Traffic/Litter Warden

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Requirements

A Traffic/Litter Warden is a member of a multi-disciplinary team of front line service employees based in one of the Council’s three Municipal Districts which deliver a wide variety of key local authority services in the heart of communities. Services include transportation and traffic management, delivery of social housing and other key infrastructure, environmental works, recreation and amenity facilities and general community development.  Local Authorities also play a major role in supporting economic development and enterprise promotion at local level.

Whilst the Traffic/Litter Warden has specific responsibility for the enforcement of a variety of legislation including Road Traffic, Litter Pollution and Casual Trading Acts and Regulations, the role also entails working closely with a wide range of local authority stakeholders in the Municipal District including businesses, schools, tidy towns committees, resident associations and other community groups. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated adaptable and flexible person capable of acting on their own initiative, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services. Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of:

·       Local authority services, its key stakeholders and relationships

·       Local government structures and the role of Elected Members

·       Key legislation relating to road traffic and litter legislation

·       Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplace

·       Importance of fostering and maintaining wide ranging productive working relationships both internally and externally to the organisation

·       Good Public Service values

The ideal candidate should also have a good experience, knowledge and proven track record in the following:

·       Dealing with customers and members of the public

·       Working with others as part of a team and taking direction from a supervisor

·       Operating standard office ICT systems, packages and equipment

·       Administration and record keeping

·       Report writing

·       Prioritising work effectively

·       Making timely decisions

·       Acting on own initiative

Duties

·       Managing and dealing with conflict to patrol an area of the County as assigned in accordance with Road Traffic Acts, traffic and parking by-laws, Litter Pollution Acts and any other such appropriate legislation and regulations.

·       To be fully conversant with Road Traffic legislation, on-street and off-street parking by-laws and any other legislation appropriate to the duties of the post.

·       To issue “On-the-Spot” fines when there are infringements of the Road Traffic legislation and parking by-laws including disc parking regulations.

·       Use all information and communications technology as directed in relation to any duty associated with the post including issue of tickets, recording of data, maintaining of records, preparation of reports etc.

·       To carry out duties of Litter Warden and be fully conversant with the Litter Pollution Acts, by-laws and other appropriate legislation.

·       To arrange for the systematic removal of abandoned vehicles in consultation with the Environment Department and Gardai.

·       To patrol designated “casual trading” areas and report breaches of same.

·       To liaise with community groups and residents' associations to include the distribution of materials for general clean-up of estates.

·       To co-operate in anti-litter campaigns arranged by Offaly County Council, local association, schools, etc., when directed.

·       To approach traders and owners of shops and other public places which generate litter to improve conditions in the vicinity of such places.

·       To assist in the promotion of environmental awareness in the County and to bring to the attention of the public the need for their co-operation in keeping their environment tidy and litter free.

·       To carry out inspections of open spaces including parks, playgrounds and greenways and to prepare appropriate reports in relation to same.

·       To liaise with staff in any section of the local authority as may be required from time to time in the course of duty.

·       Report instances of relevant signage or litter bins not being maintained in a proper manner or which have been the subject of vandalism or damage.

·       Report instances of unauthorised dumping to relevant personnel.

·       Keep senior management advised on all relevant matters which may be of importance in the Municipal District interest of the County Council and to liaise with other relevant sections of the Council on works and emergencies.

·       To write clear and concise reports, when required in connection with any duty associated with the post.

·       To keep accurate records of offences as required for the purpose of court proceedings, to liaise closely with any other relevant staff in the preparation of evidence and to attend Court and give evidence, when required.

·       To comply with Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and Offaly County Council’s Safety Management Systems at all times and to assist in ensuring appropriate record keeping.

·       To wear required uniform when on duty.

·       Maintain time and attendance records and systems in line with organisational policies and procedures.

·       To be helpful and courteous to the public at all times.

·       To undergo training from time to time.

·       To participate in the local authority Performance Management Development System (PMDS).

·       To provide cover for holiday/sick leave for other colleagues, as required on occasions including cover in other Municipal Districts.

·       Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.

·       Perform duties outside normal working hours where organisational needs demand.

·       Carry out duties in a politically neutral and impartial manner that enhances public trust and confidence in the local authority decision making process

·       Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Competencies

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 the following specific areas: -

Relevant Experience:

·       Delivering front line customer services

·       Dealing with difficult customers

·       Administration and report writing

·       Working under pressure and managing conflict

·       Meeting compliance requirements and deadlines

·       Awareness of key health, safety and welfare at work legislation

Decision Making:

·       Organising, planning, and prioritising workloads

·       Acting on own initiative when required

·       Demonstrating good judgement

·       Understanding the central issue of a problem and arriving at the best solution

Interpersonal Communications:

·       Delivering a message in a clear and coherent fashion

·       Ability to keep calm under pressure

·       Portraying a positive customer service ethos at all times

·       Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders

·       Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing at all times

Team Work:

·       Positively contributing to teams and workgroups

·       Understanding the importance of good group dynamics

·       Ability to listen and take instructions

·       Flexibility and willingness to embrace change

Personal Effectiveness:

·       Resilience and Personal Well-Being

·       Understanding of the role being applied for including knowledge of the key legislation relevant to the specified duties

·       Integrity, Ethics, and Public Service Values

·       Loyalty to the organisation

·       Personal Motivation and Initiative

·       Understanding the local authority sector generally and the role of the Elected Member

Qualifications

1. Character:

Each candidate must be of good character.

2.  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.

3. Education and Experience:

Each candidate must have a good standard of education to enable him/her to efficiently perform his/her duties and must be capable of writing clear and concise reports and keeping records on matters pertaining to the duties of post.

4.Driving Licence:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, hold a full valid driving licence for Class B vehicles.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post:

The post is whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill both permanent and temporary positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

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 as of 01/01/2024 is -

€720.81

€721.19

€724.49

€726.57

€728.41

€730.33

€732.37

€734.26

€736.31

€738.55

€740.48

€742.67

€744.73

Work Base:

Initial assignment will be to Tullamore Municipal District, 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.

Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty- nine 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 remuneration 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 and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Sick Leave:

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

Probation:

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

Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.

Persons who commenced Public Sector Employment prior to 1st January 2013:

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme

Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Uniform

The Traffic/Litter Warden will be required to wear a uniform provided by the Local Authority.

Travel:

The holder of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles. At the discretion of the Council a vehicle may be provided for undertaking duties and in this event, no allowance will be payable. You will be required to drive such vehicles as the Council may require in the performance of your duties.

When required to do so, holders of the post shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Offaly County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Offaly County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

Taking Up Appointment:

The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.