Relief Sports Unit Operative

Louth County Council is the authority responsible for local government in Louth. The county of Louth is divided into the three municipal districts of Drogheda, Ardee and Dundalk. There are five electoral areas in

Louth: Ardee, Drogheda Rural, Drogheda Urban, Dundalk-Carlingford and Dundalk South. There are 29 elected county councillors and an annual operating budget of €203.7 million in 2026.

The Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include housing delivery, planning and development, emergency services, infrastructural upgrades and projects (road improvements, public realm), community services and facilities (community/leisure centres, libraries and parks), encouraging economic development through FDI (foreign direct investment), and supporting existing and new business.

Context:

Local Government has undergone a very significant reform process in line with the proposals in “Putting

People First”. The programme sets out a wide range of actions to deliver reform in order to address

weaknesses, enhance effectiveness and accountability and improve performance across the entire system.

The Local Government Act 2014 provided the necessary legislative basis to give effect to many of the reform

measures set out in the Action Programme.

The Act, together with the Action Programme provide the broad policy context within which the successful candidate will work and a focussed agenda which he or she will be required to lead and deliver on, as directed by the Chief Executive. Louth County Council provides and supports numerous facilities to enhance the lives of the citizens of Louth and surrounding areas including Dundalk Sports Centre, Drogheda Leisure Centre and Swimming pool, Dundalk Leisure Centre and Swimming pool, Lourdes Stadium Drogheda and a number of other smaller sports facilities. The County Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all the citizens of Louth and for those who work in or visit the County on a daily basis. The Sports Unit under the Community Section of Louth County Council manages the Dundalk Sports Centre, the Lourdes Stadium in Drogheda and Drogheda Community Centre, and oversees the operation of Dundalk & Drogheda Leisure Centres and swimming pools which are managed by a sports facilities management company.

The Competition

Louth County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Louth County Council will, following an interview process, form a panel for the post, from which future relevant vacancies may be filled, subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This panel will exist for 12 months and may only be extended at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Duties of the Sports Unit Operative:

The duties to be assigned include the following. This list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

• Sport Unit Operative work in Dundalk Sports Centre (Dundalk) and/or the Lourdes Stadium (Drogheda) or any other LCC-owned Sports facilities as required

• Maintain clean & safe facilities to National Quality standards

• Process payments

• Set up and tidy away equipment as necessary

• Take bookings on a computerised booking system

• Work with other sports unit staff to deliver programmes and to assist in administration work

• Provide first aid (if qualified) when appropriate

• Delivering Sports Unit run programmes and activities

• Assist supervisory team in meeting sports unit objectives and delivery of work

• Operate in a safe and efficient manner

• Comply with all Louth County councils policies and procedures

• Communicate effectively all members of the sports unit team

• Work evenings and weekends

• Any further duties which may be assigned from time to time

Essential Criteria

Character

Candidates shall 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:

(a) Hold a National Diploma (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a Sports/Leisure/Recreation/Physical Activity Related field or equivalent

or

be currently enrolled in a Sports/Leisure/Recreation/Physical Activity Related course.

and

(b) Be Computer Literate.

and

(c) Candidates should display enthusiasm and possess a high standard of interpersonal and organisation

skills and be customer focused.

and

(d) Candidates should be willing to undergo ongoing training to up skill, where necessary.

Desirable Criteria

• Practical experience delivering structured sports, fitness, or recreational programmes to varied age groups (youth, adult, older adults).

• Experience working in a sports facility, community centre, or similar environment involving customerfacing roles.

• Proficiency with computerised booking and membership systems, including managing schedules, handling payments, and generating reports (e.g., Legend, EZFacility, or equivalent).

• Current valid First Aid certification (e.g., FAR, Occupational First Aid, or equivalent).

• Experience collaborating with sports development officers, coaches, or facility management in organising and delivering local sports initiatives.

• Ability to handle minor maintenance or troubleshooting of sports equipment (e.g., setting up nets, weights, gym equipment).

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a multi-location sports unit.

Particulars of Post

The Post

This is a part time relief post.

Salary

Salary shall be at Light Equipment Operator Scale – currently €19.56 per hour.

Location of post

The post holder will be based between any of Louth County Councils Sports facilities including:

• Dundalk Sports Centre, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk or

• Lourdes Athletic Stadium, Boyle O Reilly Terrace, Drogheda

Louth County Council reserves the right to assign the post holder to any council premises, now or in the future subject to reasonable notice. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Hours of work

Part time relief hours as required to meet operational needs. This position will be offered on a banded hours basis, with the successful candidate required to be available for a minimum band of 3–6 hours per week. Banded hours are subject to review annually.

Superannuation

A. Officers joining the Public Service after the 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. A Class rate of PRSI contribution will apply. A rate of 3% of their pensionableremuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.

OR

B. Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 1st January 2013 and who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of the net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC). You will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of your pensionable remuneration to the Spouses & Children’s Pension Scheme.

OR

C. Officers who become pensionable officers of a Public Service prior to 5th April 1995 and who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. If an option to join a dependent scheme was made you will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% to a Dependents Pension Scheme.

Retirement

Retirement is dependent on the superannuation scheme you become a member of and details will be made available to you upon appointment.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo at his/her 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 the candidate.

Probation

Where a person, who is not already a permanent officer of Louth County Council, is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• There will be a probationary period of 9 months from date of employment,

• The Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend this period,

• You shall cease to hold office at end of the period of probation unless during this period the Chief

Executive has certified that your service is satisfactory.

Residence

The holder of the office shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance, thereof.

Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Annual Leave

Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Start date

The successful candidate must take up their appointment not more than 6 weeks from original offer. Should

they fail to take up the appointment within that period, the council at its discretion may not appoint them.