of managing and maintaining park operations (grass cutting, tree management, floral planting, biodiversity, etc.)

• (v) Understand and be aware of Health & Safety in the workplace

• (vi) Demonstrate experience in public and interdepartmental interaction

• (vii) Be capable with or willing to train in computer-based systems (e.g. email, word processing, spreadsheets)

• (viii) Experience with tools and machinery used in parks/open spaces maintenance

• (ix) Good understanding of Cork City Council’s Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures

4. Driving Licence A full driving licence for class B vehicles free from disqualification is required.

• Effective supervision skills

• Safe Pass

• Good communication skills:

  • One-on-one with staff and public

  • Strong written and verbal communication

• Flexibility and responsiveness during emergencies or service changes

• Competence in:

  • Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions

  • Delivering Quality Work and Services

  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

1. Identifying Problems and Contributing to Solutions

• Identifies issues early and informs supervisor

• Understands limits of decision-making authority

• Uses good judgment in risk situations

• Participates in team discussions to solve operational problems

2. Delivering Quality Work and Services

• Upholds high service delivery standards

• Strong customer service ethos

• Proactively improves service quality

• Reports service issues to supervisor

• Seeks training for continuous improvement

3. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

• Follows safe systems of work

• Supports a safety culture

• Complies with Health & Safety legislation and processes

• Reports breaches or dangers to supervisor

The salary scale is: €48,011 - €48,497 - €48,732 - €48,991 - €49,236 - €49,364 - €49,485 - €49,613 - €49,740 - €49,939 – €50,094 (Max)

In line with Circular Letter EL 02/2011, new entrants post-2011 will start at the minimum point.

• Standard working week: 39 hours

• May include evening/weekend work

• Post-holders may be called to duty at any time

• Council reserves right to alter hours as necessary