Retained Station Sub Officer

Qualifying Criteria:

• The successful candidate shall reside and work within a 5 minute radius or upon approval by the Chief Fire Officer within a reasonable distance of the above named fire station so they can be in attendance at the station within five minutes.
• The successful candidate shall have a minimum of three years of satisfactory and uninterrupted service in the Fire Brigade
• Applicants must hold a current valid full driving licence for Category B (and obtain Category C within 6 months from date of appointment), free from all endorsements and be prepared to drive such vehicles as the Council may require in the performance of his/her duties.

Essential Requirements:

The Station Sub Officer is a supervisory rank within the Fire Service and the successful applicant will be essential to ensuring that the brigade activities are delivered both efficiently and effectively. At times a Station Sub Officer will be required to take on further responsibility in the absence of the Station Officer. Therefore the ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person, with a proven record of commitment to the Fire Service and shall also demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of the following:

• Fire Service & Local Authority Structures
• Offaly County Council and Offaly Fire & Rescue Service employee policies and procedures
• Safe System of Work currently in place within the Fire Service
• Knowledge of Health and Safety within the workplace
• Modern firefighting tactics
• Management of personnel

The ideal candidate shall also have a proven ability in:

• Active participation in the delivery of local training
• Dealing effectively with conflicting demands
• Acting on own initiate, including problem solving & decision making
• Managing and motivating persons
• Effective communication with work colleagues
• Effective communication with the public
• Active engagement with the Health, Safety and Welfare policies within the Fire Service
• Working under pressure within a structured environment
• Adaptability to evolving situations

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

RESIDENCE

The Retained Station Sub Officer must live and work within a reasonable distance of the Fire Station to which (s)he is appointed. General Guideline: reside and work within a 5 minute radius or upon approval by the Chief Fire Officer within a reasonable distance of their Fire Station to enable them to function effectively. A change of residence or place of employment which would take him/her an unreasonable distance from the Station will mean that (s)he will terminate his/her service automatically. The term “reasonable” or “unreasonable” distance to be decided by the Council.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Knowledge & Understanding of the Fire Service & Local Government

·       Major Emergency Plan

·       Relevant Legislation

·       Powers of a Fire Service Officer

·       Knowledge of Local Authority Structure

·       Knowledge of FRS/LA policies and procedures

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·       Good communication/ interpersonal skills

·       Ability to get message across in a clear and concise manner

·       Communication expertise at interview

·       Flexibility/Versatility/Adaptability

·       Energy/Enthusiasm/Commitment to role

·       Positive attitude

·       Initiative

·       Loyalty

·       Interest

Management/Problem Solving

·       Leadership Skills

·       Planning & Organisational Skills

·       People Management

·       Team Building Skills

·       Negotiating skills

·       Motivation

·       Initiative

·       Analytical

·       Decision making

·       Judgement

Experience (Knowledge & Technical Experience)

·       Range and depth of experience

·       Range and depth of knowledge/ skills

·       Level of instructional ability/ experience

·       Knowledge and experience of modern fire fighting tactics, fire service communications, water supply systems, principles of hydraulics and building construction

·       Awareness of health and safety issues

·       Level of Command & Control Experience

·       Level of responsibility to date

·       Level of experience to date

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Details of Key Duties and Responsibilities are outlined under “Particulars of Office”

QUALIFICATIONS

1.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

a)         attained a suitable level of education to enable them to undergo successfully the appropriate training and to perform satisfactorily the duties of a Retained Station Sub Officer.

b)        must have at least three years satisfactory service in the Fire Brigade

* Copies of qualifications must be attached to support this application. Failure to provide qualifications will deem this application invalid.

2.     Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels 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 child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

3.     Driving Licence

The Holder of the Post of shall hold a current valid driving licence for Category B (and obtain Category C within 6 months from date of appointment), free from all endorsements and be prepared to drive such vehicles as the Council may require in the performance of his/her duties.

4.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character. The Council may make whatever enquiries it considers necessary to satisfy this condition.

5.     Health

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. In order that their qualifications as to health may be ascertained, candidates must undergo such medical examinations (which may include x-ray, physical fitness test and/or other special tests) as the Council considers necessary. The medical examiner(s) will be nominated by the Council. Candidates must comply, at their own expense, with such remedial requirements as the Council considers necessary.

Each candidate shall be required to submit details of their medical history to the Council's medical advisor; this information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

* Non Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post

The post is retained and part-time. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a period of time at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Inclusive Annual Allowance

Remuneration will consist of an inclusive annual allowance (payable in fortnightly installments in arrears) together with hourly rates for attendance at fires, drills, training, etc., as per attached schedule. Annual allowance as already stated is conditional on the Retained Station Sub Officer's attendance at a minimum of 85% of the training drills and 75% of incidents in respect of each quarter.

Payments will be made on a fortnightly basis in arrears in respect of attendance at fires, drills and special duties. Payment at drill rate will be made in respect of training courses. All payments will be subject to deduction of statutory contributions to PAYE and PRSI, etc.

An annual clothing allowance rate will be payable to a Retained Station Sub Officer who attends at least 85% of all training drills in respect of each quarter.

