Jobs in Westmeath
Sort by: relevance | dateTechnician Grade I
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to them in relation to 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. They shall, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. They may be required to work outside the normal job description from time to time. Below are examples of the role and responsibilities of a Technician Grade I within various departments, however, the lists below are not exhaustive, and the duties may overlap or vary within each area. Holders of the office may be assigned to work in all appropriate areas within Westmeath County Council in the course of their employment. Typical work assignments would include areas such as Roads, Housing, Planning or Environment Departments. The duties of the post of Technician Grade I include, but are not limited to: • Providing technical services relevant to the area of responsibility to which he/she has been assigned, e.g. site inspection, site surveying, preparation of detailed dimensional drawings, design layout, setting out, mapping and graphics, report writing, and such other duties associated with the role; • Carry out site surveying using GPS, Total stations, Automatic Levels etc; • Possess a satisfactory knowledge of Health & Safety documentation and carry out all responsibilities in relation to Health and Safety; • Reading and reviewing maps, project drawings and plans, technical specifications, etc.; • Operating the appropriate hardware and software technology as required to carry out the work to which he/she has been assigned and be skilled in the use of AutoCAD and have a working knowledge of AutoTurn, Keylines, Maproad Pavement Management System, Prime 2, ArcGIS, MapInfo etc; • Undertaking inspections, taking records or samples and compiling reports, for example (depending on section) o Roads inspections – to verify compliance with various licenses; o Housing inspections - for the purposes of assessing planned or reactive maintenance requirements, monitoring of private rented housing standards or assessment of grant applications; o Environmental inspections – for the purposes of ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. • Assisting in the production of tender and contract documents and drawings; • Assisting in the preparation of CPO documents including Maps/Schedules/Registers; • Working on the production of documents for Part VIII Planning or other statutory applications; • Carrying out land registry searches and folio searches; • Validation of planning applications; • Assist in developing best practice procedures; • Comply with the H&S Management System and assist in its ongoing development; • Liaise with other departments, members of the public and external agencies in relation to design aspects of assigned work; • Supervision of staff/projects that may be 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 cost estimates for projects; • Acting for a Technician of a higher rank during his/her absence or as required to do so; • Carry out any other duties that may be assigned by the Senior Engineer/Chief Technician or his/her nominee 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. The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate that they have: • Satisfactory knowledge of the technical and administrative aspects of local authority work • Knowledge in AutoCAD or Civil3D including the preparation of preliminary plans, and detail design drawings • Knowledge in surveying including the principals in using GPS, total stations, and automatic levels • Strong verbal and communication skills • Self motivation with a record of demonstrating initiative and judgment in a work place environment • Experience in sampling and familiar with different sampling techniques • Knowledge and skills to undertake duties and the ability to follow and take direction • The ability to prepare and present technical reports • Possesses the ability to interpret and critically analyse scientific data • Knowledge of Health & Safety and relevant guidelines • Ability to provide support to a more senior officer as and when required • The ability to work well with colleagues, public and wider stakeholders • Ability to work well as part of a team and also to work off own initiative. • Have good organisational skills and possess technical training and experience of a high standard QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST CHARACTER 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, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms :- Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: (a) (i) have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C National Certificate Final Examination in ▪ 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. CITIZENSHIP Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa DRIVING LICENCE • Hold a current full driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent. * Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document. PARTICULARS OF POST 1. The Office Westmeath County Council is forming a panel of Technician Grade I from which permanent and/or temporary positions may be filled. This office delivers a wide range of surveys and designs to a number of sections within the Westmeath County Council and while initial responsibility will be for road design-based projects there will be an ongoing requirement to provide services to other Departments. 2. Superannuation New entrants to the Public Service as defined in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 shall be required in respect of their membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme to contribute at the rate of 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social welfare old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children) plus 3% of pensionable remuneration per pay period. Persons not deemed to be new entrants as defined in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 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 welfare old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children) and also 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. 3. 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. The current salary scale applicable to the post is :- €48,277 per annum to €53,769 per annum (maximum) €55,482 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €57,218 per annum (LSI 2) (after 6 years satisfactory service at maximum) New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016. 4. Annual Leave The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum which will increase to 29 days after 5 years service. 