Park Ranger

QUALIFICATIONS

Applications on the official form are invited from qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which Permanent or Temporary appointments may be made as Park Ranger for positions as they arise.

1. CHARACTER:

Each candidate shall 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 form:

Have a reasonable standard of education sufficient to enable them to perform the job efficiently and effectively – not less than junior certificate or intermediate certificate or equivalent.

AND

Hold a full unendorsed driving licence (Category B or equivalent) that permits permanent driving in Ireland

AND

Hold a valid work permit if required

All non EU or 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 Dún Laoghaire Rathdown 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 Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

It is desirable for candidates to:

• have a qualification in horticulture, landscaping, ecology or a related discipline and practical horticulture and practical arboriculture

• Hold a current Safe Pass Card

• Have an awareness of the Council’s Biodiversity and Climate Action Plans and Tree Policy

Candidates will demonstrate through their application form and at interview the following skills and attributes:

• Understanding of the role

• Ability to apply previous experience to the role

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Self motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative and ability to use judgement in a workplace environment

• Be capable of dealing satisfactorily with outside bodies, residents associations, public representatives etc

• Capacity to contribute to and work well in a team

• Sufficient knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety requirements, legislation and regulations

• Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal hours as required

• Knowledge of the services provided by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

• Demonstrate customer awareness skills and a positive customer service attitude

• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records of all tasks carried out in hard copy and electronic format

• Be capable of keeping a written record

PARTICULARS OF THE POSITION

1. The office is permanent, whole time and pensionable.

2. WAGES – HOURLY RATE:

€764.92; €769.81; €774.70; €776.19; €781.06; €785.93; €790.80; €795.66; €800.53; €805.40

(Incremental Scale) Rates as at 1/02/2026

A daily travel allowance equivalent to one hour rate of pay and daily meal allowance is also applicable.

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department Housing, Planning and Local Government.

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

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):

As a condition of employment, the holder of the post will be required, at all times when on duty, to wear such items of personal protective equipment as are specified from time to time by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

4. 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 Local Authority at the rate of 1.5 percent of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5 percent of net pensionable remuneration.

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 percent of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5 percent of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

RETIREMENT:

New Entrants recruited to the Public Service on or after 1 January 2013

Pensionable public servants (new joiners) recruited to the Public Service for the first time on or after 1 January 2013 (the commencement date of the Single Scheme) will be members of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

Pension age

Minimum pension age is linked to the State Pension age which is currently 66 but may be subject to change.

Compulsory retirement age

Scheme members must retire at the age of 70.

In all other cases, staff recruited on or after 1 January 2013 who were employed in the Public Service on 31 December 2012 or within a period prior to 31 December 2012 not exceeding 26 weeks will retain their existing pension scheme terms and conditions.

In certain circumstances, for example where the public servant was on secondment or approved leave or remains on the same contract of employment, the 26 week rule does not apply.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement as set out in Department Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees under that Scheme are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

5. HOURS OF WORK

The Park Ranger Operation is based on a roster system where the Ranger works 156 hours over a 4 week period, averaging 39 hours per week.

The roster start time varies through the year based on Park closing times which vary from 5 pm in winter and 10 pm in summer. There is a combination of weekday and weekend day or days worked depending on the roster.

The Council reserves the right to alter the number of hours worked each day or each week and or the times at or the days on which the hours are to be worked. The post holder will be given as much notice as is reasonably practicable of any change in the schedule of hours worked.

The post holder may be required to work overtime depending on work requirements and be available to respond to call outs outside of normal working hours at the request of the area Supervisor or persons appointed to positions of authority. Where possible the post holder will be notified in advance. Overtime will be paid at approved rates.

6. PROBATION:

When a person is not already a permanent officer of a Local Authority within the public service Ireland and is appointed to a permanent office the following provisions shall apply:

a. There shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such person shall hold office on probation

b. Such period shall be one year

c. Such person 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 person in such office is satisfactory

7. ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave entitlement for the position of Park Ranger is 24 days per annum in accordance with Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Circular LG(P) 07/2011.

Prior authorisation is essential before annual leave is taken. The granting of annual leave at any particular time is always subject to the requirements of the council and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure. The final decision in allocating leave rests with Management.

8. 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 Irish citizen child and has been granted residence permission usually Stamp 4

9. DUTIES:

The post holder will be required to carry out all the duties allocated to them by the Council under the direction and supervision of the relevant Supervisor, which will include but are not limited to:

