Seasonal Guide Information Officers

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.

Seasonal Guide / Information Officer

About the Position

Visitor Services of the Office of Public Works currently seek enthusiastic people to join their dedicated Guide Teams at National Monument and National Historic Property Sites under their remit. This competition will be used to fill a range of temporary and seasonal posts over the next year.

The duration of seasonal employment may vary depending on local operational requirements. The hours, commencement dates and completion dates of the season may also vary for the same reasons.

Role of the Seasonal Guide / Information Officer

Protection of the Site

• 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

• Assisting in the development and implementation of educational activities

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

Visitor Reception and Related Issues

• 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

Promotion and Interpretation of the Site

• 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 or her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Conditions of Service

General Information for Employment as a Seasonal Guide / Information Officer

1. Rate of Pay

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).

2. Working Week

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

3. Sunday Pay

Time plus Time for hours actually worked.

4. Annual Leave Entitlement

Seasonal Guide / Information Officer 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.

5. Hours of Attendance

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 employment.

6. Physical Work Environment and Candidate Capabilities

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 the applicant from meeting the requirements of the position in a consistent and satisfactory manner and that 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 as part of their pre-employment undertakings.

7. Dress Code

A neat code of dress is required 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.

8. Superannuation

For a Seasonal Guide / Information Officer recruited before 1 January 2013, superannuation benefits are provided in accordance with the terms of the Non-Contributory Superannuation Scheme for Non-Established Civil Servants. Membership of the scheme is compulsory.

The minimum retirement age at which pension is payable for members of this Scheme is 65 and compulsory retirement age is 70. This pension is integrated with the Department of Social Protection State Pension (Contributory), currently payable from age 66. The public service pension paid under this Scheme is based on the assumption that the individual will also receive the State Pension (Contributory) at the maximum personal rate on retirement.

Where this does not occur, a Supplementary Pension may be payable on application by the retired member. There is no automatic entitlement and the onus is on the individual to apply.

Staff appointed between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 do not have a maximum retirement age.

Staff appointed after 1 January 2013, unless they have previously been members of a Public Service Pension Scheme and have not had a break in service of greater than 26 weeks, will be automatically enrolled in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The minimum retirement age for Scheme members is in line with the age of eligibility for the Contributory Old Age State Pension, currently age 66. Membership of the scheme is compulsory and retirement is compulsory on reaching 70 years of age.

Spouses’ and dependant children’s pensions are granted under the terms of the Contributory Scheme for the Spouses and Children of Non-Established Civil Servants.

At the time of appointment, the employing Department or Office will determine whether the appointee is a new entrant in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Appointees will be required to declare any entitlement to a Public Service pension benefit from any other Public Service employment.

9. Other Employment

Appointees cannot be employed by another public service body during the period of appointment with the OPW.

Candidates on approved absences from other employment must ensure they are not impinging on their terms of absence by taking up a position with the OPW. Proof must be supplied to OPW.

Candidates engaged on community employment schemes must determine and supply proof of their eligibility for the position through their provider.

10. Eligibility and Employment Conditions

The candidate is responsible for ensuring that they meet the eligibility requirements and are capable of meeting the requirements of the position. Failure to meet any eligibility requirements or conditions will result in termination of the Contract of Employment, if issued.

General Information

Deeming of Candidature to be Withdrawn

Candidates who do not attend for interview when required, or who do not furnish requested evidence relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.

Garda Clearance and Security

All candidates will be required to participate in Garda Vetting prior to being awarded a Seasonal Contract of employment.

Candidates deemed suitable will receive a Garda Vetting application form via email and must present in person to the nominated OPW site manager with completed documentation, including proof of photographic identification and current address.

Any costs associated with Garda Vetting or overseas clearance will be at the candidate’s own expense.

Overseas Clearance

Candidates who lived outside the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland for six months or more after the age of 18 must provide an Overseas Clearance for each country of residence. Clearance must cover the entire period of residency and be dated after departure from that country.

For OPW purposes, Garda Vetting will not be considered complete until all required Overseas Clearance documentation is received.

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom

(c) A citizen of Switzerland under EU agreements

(d) A non-EEA citizen holding a Stamp 4 visa or equivalent

Non-EU or non-EEA applicants must hold a valid work permit, visa or permission in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2003, as amended.

Confidentiality

All enquiries, applications and related processes are treated as strictly confidential and disclosed only to those directly involved.

Quality Customer Service

The OPW aims to provide a high-quality service. Applicants dissatisfied with any aspect of service are encouraged to raise concerns so issues can be addressed appropriately.

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