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 1997 and local agreements which may apply from time to time. 5. Working Hours The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week. The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations 2001. The provisions of Westmeath County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. 6. Probation There shall be a period after appointment takes effect during which the person appointed shall hold office on probation. (a) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period; (b) the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in such office is satisfactory. 7. Retirement New entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at 65 but must retire at age 70. Existing Public Servants appointed, if they became pensionable after March 2004, may retire at 65 but have no maximum age at which to retire. Existing Public servants who became pensionable prior to March 2004 may retire at 60 but must retire at age 70. 8. Driving Licence Candidates should be a holder of a full driving licence, Category “B”, and provide their own motor vehicle for use in carrying out their duties. Westmeath County Council as an employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment your licence is revoked, even temporally or if you receive endorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify the Council immediately. 9. Travel: When required to do so, holders of the post 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, Westmeath 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 Westmeath County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. 10. Training: It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. 11. Residence Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. 12. Employee Benefits Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include: • Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata) • Access to Flexi Time Scheme • A range of Family Friendly Policies • Availability of a Optical Benefit Scheme • Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme • A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave • Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council’s Social Club • State of the art office accommodation in our Civic Headquarters • Automatically entered into a pension scheme • Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council’s Employee Assistance Programme
Trainee Optical Assistant
As a Trainee Optical Assistant at Specsavers, you’ll be the friendly face at the heart of our stores working among a team of experienced professionals, delivering unmatched customer service every single day. Our team We have a wonderful team of dedicated people in our store ready and waiting for you to meet. What’s on Offer? As well as all the support you need and great training and development opportunities, we have a whole load of benefits on offer for you to enjoy. CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Optometrist
Are you an ambitious optometrist looking to keep your career moving as part of our well-established team? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience, if you’re passionate and committed to eyecare and ready to bring your best every day, you could be perfect for this role. With clinical and professional development as well as innovative equipment at your disposal, among a team of other experienced Opticians and Technicians, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Our store Based in the heart of Athlone, our store has 3 test rooms, all with the latest technology and OCT. Our team We have a wonderful team of 25 dedicated people in our store, all with a wealth of experience, all ready and waiting for you to meet. What’s on offer? As well as all the support you need and great training and development opportunities, we have a whole load of benefits on offer for you to enjoy. These include: CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Apprentice Service Advisor
Due to continued growth within the group, we are currently recruiting for a trainee Service Advisor to work in our modern Joe Duffy Athlone dealership. Joe Duffy Group is Ireland’s leading motor retailer representing 13 brands across 24 locations with a team of 650 employees and an enviable franchise portfolio of world-leading brands. In 2023, Joe Duffy Group was announced as Ireland 9th Best Employer in the Sunday Independent. Our competitive advantage is underpinned by the quality of the people we employ and the unrivalled career path we can offer. We are looking to recruit a dynamic and ambitious individual that displays drive, passion, energy, talent and integrity. This is a fantastic career opportunity to train as a Service Advisor with Ireland's largest motor retail group. Successful candidates will complete a minimum of six months structured and comprehensive training. A full and clean Irish or EU driving licence and a full-time work VISA are absolutely essential requirements for this role. Requirements: To be the focal and experienced point of contact for our Athlone customers requiring servicing or repair to their vehicles. Managing the flow of information between the workshop, the rest of the dealership and the customer, delivering excellent customer service at all times. To manage all service telephone and walk-in enquiries on behalf of the dealership. Qualify service needs and diagnose vehicle running problems where appropriate. Establish understanding and an agreement with the customer of the work to be carried out. Calculate workshop capacity insuring that all details are entered onto the service workshop loading system. Manage the handover and administration of Customer Service Vehicles. Explain the work carried out on vehicle ensuring customers full understanding and authorisation. Manage any necessary liaison with department manager regarding customer dissatisfaction. Follow up in line with dealership procedures. Understand and adhere to manufacturer brand service requirements. Maintain safe working practices and abide by the working rules and standards of the dealership. Maintain product knowledge on the full Athlone dealership range. Maintain relevant systems ensuring accuracy at all times. Likely to be/have: Impeccable appearance and well presented to work in a corporate environment. Good oral & written communication skills. Excellent organisational skills. Able to record accurately all relevant details. Ability to 'up sell' additional work / accessories. An ability to absorb and understand technical data and explain it to our customers as required. A full, clean driving licence is an essential requirement for this role We will recognise and reward your hard work, achievements and loyalty with our excellent basic salary benefits package: Employment Assistance Programme. Industry-leading training and progression plans. Bike to Work Scheme. 20 days of Annual Leave. Life cover. Active Social Club. PRSA.
