Marine Officer

THE POSITION

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Marine Officer. It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

The Marine Officer will work under the direction and management of a Senior Executive Engineer or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Director of Services as appropriate. They will be required to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and projects in the Council’s busy Climate, Environment, Recreation and Amenity Department.

The Marine Officer will be required at times to work on their own initiative as circumstances demand on a broad range of projects and locations. The Marine Officer will be required to act as Harbour Master and have functions under the Harbours Acts 1996 for any harbours under the Councils control.

The role requires excellent administrative, employee supervisory, interpersonal, communication and other skills and expertise in relation to the marine industry.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out his/her duties in a professional and courteous manner that enhances public trust/customer service and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

QUALIFICATIONS

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

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

Education, Experience, etc.

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

(a) Candidates are required, as a minimum, to possess a Certificate of Competency as Master/Chief Officer unlimited, (no GT or area restrictions) as prescribed in the STCW 1978 (as amended) Regulations.

(b) Each candidate must also furnish proof that he/she has not less than eight years’ relevant experience at sea or ashore and has acted as Master or Chief Officer in a management capacity, of a vessel, over 3,000GT, for at least six months.

(c) Possess a valid seafarers Medical Certificate (ENG11)

PLEASE NOTE:

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. Failure to do so will deem your application inadmissible.

The onus is on the candidate to ensure that the relevant qualification is listed on their application form.

In the event that an offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to submit all relevant Educational Qualifications in order to meet the requirements above.

DRIVING LICENCE/TRAVEL

The holder of the office will be required to hold a valid Irish/EU full driving licence for class B vehicles or a licence acceptable to NDLS for exchange, free from endorsement and disqualification. They must be a competent driver and shall drive a motor car in the course of his/her duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority. The Local Authority must be indemnified on their insurance. https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licence

DUTIES

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to a Marine Officer.

a) The day-to-day management (inclusive of harbour master duties) of all harbours under Wicklow County Councils control.

b) The updating and enforcement of Harbour & Pilotage Byelaws as appropriate.

c) Ensuring the Port/Marina & other Piers and Harbours are managed in accordance with relevant maritime and health and safety legislation.

d) Managing the collection and lodgement of all Harbour and Marina charges, including the issuing of receipts and accounting for same in an approved manner to the Local Authority.

e) Supporting the preparation, implementation and reviews of the Health and Safety procedures and plans and the development of ancillary safety statements, preparation of risk assessments and carrying out of H&S inspections.

f) Supporting the management and updating the Council’s Coastal Oil Pollution Response Plan requirements and responsibilities.

g) The collection of statistics and information, as required.

h) Managing all port, harbour/marina facilities to ensure they are maintained and functioning in a proper manner as well as organising repair and maintenance of such facilities.

i) Reporting and investigating accidents to persons, property or vessels within the areas, including liaising with statutory bodies such as the Marine Survey Office, Health and Safety Authority and the and Health Services Executive etc.

j) Supporting the management and coordination of staff resources.

k) Supporting the management of and supervising health and safety for Council staff and the public in the marine area as required by regulations.

l) Conflict resolution.

m) Liaising with state agencies, Department of Transport, Failte Ireland, EPA, and Sea Fishers Protection Authority as required.

n) Such additional duties, including duties relating to any of the Council’s functions, in particular duties relating to the Council’s function as a Harbour Authority, as may be assigned by the Local Authority from time to time.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

In addition to the above, it is desirable that the successful candidate hold the following qualifications:

• Fast rescue boat

• Marine safety officer

• Emergency response

• Customer care

• IMO Oil/HNS spill level 2

• Port/Harbour Management

• Safe Pass

Furthermore, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A career record that demonstrates the necessary leadership and management skills to manage, develop and motivate a team with a strong record of achievement of results

• Knowledge and experience of pilotage operations

• Strong relationship management, interpersonal and communication skills with the capacity to work in consultation with Council members, colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders and committees

• Good analytical skills and a capacity to innovate in the interest of delivery of cost-effective services, with an excellent customer focus

• Skills and capabilities in strategic thinking and policy development for the section

• The ability to lead, foster and effectively implement appropriate change

• An ability to work effectively under pressure and manage a number of programmes and projects at any one time

• An understanding of procurement, risk, information technology, financial management, governance and accountability

• Previous experience at an appropriate level within the ports sector and/or a local authority port management structure

THE PERSON

The person appointed will be able to clearly demonstrate the key competencies as set out in this Booklet. In addition, the successful candidate will ideally possess the following:

a) Knowledge and experience of ship handling, including working with tugs.

b) Knowledge of the management requirements for ports, piers, harbours and marinas under the control of Wicklow County Council.

c) The ability to keep good records and file reports is required.

d) Experience of developing and giving presentations in public forums.

e) An understanding of the role of the elected members and the ability to liaise with same on a range of projects.

f) The ability to deal with people in a friendly and efficient manner.

g) Proven managerial experience, ashore or at sea.

h) The ability to work under own initiative and coordinate staff.

i) Experience of managing accounts, preparing budgets and managing income/expenditure.

j) Good knowledge of Harbours Legislation, Health & Safety Legislation.

k) A knowledge of Oil/HNS Pollution Control requirements for Local Authorities

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A panel may be formed from which future Marine Officers positions may be filled. The position will be fulltime and pensionable.

The successful candidate(s) may be assigned as required to any of the Municipal Districts/Directorates under the Chief Executive’s control or to any premises/location in use by the Council now or in the future.

Duties

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and

(a) to such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 – 2014, 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 mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph.

Under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate professional/technical and ancillary services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature 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, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.

The post will be based between Wicklow and Arklow Harbours. Duties will be associated with the day-to-day management of the port, harbours (inclusive of harbour master duties) and marinas. It will be necessary to carry out duties in relation to other Wicklow County Council piers, harbours and marinas, as required.

Probation

Where persons who are not already permanent officers of a Local Authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply.

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

(b) such period shall be nine months this period may be extended at the Chief Executive discretion.

(c) such persons 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 persons in satisfactory.

Salary: €60,255-€83,758 per annum includes 2nd LSI EL 02/2026

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time in line with national policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Starting pay shall be determined in accordance with appropriate Departmental Circular letters. New Entrants will be placed on the minimum of salary scale.

Hours of Work

The person appointed will be required to work a 35-hour week Monday to Friday, which equates to a 7-hour day to be accounted for within attendance hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with one hour lunch between 1.00pm and 2.00pm.

There may be a requirement to work additional hours from time to time for which Time in Lieu will apply. No overtime applies to this post.

Garda Vetting

Candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting. Appointment(s) will be considered having regard to receipt of satisfactory Garda Vetting, particularly to determine suitability to work with children/vulnerable adults.

Citizenship

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

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

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) 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

(e) 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

(f) 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.

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 Wicklow County 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 Wicklow County Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Health

For the purposes of satisfying the requirements as to health it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

Residence

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

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum exclusive of public holidays and Good Friday.

Retirement Age

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the Public Service as defined in the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Persons who are NOT new entrants to the Public Service as defined in the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 and the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018, are subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

With effect from 1st January 2013, persons who are pensionable under the terms of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will have a minimum retirement age of 66 years initially rising in line with the State Pension age changes. Members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme have a compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Superannuation

Persons who become pensionable public servants on or after 1st January 2013 will become members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and, as such, will be required to pay contributions of 3% of pensionable remuneration and 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 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 the 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 of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (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.