Technician Grade I (Environment)

THE ROLE

The Technician Grade I (Environmental) supports the delivery of environmental services within Cork City Council, assisting in monitoring, inspection, technical analysis and reporting activities across areas such as waste management, water quality and environmental protection. The role involves fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to regulatory compliance and the implementation of environmental policies and programmes. The post holder works as part of a multidisciplinary team and engages with internal departments, external agencies, and the public to support environmental objectives and service delivery.

DUTIES

Duties for the post of Technician Grade I (Environmental) will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administrative and Operational Support

• Carry out general administrative duties including handling queries, maintaining records, inputting information, and answering telephone calls.

• Use IT systems including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and internet applications.

• Prepare data and information for line managers and colleagues.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

• Support line managers and colleagues in delivering services and projects.

• Work as part of a team to deliver environmental services.

Environmental Monitoring, Inspection and Fieldwork

• Carry out environmental inspections relating to air, noise, waste, and water.

• Take samples of groundwater, surface water, leachate, and landfill gas.

• Carry out site visits and fieldwork in a range of environments and conditions.

• Use, maintain and calibrate environmental monitoring and sampling equipment.

• Carry out laboratory work for water and wastewater analysis.

• Complete safety-related work and reporting.

• Support compliance with environmental legislation, licences, permits and Council procedures.

Technical Assessment and Analysis

• Assess contaminated ground and aquifer reports.

• Interpret chemical analysis results for groundwater, surface water and leachate.

• Analyse groundwater monitoring data and trigger levels.

• Review groundwater modelling reports.

• Assist in preparing technical reports and environmental documentation.

• Assist in preparing Annual Environmental Reports.

Waste Management and Environmental Protection

• Support waste enforcement and environmental protection activities.

• Liaise with Council staff and the Regional Waste Management Office on the National Waste Management Plan for the Circular Economy.

• Investigate and respond to environmental and waste complaints.

• Liaise with private businesses, contractors, and site operators on environmental matters.

• Support environmental sustainability and improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Respond to queries from members of the public and provide information.

• Liaise with other Local Authorities, Government Departments and statutory agencies (e.g. EPA).

• Prepare and present reports to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow Health and Safety legislation and Council policies.

• Assist in preparing risk assessments and safe systems of work.

• Ensure safe working practices during inspections, sampling and fieldwork.

General Responsibilities

• Deputise for the facility manager or more senior staff when required.

• Carry out other duties assigned from time to time.

• Contribute to service improvement and the development of the role.

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved. Accordingly, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post, as may be assigned from time to time, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the role while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

(a) Have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C National Certificate Final Examination in Science in Applied Biology, or in Science in Applied Chemistry,

Or

Hold an equivalent qualification,

And

(b) Have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience after attaining the qualification concerned,

Or

(c) (i) Have satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level, or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

And

(ii) Have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level or in an analogous post,

Or

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

(d) Possess adequate training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong capability in the following competencies:

Delivering Results

Personal Performance

Personal Effectiveness

• Have satisfactory experience in a science-related role.

• Holders of the office may be required to drive a car in the course of their duties and therefore are required to hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles free from disqualifications.

• Possess appropriate ICT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and other software relevant to specific project work.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to undertake the duties of the post, including the ability to:

Follow direction and instructions

Organise and prioritise work effectively

Work effectively with the public and colleagues

Demonstrate flexibility in their approach to work

Communicate clearly and concisely

Salary

The salary scale for the post is:

€49,260 - €49,998 - €50,968 - €51,944 - €52,923 - €53,925 - €54,850 - €56,597 (LSI 1) - €58,368 (LSI 2)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

Hours of Duty

The standard working week is 35 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, require evening or weekend work.

Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.