Táin Trail Officer

The Táin Trail is a long-distance route spanning counties Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Louth, inspired by the epic tale Táin Bó Cúailnge.

A project is underway to transform the Trail into a co-ordinated visitor experience. The Re-imagined Táin Trail has adopted a chapter-based approach and aims to develop connected visitor experiences across the region, encouraging longer stays, repeat visits and stronger regional engagement.

The project is community-led, supporting local areas to interpret and share the Táin story while building sustainable tourism and economic opportunities along the Trail, delivering benefits for local communities.

The Táin Trail Officer will act as Project Manager for the Re-imagined Táin Trail, leading delivery across multiple organisations and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will:

• Drive programme delivery
• Build partnerships
• Lead marketing and communications
• Support community engagement and tourism development

The role is both strategic and operational, requiring strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.

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, Local Government and Heritage. This panel will exist for 12 months and may only be extended at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Essential CriteriaCharacter

Each candidate must 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, Experience, etc.

Essential:

• A relevant third-level qualification (Level 8) in areas such as:
• Relevant experience working in tourism, heritage management, community projects or outdoor recreation
• Full clean driving licence and access to own vehicle

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Táin Bó Cúailnge and the region associated with the trail
• Experience with funding applications or project delivery
• Event management and/or digital marketing

Assessment Procedure

Candidates will have to demonstrate from their application form, to the satisfaction of a short-listing board, that they possess sufficient skills and experience in the competencies listed below in order to be called for interview.

• Leading & Motivating
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Managing Resources

Candidates short-listed for interview will then be assessed at the interview stage under the three competencies listed above in addition to Local Government Knowledge and Understanding.

Leading & Motivating

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise
• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team
• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives
• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required, including managing underperformance
• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of the team
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments and changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise, weighing up a range of critical factors
• Takes account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions
• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions
• Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these
• Puts forward solutions to address problems

Managing Resources

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives
• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time
• Structures and organises their own work and others' work effectively
• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available
• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required
• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation
• Applies appropriate systems and processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs
• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering a high-quality customer service for internal and external customers

Local Government Knowledge and Understanding (To be assessed at Interview stage)

• Demonstrates knowledge of the structure and functions of local government
• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues and advocates practical approaches to addressing them
• Demonstrates a clear and realistic view of future trends and strategic direction of local government
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of a Táin Trail Officer in this context

DutiesTourism & Economic Development

• Support development of co-ordinated tourism products, developing events, festivals, walking tours, educational initiatives and visitor experiences across the five counties
• Engage with businesses and stakeholders to develop visitor packages and trail-related products

Project & Programme Management

• Lead the implementation of the Re-imagined Táin Trail development programme, including the strategic actions outlined by the Táin Trail Steering Group
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities and manage project budgets where applicable
• Foster and manage community and stakeholder engagement, acting as the key liaison between:
• Develop and support heritage tourism and community-led initiatives, bringing local stories and heritage to the fore as part of the Táin Trail narrative
• Work with historians, archaeologists, artists and cultural practitioners to develop interpretive content, ensuring accurate, high-quality interpretation of the Táin story and associated heritage sites
• Develop the trail, including trail routes and access, signage and wayfinding, and visitor infrastructure
• Maintain records, maps, asset lists and performance data for the trail
• Facilitate meetings, workshops and consultations
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, safety guidelines and sustainability objectives
• Monitor and report on project progress to the Táin Trail Steering Group and Local Authorities

Marketing & Communications

• Develop the Táin Trail brand and marketing strategy, promoting the Trail as a destination
• Manage and monitor the website, digital platforms, social media and public relations activities
• Represent the Trail at events, conferences and tourism showcases

The successful candidate may be required to undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be assigned from time to time. These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and carried out under general guidance.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong project coordination, leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement ability
• Knowledge of Irish heritage, mythology, archaeology or cultural tourism
• Ability to work collaboratively across sectors and communities
• Strong report writing and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and initiative-driven approach
• Digital literacy (mapping, content management and social media awareness)

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

The salary scale for the position of Senior Staff Officer is:

€58,474–€71,437 (LSI 2) gross per annum.

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL.02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1 January 2011 will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

Travel and Subsistence

Travel, subsistence and mileage claims will be payable in line with normal departmental rates and guidelines.

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 the date of employment
• The Chief Executive may, at his or her discretion, extend this period
• You shall cease to hold office at the end of the probationary period unless, during this period, the Chief Executive has certified that your service is satisfactory

Location of Post

The position will initially be based in Louth County Council, but there will be requirements to work and travel to the partnership local authorities to engage with communities, stakeholders and develop trail stories in each of the participating counties. Occasional evening or weekend work will be required for events and community engagement.

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, at his/her own expense, the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

SuperannuationA.

Officers joining the Public Service after 1 January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. A Class A rate of PRSI contribution will apply. A rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC)). This includes a contribution to a Spouse's and Children's Scheme.

OR

B.

Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 1 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 their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of the net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the rate of State Pension Contributory (SPC)). You will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% of your pensionable remuneration to the Spouses' & Children's Pension Scheme.

OR

C.

Officers who became pensionable officers of the Public Service prior to 5 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 their pensionable remuneration. If an option to join a dependent scheme was made, you will be required to contribute at a rate of 1.5% to a Dependents Pension Scheme.

Retirement

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

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo at his/her 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 to the candidate.

Residence

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

References

Applicants are required to provide the names of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related (at least one referee should be an existing or former employer).

In advance of any offer of employment, Louth County Council reserves the right to seek both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The Council reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.

Hours of Work

The working hours at present provide for a five-day, thirty-five-hour working week. A flexible working hours system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Flexitime Policy. This role will involve occasional out-of-hours work during evenings and weekends to facilitate attendance at events and community engagement.

Sick Leave

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