Market & Property Inspector

The Market and Property Inspector will be responsible for the control and enforcement of casual trading, the development of markets, and the inspection of Council properties.

Reporting to the Administrative Officer, Property Department, the post holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Planning and Integrated Development Directorate. The role involves supporting the implementation of work programmes to achieve the goals, targets, and standards set out in Departmental and Team development plans.

The successful candidate will be energetic and enthusiastic, with the ability to work on their own initiative and manage complex and challenging situations. They will possess strong administrative skills and a good understanding of property-related matters.

The role will require a significant level of out-of-hours and Saturday working.

DUTIES

Control and Enforcement of Casual Trading at Special Events

• Attend and represent the Property Department at pre-event consultation meetings in relation to casual trading.
• Engage with market organisers and relevant stakeholders in advance of special event markets.
• Agree the number, nature, and layout of casual trading licences for events.
• Liaise with other City Council Directorates, An Garda Síochána, and emergency services regarding casual trading at events.
• Inspect and supervise special event trading, including weekends, evenings, and public holidays.

Management of Casual Trading at Cork City Markets(Includes attendance on Saturdays and occasional Sundays)

• Inspect and supervise markets.
• Manage the control of casual trading and enforce bye-laws in designated areas.
• Monitor trader attendance and ensure compliance with casual trading bye-laws.
• Liaise with the Traders’ Committee, administrative staff, and other relevant parties regarding the allocation of new licences.
• Collaborate with the Traders’ Committee on promotions and events.
• Liaise with relevant City Council Directorates (e.g. Waste, Operations, Lighting) in relation to service provision and operational issues.

Other Casual Trading Areas

• Conduct regular inspections of designated trading areas.
• Manage the control of casual trading and enforce bye-laws.
• Monitor trader attendance and compliance with regulations.
• Liaise with the Parks Department regarding trading activities within parks.

Enforcement of Bye-Laws

• Investigate complaints relating to unauthorised casual trading and take appropriate enforcement action.
• Represent Cork City Council in enforcement proceedings, including attendance at Court where required.

Property Inspections

• Undertake routine inspections of derelict sites acquired by Cork City Council.
• Carry out regular inspections of vacant Council-owned properties.
• Undertake meter readings across a range of Council-owned properties.
• Conduct ad hoc inspections of Council-owned buildings, including for lease compliance.
• Carry out other property-related duties as required.

Additional Information

• This role is designated under the Casual Trading Act 1995 and the Cork City Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2023, as well as the Cork City Council English Market Bye-Laws 2015 and may require attendance at Court.
• The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and contribute to its ongoing development.

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved. Accordingly, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post, as may be assigned from time to time, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the role while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

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

• Possess a standard of education sufficient to enable them to perform the duties of the role effectively.
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare clear and concise reports, maintain accurate work records, and measure and record quantities of work completed.
• Be capable of managing and supervising large groups of staff, including motivating and deploying resources effectively.
• Have the ability to manage external contractors and ensure that works are carried out to the required standards.
• Hold a full, clean European Communities Model Driving Licence Category B and be willing to drive in the course of their duties.
• Be proficient in the use of computers and relevant software applications.

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate competence in key areas such as Delivering Results, Performance Through People, Communicating Effectively, and Personal Motivation and Initiative.
• Be flexible and willing to work unsocial hours.
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be capable of operating in challenging environments and dealing effectively with difficult situations and customers.
• Demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Have the ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Possess strong organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate strong administrative skills, including the ability to accurately record and present data.
• Have a good knowledge of property-related matters; experience reading technical drawings, taking meter readings, and instructing contractors would be advantageous.
• Have a knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government, including current issues, priorities, and key stakeholders.
• Have a knowledge and understanding of public procurement rules.

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€52,239 - €53,799 - €55,392 - €57,019 - €58,657 (Max) - €60,567 (LSI 1) - €62,484 (LSI 2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02 / 2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.