Library – Staff Officer

The Position:

Limerick City and County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which temporary and permanent vacancies for Library Staff Officer may be filled throughout the lifetime of the panel.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality library services across Limerick, contributing to vibrant, inclusive and community-focused spaces.

Working under the direction of the Executive Librarian, Senior Executive Librarian, or other designated senior officer, the successful candidate will lead and support staff in delivering excellent library services, contribute to the development and implementation of service plans and initiatives, and ensure the effective operation of library services in line with organisational goals.

Why Join Us?

We pride ourselves on fostering a positive workplace culture where teamwork, respect, and continuous learning are at the heart of what we do. You’ll have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects, develop your skills, and be part of an organisation that values your ideas and professional development. You will make a real impact in your community and play a key role in delivering accessible, inclusive and innovative library services that support learning, culture and community development across Limerick.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in supervision and management of staff;

• An understanding of managing budgets;

• Clear, concise report writing;

• ICT proficiency including data analysis;

• Problem-solving ability and good judgement;

• Strong communication and stakeholder management;

• A proactive mindset and ability to use initiative.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and inclusive work environment;

• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression;

• A culture that values employee engagement and wellbeing.

Employee Benefits:

• Salary: €52,761–€63,109 per annum;

• Leave: 30 days annually;

• Hours: 35 per week;

• Automatically entered into a pension scheme;

• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave;

• A range of Family Friendly Policies;

• A range of Learning and Development Opportunities.

Key Duties / Responsibilities:

• Managing a branch library;

• Working as part of a management team in a main branch;

• Managing service areas at Library headquarters;

• Providing a frontline library service to the public;

• Managing the day-to-day running of a branch library or working as part of a management team in a main branch;

• Leading and managing a library team;

• Managing performance and service delivery to expected standards in line with library targets, plans and policies;

• Planning, organising and participating in library events and activities;

• Building relevant partnerships and networks;

• Managing events programme for the city/county-wide branch library network;

• Support role to the operation of the My Open Library initiative;

• Administrative role across a library service with 16 branches and a mobile library service;

• Preparation of reports for policy documents and presentations to City and County Council/Senior Management, SPCs and the Department;

• Preparation and management of library budgets;

• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Desirables:

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government and library services;

• Knowledge of current local government and library issues and key policies guiding the local government and library sectors;

• Understanding of the role of Library Staff Officer;

• Have at least two years satisfactory library experience;

• An ability to supervise a team effectively to achieve a common goal, ensuring strong governance and ethics standards are adhered to and maintained;

• The ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her supervision to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS);

• Understanding of the changing and operational environment in the Council and be capable of leading change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens;

• Effective financial and resource management skills;

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems;

• Relevant administrative experience;

• Experience of supervising staff;

• Experience of working as part of a team;

• Experience of preparing reports and correspondence;

• Strong resource management skills.

The Person – Qualifications

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall, on the latest date for receipt of applications:

(a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics,

AND

(b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics),

OR

(ii) Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination,

OR

(iii) Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard,

OR

(iv) Be a serving employee in a local authority, or a regional assembly and have not less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post.

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.

Terms and Conditions

The Post:

Subject to the availability of suitably qualified candidates, a panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Director General. The panel may be used by Limerick City and County Council to fill permanent and temporary positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Annual Leave

The successful candidate will have 30 days annual leave.