Seasonal Guide Information Officer

OPW Areas of Responsibility

The Office of Public Works is a State body with responsibility for the protection of Ireland’s built heritage. This is achieved through the conservation, presentation and management of National Monuments, National Historic Properties and Government buildings. Our diverse portfolio consists of 780 sites from all periods of our history, encompassing sites from prehistoric to late medieval periods of our history.

Visitor Services of the Office of Public Works currently seek enthusiastic people to join their dedicated Guide Teams at National Monument / National Historic Property Sites under their remit.

This competition will be used to fill a range of temporary / seasonal posts over the next year. The duration of seasonal employment may vary, depending on the local operational requirements. The hours, commencement dates and completion dates of the season may also vary for the same reasons.

• Ensuring that any rules for visitors are observed

• Being responsible for security and safety at the site

• Supervising visitors so as to maintain order and prevent interference with the site

• Assist in the development and implementation of educational activities

• Assist in the development of exhibitions and running events, if required

• Welcoming visitors to the site

• Introducing visitors to the site and its facilities

• Administering admission tickets and receipts

• Selling literature, postcards and posters

• Counting money and reconciling receipts

• Counting stock

• Keeping reception area and other site facilities clean and tidy

• Operating audio visual or other appropriate equipment

• Dealing with phone enquiries

• Handling bookings for the site

• Dealing with enquiries about the area and its visitor facilities

• Assisting in the operation of the online booking management system for both individual and business (Tour Operator) visitors, where applicable

• Collation and production of statistics on visitor numbers

• Familiarisation with all aspects of the importance and story of the site

• Developing own tour commentary in conjunction with supervisor and other guides

• Giving guided tours

• Adapting a guided tour to suit a particular group

• Dealing with detailed enquiries about particular features of the site

• Outdoor duties to include but not limited to Park Stewarding

• Invigilating duties

• All candidates must be capable of carrying out all duties associated with the post

In addition, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the Guide scale and will not be subject to negotiation. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy (€15.28 – €23.80 per hour).

Full time seasonal guides, unless otherwise indicated, are required to work on a roster (five days over seven days per week including weekends and public holidays). Flexibility in attendance is required, including evening attendance as and when required.

Time + Time for hours actually worked.

Seasonal Guides / Information Officers will have their annual leave allowance determined by a pro-rata amount of the 25-day maximum which is the full year allowance. Because of the seasonal nature of the position, certain restrictions may apply to when Guides take leave during their seasonal employment. Where applicable, pay in lieu of leave is paid at the end of the working period.

Hours are not fixed and can vary from site to site. The actual hours of attendance will be arranged according to local management requirements during the period of your employment.

Undertaking tours and dealing with visitor groups requires extensive vocal work. Outdoor work in inclement weather, work in confined spaces, at heights and on uneven ground are factors at certain sites. Please note that some sites have terrain that is challenging.

By applying for the position, the applicant is confirming that there is nothing on the grounds of health which would preclude them from meeting the requirements of the position in a consistent and satisfactory manner, and the applicant is fully competent, fully capable and available to undertake the duties of the post.

Appointees will be required to complete an online health questionnaire and will also be required to declare, before appointment, that they are fully capable of undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to the position. Employment in the position will be subject to the appointee remaining fully capable of meeting the requirements of the position.

If a candidate wishes to request any workplace accommodation, adaptation or facilitation, upon receiving an offer of appointment, the candidate can identify any accommodations on the obligatory Staff Census Form to be returned to the OPW Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) as part of their pre-employment undertakings.

You are required to observe a neat code of dress during working hours. A guide uniform is provided at certain sites. Otherwise, a guide uniform allowance may be payable where it is a management requirement that guides adapt a colour coded clothing regime.

Detailed superannuation provisions apply depending on recruitment date (pre-2013, 2004–2012, or post-2013). Membership of the relevant scheme is compulsory. Appointees will be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit from any other Public Service employment.

Appointees cannot be employed by another public service body during the period of appointment with the OPW. Candidates on approved absences or community employment schemes must provide proof of eligibility.

The candidate is responsible for ensuring eligibility and capability for the position. Failure to meet requirements will result in the Contract of Employment being terminated.

Candidates who do not attend required interviews or fail to provide required documentation will have no further claim to consideration.

All candidates must undergo Garda Vetting prior to receiving a Seasonal Contract. This includes:

• Completion of NVB forms

• In-person presentation of proof of identification and address

• Completing the National Vetting Bureau application

Note: All costs, including overseas clearance, are the responsibility of the candidate.

Required if the applicant lived outside Ireland or Northern Ireland for 6 months or more after age 18. Clearance must:

• Be dated after leaving the country

• Cover the full period of residency OPW will not consider Garda Vetting complete until all required Overseas Clearance is received.

Documentation will not be retained for longer than 1 year.

Applicants must be one of the following:

• A citizen of the EEA

• A citizen of the United Kingdom

• A citizen of Switzerland

• A non-EEA citizen with a Stamp 4 visa (including 50 TEU visa as equivalent)

Non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit/visa/permission.

All enquiries, applications and proceedings are strictly confidential and only shared with those directly involved.

Applicants who are dissatisfied with any aspect of service are encouraged to inform the relevant unit or staff member so corrective action can be taken.

Candidates may request a review if dissatisfied with a decision. Reviews follow Section 7 of the CPSA Code of Practice. Both informal and formal review processes exist. Strict timelines apply.

• Feedback is available on written request

• Rechecks may be carried out

• Review timelines are fixed and cannot be extended, even while awaiting feedback