Plumber

Cork City Council has a vacancy for the position of permanent Craftworker (Plumber) and will be creating a panel from which any permanent or temporary vacancies arising during the lifetime of the panel may be filled.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently and as part of a larger team throughout Cork City. Flexibility will be required in terms of location, nature of duties, and assignment areas, in line with operational needs as directed by line management. Ongoing training and development opportunities will form a core part of the role.

Candidates will be required to carry out such duties and follow such instructions as may be issued from time to time by the Senior Engineer or other nominated persons. Duties assigned may vary or be amended in accordance with the operational needs of Cork City Council.

The post holder shall not engage in any external gainful occupation that could impair the performance of their duties as a local authority employee, conflict with the interests of the local authority, or be inconsistent with the discharge of their responsibilities in this role.

THE ROLEMain Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the role will include:

• Carry out the repair, maintenance, and installation of service pipes, ferrules, boundary boxes, clearing services, meters, and any other fittings/pipework up to 2 inches (50mm).

• Carry out works as instructed by the Foreman, or such person as may be assigned from time to time by the City Council.

• Installation, commissioning, and maintenance of water services in domestic and civic buildings of all types, including fitting and removing showers, baths, sinks, W.C.s, replacement of water pipework, taps, valves, and air vents as required.

• Installing, commissioning, and maintaining drainage systems of all types, including drainage from W.C.s, baths, showers, sinks, etc. Also included is the unblocking of blockages within drainage pipework and underground drains, and repairs to such drains as required.

• Coordinate plumbing work with other bodies such as electrical contractors, drainage contractors, Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland, etc., as required.

• Provide support, including investigation and problem-solving, to the Foreperson or such person as may be assigned.

• Communicate effectively with the general public and customers.

• Carry out work in association with contractors as required.

• Carry out duties with due regard to their own Health & Safety, that of colleagues and the public, in compliance with relevant standards/guidelines.

• Assist the Engineer and Foreman, or such person as may be assigned, in implementing Health, Safety and Welfare matters.

• Respond to emergency call-out duties after normal working hours, including weekends and bank holidays, as required.

• Participate in the Council’s call-out system as required.

• Use IT equipment including personal computers and mobile devices as directed and upon receipt of appropriate training.

• Undertake all training and courses organized by the City Council as assigned.

• Carry out other relevant duties that may arise occasionally, including acting in a capacity higher than their substantive grade if required.

• Be capable of working independently and on their own initiative.

• Perform any other duties assigned by the Engineer in charge or designated Officer as may be required.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to perform additional duties appropriate to the post and contribute to its development while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

• Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

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

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

• (i) Have served a recognised apprenticeship as a Plumber or have a FETAC Advanced Certificate Level 6 in Plumbing or a National Craft Certificate in Plumbing.

• (ii) Equivalent qualifications may be considered, subject to verification and recognition by the relevant Irish authority (e.g. QQI).

• (iii) Have a minimum of five years post-qualification experience.

Driving Licence

• Holders of the office may be required to drive a car and must hold a full class B driving licence free from disqualifications.

Safe Pass

• Candidates must have a current Safe Pass registration card prior to taking up an appointment.

Desirable Skills Candidates should ideally be able to demonstrate:

• Ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions.

• Commitment to delivering quality work and services.

• Understanding of Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work.

• Familiarity with meters, pumps, domestic plumbing, water leak detection, and waterworks fittings including valves and pipes.

• Ability to read and interpret working drawings related to plumbing and water systems.

• Skill in furnishing written reports, records, and returns.

• Capability or willingness to train in computer-based systems (e.g. email, Word, Excel, CRM).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.

• Advantageous (but not essential) to have completed training in:

  • LUGS (Location of Underground Services)

  • SLG (Sign Lighting & Guarding)

  • Pipework installation

7. Salary

Remuneration will be at the Craftworker scale of the national wage scales.

• Minimum of scale: €788.63

• Maximum of scale: €908.30

• Incremental increases apply based on satisfactory performance.

Wage Progression: €788.63 – €810.89 – €864.38 – €869.92 – €875.36 – €880.87 – €886.36 – €891.85 – €897.34 – €902.84 – €908.30

Entry point will be in accordance with Department of Housing, Environment, and Local Government Circulars. New entrants (post-2011) will start at the minimum.

8. Duties

Under Section 159(3) & (4) of the Local Government Act 2001: The post holder shall perform their duties under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or such other designated officer. They may be assigned executive, administrative, or management duties as needed, including servicing local authority committees. The post holder may be required to act in a higher-level role if necessary.

9. Hours of Duty

• Standard: 39 hours per week

• May include evenings and weekends.

• Candidates must be available for reasonable overtime and emergency out-of-hours work, for which overtime rates will apply.

• The Council reserves the right to alter working hours.

• All hours are subject to the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and its regulations.