Part Qualified/Qualified Accountant
Responsibilities: CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Store Manager
Our Leaders have the ambition to make our people and business grow. As a Store Manager, you are responsible for planning and achieving the sales and profit goals of the store. You lead, coach, and develop the team, promote a safe work environment, and ensure a great customer-first experience. Key responsibilities: Sales & Profit: This is a permanent position offering 39hours per week. Availability 7 days fully flexible, weekends included. This position is based in the H&M Athlone store.
Reserve Defence Forces
The Reserve Defence Forces are now accepting applications for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. We are looking for men and women from all backgrounds who enjoy working as part of a team. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 39 years of age on date of enlistment. Former members of the PDF or RDF with a minimum of one (1) years' service, can apply to join the RDF up to the age of 45 years of age. (We cannot accept applications from persons under 18 years of age). CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Re-Enlistment Permanent Defence Forces
These terms and conditions are to establish a generic framework to be applied on the occasion where former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), with particular skillsets that are not available in the PDF at that time, make an application for re-enlistment in the PDF. The re-enlistment shall only be considered in circumstances where there is a requirement, identified by the Chief of Staff, arising in terms of a deficiency in personnel, military capability or expertise in the PDF that cannot be resolved in a sustainable or timely manner from within existing personnel resources within the relevant Service or Corps. The Chief of Staff will make a recommendation to the Minister on the merits of any application, in serving to address such a deficiency in the PDF. Approval for the re-enlistment of former PDF personnel rests solely with the Minister, on the advice of the Chief of Staff. The Ministers decision in such cases shall be final. Any former enlisted member of the PDF applying for re-enlistment under these arrangements, must satisfy the following requirements: i) meet the medical classification and grading as set out in the provisions of Defence Force Regulations A12; ii) meet such educational, certification, and professional requirements for the relevant appointment to which they are to be re-enlisted; iii) applicants with more than two years’ service should have a minimum military conduct rating of ‘good’ upon previous discharge from PDF, applicants with less than two years previous service may be considered for eligibility on the basis of possessing a conduct rating of not less than ‘fair’ on discharge. iv) pass such security clearance requirements as may be determined by the Chief of Staff from time to time. Persons who are not eligible to apply include those who: • have already retired from the public service on medical grounds, or • were otherwise compulsorily retired from the PDF, or • are in receipt of a disability pension/allowance from any source, or • have a minimum potential service of not less than 6 months to serve to normal retiring age for the rank (as set out in Defence Force Regulations A10). Where the Minister approves the re-enlistment of a former enlisted member of the PDF, the following shall apply: • He/she shall be re-enlisted at the substantive rank at which he/she had retired. • Starting pay on re-enlistment will be at the corresponding point on the pay scale that was applicable immediately prior to his/her retirement1. • He/she will be required to undertake an Induction Programme, to be determined by the Chief of Staff. • The specific terms and conditions applicable under these arrangements, including rates of pay, allowances, occupational pension scheme terms and conditions, employee pension contributions, Social Insurance class, etc., will be determined on the basis of the applicant’s public service employment history to date. • The individual will be re-enlisted for an initial period of up to three years’ service (but not less than six months). Decisions regarding the period of re-enlistment to be offered rests with the Minister. • During the three year period, the individual shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for promotion to any higher rank but, without prejudice to the entitlement of others, may have access to career courses (with the exception of PNCO course) and overseas deployment (subject to selection criteria published from time to time and dependent on the duration of the enlistment). During this initial three year period of appointment, the individual will be posted to a temporary appointment. • Personnel who re-enlist under these terms and conditions will not be required to pay discharge by purchase rates if they leave of their own volition at any during their initial period of re-enlistment up to 3 years. They may, however, be subject to incur an additional specific undertaking for training