Senior Executive Technician

A Senior Executive Technician is the fourth tier within the five grade Local Authority Technician grouping, which ranges from the entry grade of Technician Grade 2 up to the post of Chief Technician. Technicians work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within one of the previously outlined Local Authority Directorates to deliver a wide variety of key local authority services. These include social housing; transportation infrastructure; environmental protection; water, wastewater, & solid waste, recreation and amenity provision and community development.  Local Authorities also play a key role in supporting economic development and enterprise promotion at local level. The Council employs several different disciplines of Technicians including civil/structural, environmental and architectural/building.

This competition relates to Architectural Technicians. Technicians can be based in various locations throughout the organisation including the headquarters in Tullamore or Municipal District offices situated in strategic locations through the county. A Senior Executive Technician will from time to time be required to deputise for more senior personnel and must be willing to take on this challenge.

The Senior Executive Technician Architectural will be part of an in-house design and project management team working primarily on social housing but, from time to time may work on civic/council buildings, public realm works and conservation works. This is a challenging opportunity for interested applicants seeking to be part of an expanding local authority with a clear objective to develop its social housing infrastructure, civic/council building programme, public realm works, conservation and repair of its civic and historic buildings and structures. The successful candidate will join an established architectural team seeking to expand its range and depth of work. They will undertake and manage detailed design and production information over a range of Architectural projects, ensuring that design work is in accordance with best practice and current Building Regulations. The Senior Executive Technician will provide technical leadership to the technicians within the section, and provide technical advice as required

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated person, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services

The Ideal candidate will

a)     possess good professional knowledge and skills;

b)    be able to work independently or within multi-disciplined teams;

c)     be capable of working on his / her own initiative;

d)    possess good interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage with a wide range of people;

e)     possess ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within strict deadlines

f)      possess strong technical expertise in preparing detailed drawings, specifications, and contract documentation using industry-standard software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools)

g)    Strong understanding of departmental approval processes and the ability to manage projects through internal governance and sign-off stages

h)    have Significant relevant experience in architectural practice, preferably within the public sector or on public sector projects

i)      have an excellent understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations;

j)       Candidates should be a holder of a full driving license, Category B, free from endorsement and provide their own vehicle for use in carrying out their Council duties.

The ideal candidate is required to have a good technical knowledge base and experience of the following:

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:

Technical Experience & Practice

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of Irish Building Regulations (Parts A–M), with particular expertise in Part L (Energy) and Part M (Accessibility), ensuring full compliance across all project stages.
• Applies strong understanding of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BCAR), including Assigned Certifier requirements, inspection plans, and certification processes.
• Produces and manages detailed technical drawings, specifications, and schedules in accordance with public sector standards and guidance documents (e.g. TGD series, GCCC forms of contract).
• Leads the coordination of multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring all architectural, structural, and services information is fully integrated and compliant with statutory and client requirements.
• Demonstrates expertise in public procurement procedures, including the preparation of technical documentation for tender packages and supporting the evaluation of submissions in line with OGP guidelines.
• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modelling) in line with Irish public sector BIM mandates
• Provides technical input into feasibility studies, Part 8 planning processes, and statutory approval submissions, ensuring robust and compliant design solutions.
• Advises on material selection and detailing with a focus on whole-life cost, durability, and sustainability, supporting compliance with Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards.
• Undertakes thorough technical reviews and site inspections, identifying non-compliance, quality issues, and risks, and ensuring corrective action in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of evolving Irish construction standards, climate action targets, and public sector design guidance, integrating best practice into project delivery

Delivering Results

• Delivers capital projects on time and within budget, effectively managing priorities to meet targets.
• Progresses projects from feasibility through planning, tender, and construction, ensuring adherence to scope, quality, and statutory requirements.
• Identifies and mitigates risks to delivery, including planning constraints, cost pressures, and contractor performance issues.
• Coordinates internal teams, external consultants, and contractors to achieve key milestones and maintain project momentum.
• Applies effective contract administration under Public Works Contracts, ensuring compliance and value for money.
• Monitors site progress and quality, resolving issues promptly to ensure works are completed to specification, programme, and required standards.

Interpersonal Communications

• Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, senior management, elected members, and external stakeholders, ensuring accurate and timely information flow.
• Builds effective working relationships with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and contractors to support collaborative project delivery.
• Presents technical information in a clear, accessible manner to non-technical audiences, including reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement skills when dealing with the public, community groups, and statutory bodies, particularly during Part 8 planning processes.
• Actively listens, responds constructively to feedback, and manages conflict or differing viewpoints in a professional and solutions-focused manner.
• Produces high-quality written communications, including reports, tender documentation, and correspondence, aligned with public sector standards and governance requirements.

Personal Effectiveness

• Demonstrates strong organisational and time management skills, effectively prioritising a demanding workload across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Works on own initiative with minimal supervision, taking ownership of delivering high-quality outcomes aligned with local authority objectives.
• Shows resilience and adaptability in responding to changing priorities, policy directions, and organisational needs.
• Maintains high attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring all work complies with technical standards, governance requirements, and statutory obligations.
• Demonstrates political awareness, understanding the role of elected members and the broader local government context, and responding appropriately to sensitivities and priorities.
• Upholds professionalism, integrity, and accountability, consistently reflecting public sector values and a commitment to high-quality public service delivery.

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)         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.

* 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 full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a vehicle in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

4.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

5.     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.

* 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

1.     The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. 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.

2.     Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.  Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.   Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.  Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale.  The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €56,178 - €67,663 LSI 2

3.     Duties:

The duties of the post 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 Acts 2001 and 2014, 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 subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

·       Prepare, develop, and manage detailed architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documentation for a range of public sector projects.

·       Coordinate the design process across multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, QSs, and external consultants) to ensure fully integrated project delivery.

·       Ensure all designs comply with Irish Building Regulations, planning requirements, and statutory obligations, including BCAR.

·       Progress projects through all stages, including feasibility, Part 8 planning, departmental approvals, tender, construction, and completion.

·       Manage and navigate departmental approval processes, ensuring timely sign-off at key project stages (e.g. design approvals, budget sanction, tender stage, and contract award).

·       Liaise with senior management and relevant departments (e.g. Housing, Planning, Finance) to secure necessary approvals and ensure alignment with council priorities and procedures.

·       Assist in the preparation of tender documentation and participate in procurement processes in line with OGP and public procurement guidelines.

·       Administer contracts under Public Works Contracts (GCCC), including monitoring progress, managing variations, and reporting on performance.

·       Undertake/arrange site inspections to monitor quality, progress, and compliance with specifications, health & safety standards, and contractual requirements.

·       Liaise with contractors, consultants, statutory authorities, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain project delivery.

·       Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for senior management and elected members, clearly communicating technical and project updates.

·       Support delivery of sustainable and energy-efficient design solutions, meeting NZEB and climate action targets.

·       Maintain project records and documentation in accordance with BIM and public sector information management requirements.

·       Respond to queries from the public, tenants, and stakeholders, particularly in relation to housing and capital projects.

4. Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

5. Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunertation will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

6. Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

7. Sick Leave:

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

8. Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.