They will carry out all his or her duties under the immediate direction of the Parks Supervisory staff which will include, but are not limited to the following:

a) Park Rangers will be required to carry out inspections of playgrounds, play spaces, playing pitches, teen spaces, workout areas and all other play equipment on a daily and weekly basis, including the completion of written inspection reports

b) Complete and store records of inspections and reports in paper and or digital formats, as required

c) To assist the management with the development of the park in accordance with agreed objectives

d) To ensure the highest standards of customer service; manage visitor pressure; resolve conflicts and compliance with the bye laws for regulations, use and enjoyment of such places; the prevention of injury or damage to persons and property

e) Uniform supplied must be worn at all times while on duty. It will be the responsibility of the Park Ranger to maintain the uniform in a neat and clean condition

f) Opening and closing parks where necessary

g) Regulating the use of shelters, pavilions, dressing rooms, public toilets or other buildings and playing facilities as required

h) Organising of games and other beneficial activities as required for children, youth and adults using the Parks, playgrounds, teen spaces, outdoor workout areas and open spaces

i) Keeping Parks, including buildings, playgrounds and open spaces clear of all litter, ensuring that full litter bins are promptly emptied, and debris removed by cleaning and carrying out litter picking duties

j) Park Rangers will visit a number of parks daily as assigned by line manager. If required, to use a bicycle or drive a motor vehicle in the course of his or her duties if necessary

k) If required, to carry and use a mobile or radio unit

l) Monitor the park and the activities of park users to ensure compliance with the DLR Parks and Open Spaces Bye Laws (as amended), Bye Laws Prohibiting the Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor in Public Places 2003, the Litter Pollution Act and the Control of Dogs Act

m) Park Rangers will be required to liaise with An Garda Siochana in relation to any anti social behaviour they observe in Council parks and open spaces and to report on these matters to Council management

n) To liaise with and foster good relations with stakeholders including friends of parks groups, on site leaseholders, local councillors, neighbouring landowners, community groups, resolving issues on the ground wherever possible

o) Park Rangers will be required to deal with queries and complaints from park users in the carrying out of their duties

p) Giving guided tours to individuals or groups who visit parks and the distribution of relevant information such as leaflets on the Parks to the public

q) Facilitate the Council in future surveys of the Parks including the collection of information from the public by means of questionnaires

r) Visiting schools and or communities during normal working hours to advise the students or members of the public about the management of parks and the various facilities with particular emphasis on promoting the Council’s initiatives regarding Biodiversity, Pollinators, Trees and nature based solutions

s) Work with the Biodiversity Officer or any other Officer designated for that purpose

t) Undertake any necessary training provided to equip them to carry out their new duties

u) Carry out duties in accordance with work schedules as determined from time to time by Management

v) Ensure that reasonable care is always taken for the health, safety and welfare of you and others, and to comply with the Council’s policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety

w) Carry out inspections on the Council’s Signage Infrastructure, information boards, educational signs and directional signs and are to update the signage material as directed and ensure the signage infrastructure is kept clean

x) Park Rangers will be required to take pictures of the parks for social media and promotional purposes when requested and liaise with DLR Communications Office if required

y) Any other duties appropriate to the post, which may be assigned from time to time

The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed.

The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by the Council.

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority and to:

a. The local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive 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 referred to in sub paragraph (a) of this paragraph

under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such officers as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate computing, technical, management, administrative, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary services 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 and to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body.

The holder of the post will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.

10. LOCATION and RESIDENCE

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

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council reserves the right to assign Employees to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future subject to reasonable notice.

11. RECRUITMENT

Pursuant to article 8 of the Local Government (Appointment of Officers) Regulation, 1974, the Minister has given directions as follows:

i. Selection of candidates for appointment shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the Local Authority. The interview will be competency based. Candidates will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the key duties and responsibilities for this role. Please note that the interview may be held in person or online

ii. DLRCC reserves its right to shortlist candidates, in the manner it deems most appropriate, to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. Following receipt of all applications, job applicants may be shortlisted for assessment based on the extent to which they meet the criteria from the job description and or where it would not be practical to interview all applicants

Aptitude Testing may in some circumstances be used to facilitate the shortlisting process. If required, the testing will be performed through a third party provider and submission of an application for employment is regarded as consent to share your information for the purposes of short listing and recruitment. Your information will be provided for the sole purpose of shortlisting suitable candidates and for no other purpose

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will ensure any third party fully complies with GDPR and Data Protection legislation. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications and experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for this position under each competency heading which are detailed above

Short listing does not suggest that candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates who based on their application appear to be better qualified and or have more relevant experience

Short listing may take the form of desk top short listing, aptitude test and or preliminary interview or combinations thereof

iii. If a candidate wishes to appeal either a short listing or interview board decision, they must do so within five working days of being notified of this decision. The appeal must clearly state the grounds of appeal which must be emailed to The Appeals Officer recruitment@dlrcoco.ie

. The HR Department will evaluate the grounds of the appeal

If grounds for an appeal are not upheld, HR Management will notify the candidate in writing of this outcome and no further action will be taken

If the grounds upon which the appeal is made are upheld, the HR Department will notify the candidate of this outcome and corrective action will be taken

The decision of the HR Department on the appeal is final

iv. Panels may be formed on the basis of such interviews. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Local Authority that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise

The life of the panel will not be more than one year reckoned from the date of the formation of the panel unless extended

v. The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the Local Authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the Local Authority shall not appoint them

vi. An applicant who withdraws their application at any stage of the competition will not be permitted to re enter the competition at a later stage