provided during that period, should they undertake such training. • Two months prior to the completion of the period of enlistment and on foot of an application from the individual concerned, an extension to the period of enlistment may be offered to the individual concerned, subject to the recommendation of Chief of Staff to the Minister as to the suitability of the applicant for such appointment in terms of continuing to address a deficiency in military capability or expertise in the PDF and a suitable vacancy existing in the establishment. In reaching this decision, the Minister may take into account any other matters as he considers appropriate and reasonable in the case and his decision in such cases shall be final. • Where the individual receives the extension to the period of enlistment, and the aggregate period of re-enlistment exceeds three years, previous service in respect of that individual but excluding the aggregate period of three years served on re-enlistment will thereafter be reckonable in respect of eligibility for future promotion competitions. • The following pension(s) will be immediately subject to abatement* in accordance with the relevant Defence Forces pension scheme rules and / or Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the 2012 Act) : any Defence Forces occupational pension that is currently in payment to the applicant, or that comes into payment to him/her during the period of reemployment, and any other civil or public service occupational pension already in payment to the applicant, or that comes into payment to him/her during the period of reemployment. *Reduction, suspension or otherwise as the case may be. Further information in relation to Permanent Defence Force occupational pensions is attached at Annex A. ANNEX A PDF OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEME TERMS Members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) may qualify for occupational pension and retirement gratuity (i.e. superannuation benefits) subject to certain terms and conditions. The main defined benefits under the PDF superannuation schemes are: • occupational pension, • retirement gratuity (lump sum) or death in service gratuity, and • spouses’/civil partner’s and children’s contributory pensions. On re-joining the PDF, a person’s specific occupational pension terms will be determined under the relevant legislation based on their public service employment history to date, e.g.; • whether they were employed in a pensionable job elsewhere in the public service immediately before re-joining the PDF; or • how long they have been out of public service pensionable employment since retiring from the PDF. Note: Payment of a retired member’s existing Defence Forces pension ceases immediately from the date of re-joining the PDF, for the duration of their reenlistment. Payment will resume on the date immediately following final retirement/discharge date (see FAQ). All persons joining the public service as (post-1/1/2013) new entrants are required to pay appropriate personal pension contributions (PPC) from salary towards their superannuation benefits. As a result, PPC higher pay scales/allowances apply to enlisted personnel joining (or re-joining) the PDF on or after 1 January 2013 as members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Enlisted personnel in the PDF are also insurable for full PRSI and, on that basis, their occupational pensions are integrated with the Social Insurance code. Integration means that entitlement to the range of Social Insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the amount of occupational pension payable. Under standard public service arrangements, integration of occupational pension with the Social Insurance system begins from the time the occupational pension starts payment. The occupational pension is reduced from the start by a Social Insurance (State Pension Contributory) offset, regardless of whether the person has reached State Pension age. Integration applies to occupational pension benefits and employee pension contributions, but not to retirement lump sum. Modified integration arrangements apply to enlisted personnel under the pre-April 2004 Defence Forces pension schemes2.All public servants must also pay an Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) at appropriate rates. (The ASC replaced the ‘Pension-Related Deduction’ with effect from 1 January 2019). In general, all new entrants to the PDF and the public service who join on or after 1 January 2013 are required to be members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. For practical purposes, the main exception is where on re-joining the public service on or after 1 January 2013, a person has worked in pensionable (non-Single Scheme) public service employment in the 26 weeks immediately prior to re-joining: they will resume membership of the relevant pre2013 pension scheme – see below. For PDF members, the key provisions of membership of the Single Scheme are as follows: • It is a Public Service defined benefit scheme, based on Career-Average Earnings. • Retirement benefits – pension and lump sum – are based primarily