Relief Sports Unit Operative

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. Suitable candidates may be called for interview periodically depending on Louth County Council’s business needs. This panel will exist 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 Louth County Council-owned sports facilities as required.
• Maintain clean and 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 assist with administration work.
• Provide first aid (if qualified) when appropriate.
• Deliver Sports Unit-run programmes and activities.
• Assist the supervisory team in meeting Sports Unit objectives and delivering work.
• Operate in a safe and efficient manner.
• Comply with all Louth County Council policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Sports Unit team.
• Work evenings and weekends.
• Carry out any further duties assigned from time to time.

Qualifications for the PostEssential Criteria1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

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

3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

• Hold a National Diploma (Level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a Sports, Leisure, Recreation, or Physical Activity-related field, or equivalent,

or

• Be currently enrolled in a Sports, Leisure, Recreation, or Physical Activity-related course.

and

• Be computer literate.

and

• Display enthusiasm and possess a high standard of interpersonal and organisational skills and be customer-focused.

and

• Be willing to undertake ongoing training to upskill where necessary.

Desirable Criteria

• Practical experience delivering structured sports, fitness, or recreational programmes to varied age groups (youth, adults, and older adults).
• Experience working in a sports facility, community centre, or similar customer-facing environment.
• 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 carry out minor maintenance or troubleshooting of sports equipment (e.g. setting up nets, weights, or gym equipment).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a multi-location sports unit.

Particulars of the PostThe Post

This is a part-time relief post.

Salary

Salary shall be at the Light Equipment Operator Scale, currently €19.76 per hour.

Location of Post

The post holder will be based between any of Louth County Council's sports facilities, including:

• Dundalk Sports Centre, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk.
• Lourdes Athletic Stadium, Boyle O'Reilly Terrace, Drogheda.
• Dundalk Athletics Track, Churchview House, Hoey's Lane, Marshes Upper, Dundalk.

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, at his/her own expense, the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Hours of Work

Part-time relief hours as required to meet operational needs. Successful candidates will be required to be available for shift work at any Louth County Council premises.

Superannuation

A. Officers joining the Public Service after 1 January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. A Class A rate of PRSI contribution will apply. Contributions will be:

• 3% of pensionable remuneration, plus
• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of the State Pension Contributory (SPC)).

This includes a contribution to the Spouse's and Children's Scheme.

OR

B. Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 1 January 2013 and who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute:

• 1.5% of pensionable remuneration, plus
• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of the State Pension Contributory (SPC)).

They will also be required to contribute 1.5% of pensionable remuneration to the Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme.

OR

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

Retirement

Retirement is dependent on the superannuation scheme of which you become a member. Details will be made available upon appointment.

Health

To satisfy the health requirements, the successful candidate may be required, before appointment, to undergo a medical examination at his/her own expense by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the local authority. Upon taking up the appointment, the cost of the medical examination will be refunded.

Probation

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

• A probationary period of 9 months from the date of employment.
• The Chief Executive may, at his or her discretion, extend this period.
• The employee shall cease to hold office at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Executive certifies that the service has been 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 apply.

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 the appointment no later than 6 weeks from the original offer. Failure to do so within that period may result in the Council deciding not to proceed with the appointment.