Sports Unit Operative

Louth County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Louth County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post, from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This panel will exist for 12 months and may only be extended at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Duties of the Sports Unit Operative:

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

• Sport Unit Operative work in Dundalk Sports Centre (Dundalk), the Lourdes Stadium (Drogheda) or any other LCC owned sports facilities as required

• Maintain a clean and safe facility to National Quality standards

• Process payments

• Set up and tidy away equipment as necessary

• Take bookings on computerised booking system

• Work with other sports unit staff to deliver programmes and to assist in administration work

• Provide first aid (if qualified) where appropriate and/or required

• Deliver sports unit run programmes and activities

• Assist supervisory team in meeting sports unit objectives and delivery of work

• Operate in a safe and efficient manner

• Comply with all Louth County Council policies and procedures

• Communicate effectively with all members of the sports unit team

• Any additional duties which may be assigned from time to time

Essential Criteria

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

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.

Education, Training, Experience etc.

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

(i) Hold a National Diploma (Level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a Sports, Leisure, Recreation or Physical Activity related field or equivalent

(ii) Have experience of working in the sports industry

(iii) Have experience in the delivery of sports activities or services

(iv) Be computer literate

(v) Candidates should display enthusiasm and possess a high standard of interpersonal and organisation skills and be customer focused

(vi) Candidates should be willing to undergo ongoing training to upskill where necessary

Desirable Criteria

(i) Experience working in sports development is desirable

(ii) Ability to use social media and create media content

Particulars of Post

The Post

The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. The applicable pension scheme and retirement age will be determined on appointment based on individual candidate employment history.

Salary

Salary shall be at Light Equipment Operator Scale – currently €770.66 – €794.39 (LSI 2). Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Salary is non-negotiable outside of Circular rules.

Location of post

The post holder will be based in any of Louth County Council’s sports facilities including:

• Dundalk Sports Centre, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk

• Lourdes Athletic Stadium, Boyle O’Reilly Terrace, Drogheda

• Dundalk Athletics Track, Churchview House, Hoey’s Lane, Marshes Upper, Dundalk

Louth County Council reserves the right to assign the post holder to any council premises, now or in the future subject to reasonable notice. 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 or herself at their own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Superannuation

Officers joining the Public Service after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. A Class rate of PRSI contribution will apply. A rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory) applies, including a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.

Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 1st January 2013 and who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration. A contribution of 1.5% to the Spouses and Children’s Pension Scheme will apply.

Officers who became pensionable officers of a Public Service prior to 5th April 1995 and who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute at a rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. If an option to join a dependent scheme was made, a contribution of 1.5% applies to a Dependents Pension Scheme.

Retirement

Retirement is dependent on the superannuation scheme you become a member of and details will be made available upon appointment.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before appointment, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded.

Probation

Where a person who is not already a permanent officer of Louth County Council is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• There will be a probationary period of 9 months from date of employment

• The Chief Executive may at their discretion extend this period

• The person shall cease to hold office at the end of the probation period unless service is certified as satisfactory

Residence

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

Sick Leave

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

Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement for the position will be 25 days per annum. Louth County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1977 (as amended).

Start date

The successful candidate must take up their appointment not more than 6 weeks from original offer. Failure to do so may result in the Council not proceeding with the appointment.

Recruitment Process

All applications must be typed and the form filled out in full. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted.

Short-listing

Where applications exceed the number required, Louth County Council reserves the right to shortlist. Short-listing may take the form of desk-top short-listing or preliminary interview. Submission of an application is regarded as consent to share information for recruitment purposes.

Reference

Each candidate must provide names and addresses of two responsible persons (not related). Where applicants are or have been in employment, at least one referee must be a current or former employer. References may be sought at any stage.

Vetting

Garda vetting is required for certain roles within Louth County Council. Failure to complete vetting may prevent employment. An unsatisfactory Garda declaration may result in withdrawal of employment. Where vetting becomes required after appointment, the Council reserves the right to terminate employment in the event of an unsatisfactory declaration.