on % of pensionable earnings throughout a person’s public service career as a Single Pension Scheme member. • The ‘vesting period’ for the Single Scheme is 24 months i.e., the minimum period of time that a person must pay into the scheme before becoming eligible for retirement benefits. • For PDF members of the Single Scheme, their compulsory retirement ages or (where applicable) upper service limits are as provided under DFRs pursuant to the Defence Acts 1954-2015. • A minimum pension age of 50 applies. This means that occupational pension and gratuity (lump sum) will not normally be payable immediately on retirement/discharge unless the person serves to age 50 with at least 2 years’ pensionable service in the Single Scheme. • Where leaving the PDF before age 50 and have the vesting period, payment of retirement benefits is normally deferred to the social insurance Contributory State Pension (CSP) age.3 • PDF members pay a 7.5% employee contribution from salary towards their Single Scheme benefits, as well as an Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) Occupational pension (but not lump sum) is subject to integration with the Social Insurance system. Different pension scheme terms may apply, where the applicant for re-enlistment: (i) has worked in a pensionable (non-Single Scheme) public service appointment/position in the 26 weeks immediately prior to re-enlistment to the PDF, or (ii) immediately before 1 January 2013 has been in pensionable employment in the Public Service and is currently on a career break or absent on special leave with/without pay. The specific (pre-2013) pension scheme terms and conditions will be determined, and offered to such applicants, on a case-by-case basis in accordance with their prior public service employment history and the relevant pension rules (including the ’40-year cap’ – see below). The provisions of the Single Scheme are fundamentally different to, and completely distinct from, pre-2013 public service pension schemes (i.e. they are mutually exclusive). If a person already holds retirement benefits from previous public service employment under pre-2013 public service pension scheme(s), they cannot transfer (aggregate) or import those benefits to/with the Single Scheme and vice versa. Where an applicant for re-enlistment already has an existing entitlement to pre-2013 public service retirement benefits, those retirement benefits remain to be administered under the provisions of those pre-2013 scheme(s). The aggregation of such previous pre-2013 pensionable service with any subsequent period of ‘pre-2013’ pensionable service following re-enlistment to the PDF, is subject to the overriding ’40-year cap’ applicable under all pre-2013 public service pension schemes. Declarations, pension-accrual, etc.: Under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, former PDF members who re-enlist will be required to declare: • any prior public service, or • any pre-existing entitlements to a Public Service retirement benefit (whether in payment or preserved), or • existing remuneration from any other Public Service employment, or • any such employment in which they received a payment-in-lieu of pension in respect of such service. CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Re-Commissioning Officers
From time to time, the Department of Defence receives correspondence from former Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel who have left the service and now wish to re-join. The purpose of these terms and conditions is to establish a generic framework to be applied on the occasion where former Officers of the PDF, with particular skillsets that are not available in the PDF at that time can make an application to be re-commissioned in the PDF. Former Officers of the Permanent Defence Force, may make an application to the Minister for Defence to be re-commissioned in the PDF. The re-commissioning shall only be considered in circumstances where there is a requirement, identified by the Chief of Staff, arising in terms of a deficiency in personnel, military capability or expertise in the PDF that cannot be resolved in a sustainable or timely manner from within existing personnel resources within the relevant Service. Persons who: • have already retired from the public service on medical grounds, or • were otherwise compulsorily retired from the PDF, or • are in receipt of a disability pension/allowance from any source, or • already retired from the public service under a Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) or Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) or similar such scheme, which specifies they are not eligible to return to employment, • have a minimum potential service of less than three (3) years to serve to normal retiring age for the rank are not eligible to apply. See below for details of other re-commissioning requirements. As former Officers are no longer members of the PDF all applications for re-commissioning must be addressed to the Minister for Defence in the first instance. When notified by the Minister of any such application the Chief of Staff will make a recommendation