Technician Grade I

THE COMPETITION

Laois County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the role of Technician Grade I from which permanent, specific purpose, fixed term, temporary and where applicable Acting-up vacancies may be filled.

THE ROLE

The Technician Grade 1 is a key support position within the council and is assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional area as required. The Technician Grade 1 will work under the direction and management of the Executive Technician or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Senior Executive Officer, Senior Engineer or Director of Services as appropriate. The role involves supporting managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in meeting work goals and objectives and delivering quality services to internal and external customers.

The role requires a clear knowledge and understanding of local authority services and its key stakeholders and relationships, local government structures and its democratic role and mandate, current local government issues, future trends and strategic direction of the sector.

Successful applicants may be assigned to any service area/role within the local authority by the Chief Executive at any time.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

 

1.       CHARACTER:

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.       HEALTH:

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render an efficient service. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination carried out by the Council’s Occupational Medical advisor prior to appointment. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate.

3.       EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE ETC.:

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

(a)             (i) Have passed the NCEA/HETAC National Certificate Final Examination in the following: -

-        Civil Engineering or

-        Geo-surveying or

-        Construction Studies or

-        Construction Studies in Building Maintenance or

-        Construction Studies in Architectural Graphics or

-        hold an equivalent qualification, and

Have at least three years satisfactory experience after attaining the qualification concerned

Or

(ii) 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

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.

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

(c)          Hold a current full driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving Licence.

In addition, it is desirable that each candidate have at least 2 years satisfactory experience in: -

-        GIS Software such as ESRI ArcGIS

-        Autodesk’s AutoCAD and/or Microstation CAD software

-        Microsoft Office Suite of Applications, especially Access, Excel and PowerPoint

-        Planning and execution of surveys for mapping etc.

-         Desktop publishing software such as InDesign

 

The Ideal Candidate Shall:

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate through their application form and at the interview, that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

·       Good professional technical knowledge and skills

·       Ability to prepare and present technical reports

·       Ability to work independently or within multi-disciplinary teams

·       Ability to work on his/her own initiative

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

·       Good organisational skills

·       A background in civil/construction/building services

·       Good IT and presentation skills including a working knowledge of CAD, Access database and Microsoft Office

·       Proficiency in G.I.S.

·       Good understanding of safety management in the workplace including Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations

Key Duties:

The main duties and responsibilities of the role of Technician Grade I include but are not limited to the following: -

You shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to you in relation to your employment and as may be appropriate to any particular function of any local authority for which the Chief Executive is responsible and carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of your duties. You shall, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. You may be required to work outside your normal job description from time to time.

The duties of the post of Technician Grade I include, but not limited to:

·       Providing technical services relevant to the area of responsibility to which he/she has been assigned for example: - site inspections, site surveying, preparation of detailed dimensional drawings, design layout, mapping and graphics, report writing, project tendering and such other duties associated with the role

·       Estimating project technical or resource requirements

·       Preparation of Health & Safety documentation for works

·       Reading and reviewing maps, project drawings and plans, technical specifications, etc

·       Operating the appropriate technology as required to carry out the work to which he/she has been assigned e.g. CAD, Map Info, Graphics, Microsoft Office

·       Working as part of a team

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

·       Preparation of public consultation display material and assistance with public consultation requirements

·       Managing work files and providing progress reports

·       Supervision of staff/projects assigned to him/her

·       Contributing to individual staff development, personal development and team development initiatives

·       Being accountable for efficient and effective processing of work assigned to him/her

·       Assisting with the preparation of estimates

·       Undertaking of any duties related to the assigned role such as, but not limited to, validation of planning applications and assessment of fees

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

·       The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by the council.

Competencies for the Post:

Candidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates at the interview will be questioned on at least some of the indicators listed below under each competency. Candidates at interview must achieve a minimum 50% of the total marks available in each of the competencies to qualify for inclusion on a panel.

Strategic 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

Have 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

Motivate 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 effectively to individuals and groups.

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

Be 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.

 

THE PRINCIPAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.        PARTICULARS:

The position is whole time, permanent and pensionable.

The Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any department now or in the future

2.         PROBATION:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of this local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a)         There shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position on probation

(b)        Such period shall be ten months but the Chief Executive may, at his/her discretion, extend such period

(c)         Such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory

(d)        There will be ongoing assessments during the probationary period. Employment may be terminated by either party during probation or at the end of the probationary period on one week’s notice.

3.         REMUNERATION:

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

The current annual pay-scale (as per EL 07/2025) is: €48,780 - €57,790 LSI2

In accordance with EL02/2011 starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.

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

4.         DUTIES:

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the employees from time to time by the local authority and shall include the duty of deputizing for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to the area of any other local authority.

5.         SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidates will initially be assessed to ensure that they meet the minimum specified eligibility criteria for the position.

a.   Shortlisting

Shortlisting may apply based on the information supplied on application forms and the requirements of

the position as set out. It is expected that given the qualifications and experience of prospective

applicants the short-listing requirements may be significantly higher than the minimum qualifications

and experience requirements set out for the post.

b. Competitive Interview

Selection of candidates for appointment shall be by means of a competitive interview, conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The Council is committed to a process of selection on merit, based on fair and open competition. The criteria for judging suitability and ranking will be related directly to the qualifications, attributes and skills required to undertake the duties and responsibilities to the standard required in the post.

c. Panels

Following completion of interviews, panels may formed as described on page 2, the duration of which is at the discretion of the Council. While a panel remains in force, offers of temporary or permanent employment may be made subject to confirmation of qualifications and satisfying clauses in relation to health, character, or other requirements of the particular post. Persons to whom an offer of employment is made must take up duty within 1 month from the date of offer, or such extended period as the Council may agree, otherwise, the Council may decide not to appoint them.

d. References/Documentary Evidence

Each candidate may be required to submit as references the names and addresses of two responsible persons to whom is well known to them but not related. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

6.     RETIREMENT AGE:

The Single Public Service Pension Scheme (“Single Scheme”) as provided by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 commenced with effect from 1st January 2013. The act introduces new pension and retirement provisions for new entrants to the public service appointed on or after 1st January 2013. Pension age set initially at 66 years; this will rise in step with statutory changes in the SPC age to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years in 2028. With effect from the 26/12/2018, the compulsory retirement age of 70 applies [Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018]. Otherwise the retirement age of the relevant Scheme applies.

It should be noted that candidates who are in receipt of a Public Service Pension and are re-hired in any

paid capacity by a Public Service Body may be liable to have their pension abated.

Prior to appointment successful candidates will be obliged to complete a Declaration in relation to previous Public Pensionable Employment.

7.     RESIDENCE:

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

8. SUPERANNUATION:

The superannuation contributions of relevant scheme will apply.

9. ANNUAL LEAVE:

The annual leave entitlement for the position of Technician Grade 1 is 30 days per annum

10. SICK LEAVE:

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

11. Right to Information and Review:

The Council is committed to offering feedback and information to candidates. Any candidate who wishes to do so may request to have a decision or the process reviewed. Any such request must be submitted in writing, stating the grounds of the request and this must be submitted to hr@laoiscoco.ie within five working days of the date of notification of a relevant decision.

12. Confidentiality:

Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, applications will be treated in strict confidence.

13. Other:

Appointments to the Council are subject to satisfactory checks with regard to references, qualifications, medical examinations, and Garda Vetting, as applicable.