Retained fire service personnel inclusive annual allowance as at 1st Feb 2026

€21,821 - € 25,139 per year

Duties, Drills & Further Training

The Retained Station Sub Officer shall attend and participate in drills and shall undergo from time to time, courses and further training as required to be deemed appropriate by the Council. The location of the training and the frequency of the drills shall be as decided by the Council at its absolute discretion.

Notwithstanding such other disciplinary action which the Council may apply, failure to attend or participate in 85% of the drills in any quarter of a year shall have the result that the Sub Officer shall forfeit his/her right to payment of the retaining fee for that quarter. Subsequent failure to attend 85% of drills in a quarter of a year, without good cause, shall result in termination of employment at the absolute discretion of the Council. The level of training to be successfully undertaken by the Sub Officer shall be such as to enable him/her to carry out competently and effectively the various operations required in the fire service including the operation of communications systems, driving appliances and vehicles and the operation of pumps, lifts, escapes, rescue and emergency equipment, hydrant testing, etc., and such other matters and requirements as may arise from time to time.

The successful candidate shall:-

• Attend at fires and other emergencies, drills, displays, etc., within the appointed area at such times and for such periods as required by Offaly Fire Service;
• Retain the same level of availability as duty crews.
• Be in attendance at the time appointed for the commencement of all drills and practices and, in the absence of the Station Officer, ensure that any programme of training is adhered to and that personnel carry out their duties promptly and efficiently
• Be available to attend any training, seminars, conferences or other specialist training anywhere as determined by the Chief Fire Officer or his Deputy. He/she will be required to prepare, assist and instruct in all training sessions as directed both within and outside the county of Offaly. This includes the training at drill of other brigades within the County of Offaly.
• Carry a pager while on duty.
• Operate any duty rostering or availability scheme involving the Station Officer and the personnel in the brigade which may be in operation from time to time.
• To assist in the maintenance of an Asset Management System either within his/her own brigade or any other brigade within the County
• Assist in the general maintenance of the Fire Station, the environs and all equipment therein and report any repair/maintenance works necessary in writing. All maintenance/test records are to be maintained and relevant records input using various software packages.
• To report any damage or deficiencies of equipment to the Station Officer or appropriate personnel.
• To drive, when required, any vehicle or appliance as directed by the Chief Fire Officer or his Deputy or senior personnel.
• To ensure that after each fire or training period, prompt arrangements are made for cleaning, drying, testing and if necessary, repair of equipment used and that all units are fully prepared for further incidents.
• Shall assist in the delivery of Community Fire Safety and the Fire Safety Schools Programme
• Wear the official uniform issue and rank insignia while on fire brigade duty
• Ensure that unauthorised persons do not enter, stay in or frequent the Fire Station and ensure that the Watch room is kept free of non-authorised personnel.
• Comply with Brigade orders as set out by the Chief Fire Officer, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer or other Authorised Officer.
• Fully implement the National Incident Command System at all training and incidents.
• Undergo such medical examinations as set down nationally for retained fire-fighters, or as required by the Fire Authority.
• Ensure that all personnel are properly dressed in the protective clothing provided, for all drills, exercises and fire-fighting operations.
• Carry out such further duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• Take over duties of the Station Officer during the absence of this Officer from duty.

Work Base & Location of Fire Brigade

The Retained Station Sub Officer shall report for duty to the fire station in its present location or in the event of change of location, to such new location that may be decided by the Council. Changes in the location of a fire station will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation.

Annual Leave Allowance

The granting of annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

Permission and 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 Fire Service and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure. The final decision in allocating leave rests with management

You may be absent from duty only having previously arranged for another non-rostered member to deputise for you and having received the Chief Fire Officers permission. You must advise the Chief Fire Officer or delegated person in advance when not available to respond to a call-out. Permission and prior authorisation is essential before annual leave is taken. The final decision in the allocation of this leave rests with the Chief Fire Officer or other delegated person.

Sick Leave

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

Any significant change in your medical condition during this contract must be notified to Offaly County Council. You will be placed on sick leave unless certified fit for work by Offaly County Council’s medical examiner and will not return to work until passed fit for duty.

You have an obligation to inform the employer of any significant changes in your medical profile which could present an unacceptable risk to yourself, your colleagues and the public.

Superannuation

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees 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% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (ie. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees 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% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Retirement

The retirement age is 55 years or sooner if found medically unfit to continue. There is an option to continue working to age 62 years, subject to compulsory medical assessment each year after the age of 55.

In the course of their employment and whenever requested by the Council, the Retained Station Sub Officer must undergo regular medical examinations of the kind as set out above and comply at their own expense with such remedial requirements as the Council considers necessary. Employment will not be continued in any case where as a result of such examinations, the Council considers the Retained Station Sub Officer is medically unfit to continue.

Probation

From the date of commencement of employment of the Retained Station Sub Officer, there shall be a period of one year during which such person shall be on probation. The period may be extended at the absolute discretion of the Council. The employment of the Retained Station Sub-Officer shall cease at the end of the period of probation, unless the Council is satisfied that the service of such person in that employment has been satisfactory in all respects.

Termination

Subject to the terms of the Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure, Offaly County Council reserves the right to terminate your employment if you are unable to perform the work for which you are employed, as a result of incapacity, incompetence or misconduct. In the event of such termination, the Council undertakes to give you one weeks notice or, at the discretion of the Manager, pay in lieu of notice. No notice will be given in circumstances justifying immediate termination of your employment.