to the Minister on the merits of the application. The Secretary General, Department of Defence, will also be required to provide a recommendation on each application. Decisions on recommending the re-commissioning of former officers rests solely with the Minister. Any such decision shall be made on the basis of his/her determination as to the contribution the individual can make to the maintenance and sustainability of essential Defence Forces capability. The Ministers decision in such cases shall be final. Where the Minister determines that a retired officer should be re-commissioned in the context of the above, the following provisions shall apply: • He/she shall be re-commissioned at the substantive rank at which they had retired. Starting pay on re-commissioning will be at the corresponding point on the pay scale that was applicable immediately prior to his/her retirement reflecting the current rates in operation for the rank. • The specific terms and conditions applicable under these arrangements, including rates of pay, allowances, occupational pension scheme terms and conditions, employee pension contributions, Social Insurance class, etc., will be determined on the basis of the applicant's public service employment history to date. • A short service commission of three years will, initially, be offered to successful applicants for re-commissioning. Applicants should note that the President may, subject to the provisions of the Defence Act, 1954, refuse to accept the resignation of a commission or refuse to grant permission for an Officer to voluntarily retire. • During the period of the short service commission, the individual shall not be eligible to apply for or to be considered for promotion to any higher rank but, without prejudice to the entitlement of others, shall have access to career courses (not including command and staff courses) and overseas deployment. Solely during the period of the short service commission, the position will not be included in the Defence Force Regulation CS4 establishment. Six months prior to the completion of the short service commission, and on foot of an application from the officer concerned, a commission without time limitation may be offered to the officer concerned, subject to the advice of the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff. In reaching his decision, the Minister may take into account any other relevant matters as he considers appropriate and reasonable in the case and his decision in such cases shall be final. • Where a commission without time limitation has been granted, such Officers will be assigned a post within the establishment. Previous service in respect of that Officer, but excluding the period of the short service commission, will thereafter be reckonable in respect of eligibility for future promotion competitions. Any former officer applying for re-commissioning under these arrangements, must satisfy the following requirements: i) meet the medical classification and grading as set out in the provisions of Defence Force Regulations A 12; ii) meet such educational, certification, and professional requirements for the relevant appointment to which they are to be re-commissioned; iii) pass such security clearance requirements as may be determined by the Chief of Staff from time to time. The following pension(s) will be immediately subject to abatement* in accordance with the relevant Defence Forces pension scheme rules and / or Section 52 of the Public • Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the 2012 Act): ANNEX A PDF OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEME TERMS Members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) may qualify for occupational pension and retirement gratuity (i.e. superannuation benefits) subject to certain terms and conditions. The main defined benefits under the PDF superannuation schemes are: • occupational pension, • retirement gratuity (lump sum) or death in service gratuity, and • spouses'/civil partner's and children's contributory pensions. On re-joining the PDF, a person's specific occupational pension terms will be determined in the context of their public service employment history to date e.g. ; whether they were employed elsewhere in the public service immediately before re-joining the PDF; or how long they have been out of public service employment. All persons joining the public service since 6 April 1995 are required to pay personal pension contributions (PPC) towards their superannuation benefits and PPC pay scales apply in their case. They are also insurable for full PRSI and, on that basis, their occupational pensions are integrated with the Social Insurance code. Integration means that their entitlement to the range of Social Insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the amount of occupational pension payable. Under standard public service arrangements, integration of occupational pension with the Social Insurance system begins from the time the occupational pension starts payment. The occupational pension is reduced from the start by a Social Insurance (State Pension Contributory) offset, regardless of