Senior Executive Technician

The Senior Executive Technician will be required to lead a team or teams and to provide technical and managerial support across all local authority service areas and to liaise with external agencies and support the democratic process. Positions may arise in any area of the Council.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of the post of Senior Executive Technician include but are not limited to the following.

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and

(a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001, is Chief Executive, and

(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph,

under the general direction and supervision of the Chief Executive or of such officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate technical, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary services as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body.

 

The actual duties will depend on placement of the post, but in general they will include but are not limited to the following:

·       Provide technical services relevant to the area of responsibility to which he/she has been assigned, e.g. site inspection, site surveying, creation of drawings and graphics, report writing and such other duties associated with a drawing office;

·       Operate the appropriate technology as required to carry out the work to which he/she has been assigned e.g. CAD, Graphics, PowerPoint; GIS & other relevant technologies

·       Work as part of a team;

·       Liaise with other departments, members of the public and external agencies in relation to operational aspects of assigned work;

·       Function as a Team Leader, this includes: prioritising work as determined by the Head of Department/Service, functioning as a facilitator and co-ordinator between team members and other departments and external agencies and being responsible for the allocation of work and ensuring task completion;

·       Prepare estimates;

·       Preparation of public consultation display material and assistance at public consultation;

·       Manage work flows and producing regular progress reports on all aspects of area of responsibility;

·       Supervise staff assigned to him/her;

·       Coach and mentor Technicians Grade II, Grade I and Executive Technicians;

·       Contribute to individual staff development, personal development and team development initiatives;

·       Be accountable for efficient and effective operation of his/her area of responsibility;

·       Undertake any course of training organised by the Council which he/she is designated to attend;

·       Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently 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 must also:

• have the knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the post concerned;
• be suitable on the grounds of character;
• be suitable in all other relevant respects for appointment to the post concerned;

 

Candidates, if successful, will not be appointed to the post unless they:

• agree to undertake the duties attached to the post and accept the conditions under which the duties are, or may be required to be, performed;
• are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to the position.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     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 ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.     Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          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

               v.          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

             vi.          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

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

(a)    have satisfactory experience, in a technician post at Grade I or higher level or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

(b)    have at least seven years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II or higher level or an analogous post,

(c)           have a thorough knowledge of all the technical aspects of local authority work and also a deeper knowledge of at least one relevant section of the work and possess such training or experience as would enable them to take charge of such a section of the work,

(d)    have adequate experience in dealing with other departments within their own organisations and with other bodies,

(e)    have adequate experience in the direction, supervision and control of staff, and

(f)  possess technical training and experience of a high standard and adequate administrative ability.

Driving Licence Requirement Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below).

https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licences

 

*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.

The ideal candidate will:-

·       Possess good professional knowledge and skills

·       Be able to work independently or within multi-disciplined teams

·       Possess good interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage with a wide range of people

·       Possess good organisation skills

·       Possess good IT and presentation skills including a working knowledge of AutoCAD. Experience in the use of G.I.S software will be considered an advantage

·       Have a good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Management and Change

Strategic Ability

Displays the ability to think and act strategically. Can translate strategy into operational plans and outputs. Evaluates capacity and performance against objectives. Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful strategic outcomes.

Political Awareness

Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the organisation.

Networking and Representing

Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders. Builds networks of technical and professional contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the organisation it represents.

Bringing about Change

Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change. Develops and initiates change management programmes to meet end objectives. Influences others and fosters commitment to change.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operations. Delegates, tracks and monitors activity. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

 

Managing Resources

Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used effectively to deliver on operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services. Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard. Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

Performance through People

Leading and Motivating

Motivates others individually and in teams to deliver high quality work and customer focused outcomes. Develops the competence of team members and helps them meet their full potential. Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility and a strong customer service ethos.

Managing Performance

Effectively manages performance including underperformance or conflict. Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

Recognises the value of communicating effectively with all employees. Actively listens to others. Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills.

Presents ideas clearly and effectively to individuals and groups.

Maintains accurate records.

Personal Effectiveness

Relevant Knowledge

Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility. Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role. Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence. Remains calm under pressure and operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

Integrity

Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others.

Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals to achieve high quality outcomes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Knowledge, Experience and Skills.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

·       Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of Local Government

·       Understands the role of a Senior Executive Technician

·       Range and depth of experience relevant to the post.

·       Understanding of health and safety

·       Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.

·       Has knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

·       Effective budget and financial and resource management

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The annual salary (Circular EL 04-2026, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1 June 2026) is as follows:

Point

01/06/2026

1

€56,178

2

€57,313

3

€58,880

4

€61,544

5

€63,158

LSI 1

€65,409

LSI 2

€67,663

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €56,178

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

 

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

(c)       such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 35 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

 

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

 

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

 

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

 

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.