whether the person has reached State Pension age. Integration applies to occupational pension benefits and employee pension contributions, but not to retirement lump sum. The Pension Related Deduction under FEMPI provisions is payable regardless of date of joining the public service. The Public Service Pay and Pension Act 2017 provides for the conversion of the PRD into a permanent Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) from 1 January 2019. In general, all new entrants to the PDF and the public service who join on or after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme unless they: (i) have immediately preceding prior pensionable public service without a break of more than 26 weeks, or (ii) are returning under the same contract of employment. Full details of the Single Scheme are at http://singlepensionscheme.gov.ie/ For PDF members, the key provisions of membership of the Single Scheme are as follows: • Retirement benefits are based on 'career average earnings' (not final salary). • The 'vesting period' for the Single Scheme is 24 months i.e., the minimum period that a person must pay into the scheme before becoming eligible for retirement benefits. • For PDF members of the Single Scheme, their compulsory retirement ages or (where applicable) upper service limits are as provided under DFRs pursuant to the Defence Acts 1954-2011. • A minimum pension age of 50 applies. This means that occupational pension and gratuity (lump sum) will not normally be payable immediately on retirement unless the person serves to age 50 with at least 2 years' pensionable service in the Single Scheme. Where leaving the PDF before age 50, benefits are preserved and generally payable in line with, and linked to, the social welfare State Pension age (currently 66 rising to age 67 from 2021 and 68 from 2028). • A 7.5% employee superannuation contribution applies to PDF personnel regardless of rank. • Occupational pension is subject to integration with the Social Insurance system. Where the applicant: (i) has worked in a pensionable (non-Single Scheme) public service appointment in the 26 weeks immediately prior to re-appointment to the PDF, or (ii) immediately before 1 January 2013 has been and is currently on a career break or absent on special leave with/without pay from the Public Service, different pension scheme terms may apply. The specific (pre-2013) pension scheme terms and conditions will be determined, and offeredto such applicants, on a case-by-case basis in the context of their public service employment history with their prior public service employment history and the relevant pension rules (including the '40-year cap' — see below). The provisions of the Single Scheme are fundamentally different to, and completely distinct from, pre-2013 public service pension schemes (i.e. they are mutually exclusive). If a person already holds retirement benefits from previous public service employment under pre-2013 public service pension scheme(s), they cannot transfer (aggregate) or import those benefits to/with the Single Scheme and visa versa. Where an applicant already has an existingentitlement to pre-2013 public service retirement benefits, those retirement benefits remain to be administered under the provisions of those pre-2013 scheme(s). The aggregation of such previous pre-2013 pensionable service with any subsequent period of 'pre-2013' pensionable service following re-appointment to the PDF, is subject to the overriding '40-year cap' applicable under all pre-2013 public service pension schemes.. Declarations, pension-accrual, etc.: Under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, appointees will be required to declare: • any prior public service, or • any pre-existing entitlements to a Public Service retirement benefit (whether in payment or preserved), or • existing remuneration from any other Public Service employment, or • any such employment in which they received a payment-in-lieu of pension in respect of such service. In addition, the 2012 Act applies a 40-year limit on the total service that can be counted towards occupational pension where a person has been a member of more than one 'pre-2013' public service pension scheme (i.e. non-Single Scheme). This may have implications for any person who has already acquired occupational pension rights in a previous Public Service employment and, on re-joining the PDF, does not become a member of the Single Scheme. CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Groom Army Equitation School (General Service)
The Defence Forces are now accepting applications from individuals interested in a unique and rewarding career as a Groom in the Army Equitation School. Successful applicants will complete military and specialist training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to serve as a Groom in this prestigious unit. The role involves the care, management and conditioning of horses used in national and international competition by Army riders. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 39 years of age on the closing date for applications. CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
