Council jobs
Sort by: relevance | dateFitness Advisor
Salary: Scale 5 SCP 14-19 £29,540 - £32,061 per annum, pro rata for part time staff (full time equivalent is based on 37 hours per week) JOB PURPOSE: Committing to the one-team ethos, you will be flexible and collaborative and you will actively support all colleagues and other activities necessary to deliver the service objectives. As a Fitness Advisor, you will implement the Council’s Fitness, Education, Rehabilitation, Nutrition (FERN) Strategy and Plans, both inside and outside of the gym environment. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide support, guidance and encouragement to gym users on how to use equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable fitness session. Provide customer inductions, exercise programmes and instruction on all aspects of fitness. Monitor programmes and performance of all customers using the NAP model (Name, Aspiration and Performance) within the gym environment. Make all customers feel welcome and comfortable and ensure they are benefiting from the services provided in the gym or centre. Conduct facility tours. Clean and perform daily checks on equipment and complete associated records. Organise and deliver systems and events to enhance the social aspect of physical activity and the centre, helping to create an atmosphere where people interact and feel a sense of belonging. Actively engage with customers to maximise retention of members and users. Deliver presentations and talks at external locations to community groups of all ages and abilities to promote healthy living and well-being and transfer knowledge in these areas to positively impact citizens’ lifestyles (FERN). Working with GP referral colleagues as required, participate in the GP Referral Scheme and other public health initiatives and deliver FERN advice to customers who are recovering from poor health and injury. Deliver nutrition information to customers, as trained and appropriate, to make a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Assist with the processing of centre memberships. Conduct exit interviews and surveys with leaving members to understand issues around customer retention. Promote and or sell all products and activities within the centre and within the Leisure Services portfolio. Remain fully conversant with all emergency procedures and take part in emergency situations, providing emergency care as required. Provide cover for exercise class instructors, as required. Be flexible and collaborative and actively support all colleagues and other activities or processes which impact on the performance of the centre. Qualifications and training: • A recognised Fitness (Level 2) qualification. • A recognised relevant coaching or group exercise qualification. • GP referral qualification. Experience: • One year’s experience in each of the following: ▪ Working directly with the public within a customer-facing capacity. ▪ Maintaining accurate records. ▪ Completing facility or equipment checks. Key skills, knowledge and attributes: • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Ability to achieve positive results through influencing and interpersonal skills. • Customer care skills. • Ability to work as part of a team. • Ability to work on own initiative. • Ability to handle sensitive or difficult situations appropriately. • Competent in the use of IT. • Understanding of health and safety requirements. • Flexible approach to work demands. Working arrangements and flexibility: 19 hours per week. The post holder will be required to work outside normal hours, including bank holidays, evenings and weekends.
Driver
Purpose and Function of Post To drive a range of vehicles as required within the Neighbourhood Operations section and to complete a range of vehicle checks as required. To work as team leader ensuring the collection and removal of recyclables, household, industrial and commercial waste, including bulky items from various locations. Carry out street cleaning duties throughout the District. To work on your own as a driver of a side loading “one armed” refuse collection vehicle (OAV). The post holder will also provide flexible and effective cover across a range of Council services delivered by the Neighbourhood Operations Section. Hours: 37 hrs per week Mon – Thurs 7.30am – 3.30pm & Friday 7.30am - 3.00pm. Must be able to work outside normal working hours as and when required i.e., overtime, early mornings, evenings, as well as weekend / public holiday working . This recruitment exercise will be used to fill Refuse, Recycling and Street Cleansing Operative vacancies that may arise within the Mid Ulster District i.e. including Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt (full-time, part-time, permanent & temporary). A Driving Assessment will form part of the selection process. Applicants must undertake a minimum of 35 hours driver CPC training during a five-year period to maintain their entitlement to drive. The successful candidate(s) will be required to undertake training on the operation of the Council’s OAV’s and achieve competence in operating this type of vehicle on a typical OAV route within 6 months of commencement. The post holder will only be established in post i.e., made permanent upon completion of a satisfactory 6-month probationary period which will include competence in OAV operation. The Council may retain a list of reserve candidates arising from this recruitment campaign, for any vacancies which may arise which are the same or similar and are of an equal grade of pay. This list will be valid for 12months. “Another similar vacancy” is defined as a post with a similar job description and person specification and on the same salary scale, which may be in a different department or duration to the vacancy initially advertised. Another similar vacancy does not include posts where the similarity relates solely to the salary scale.
Seasonal General Operatives
Wages: Scale 1: SCP 3 - 5 £12.85 - £13.26 per hour The Council applies the Living Foundation Wage of £13.45 per hour to applicable grades Wages will be paid on a monthly basis. Main Purpose of Job: To work individually or as part of a team in undertaking a range of general environmental work, including grass cutting, grounds maintenance, horticulture, refuse collection including wheelie bins and food caddies, waste disposal, and litter collection. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Essential Criteria: Please provide evidence of any skills, qualities, or experience relevant to any of the below: a) Refuse collection b) Litter collection and responsibility for keeping an outdoor area clean and tidy c) Grass cutting, horticultural and grounds maintenance experience in a medium to large scale setting, including the use of strimmers and ride-on grounds machinery d) General maintenance of buildings or outdoor areas, e.g. paths, parks, etc. e) Cleaning or maintenance of toilets used by the public Effective communication skills and experience of dealing with members of the public Availability to work weekends and public holidays Desirable Criteria: Hold a valid UK Driving Licence, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Licence, or other machine operator licence with relevant experience.
Retained Firefighter
Qualifications 1. Character: Each applicant must be of good character. 2. Age: Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 55 years on the closing date for receipt of application forms. Any candidate who reaches the age of 55 years prior to appointment will cease to be eligible for appointment on the result of this competition. 3. Education: On the closing date for receipt of completed applications, each candidate must: (a) have obtained a good standard of general education. (b) hold a full Class B driver's license. 4. Health: Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for a successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination (which may include x-ray, physical fitness test and/or other special tests), and any further medical examinations required during his/her employment with the Fire Service, by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. Candidates shall be required to submit details of their medical history to the Council's medical advisor. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Failure to successfully complete the medical may necessitate release from the Fire Service. 5. Garda Vetting: Each candidate will be required to co-operate with a Garda vetting procedure. The successful candidate must have Garda clearance. 6. 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. Please Note Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview, a basic numeracy/literacy test and a practical assessment, conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. Conditions of Employment 1. The employment is part-time and will be probationary for 6 months following appointment. 2. Age: A Fire-fighter must submit a birth certificate to the County Council as proof of age before they are engaged as a recruit. 3. On reaching 55 years of age, or sooner if found to be medically unfit, a Firefighter shall cease to be a Firefighter. The maximum age limit of 55 years may be lowered by the County Council should the normal age for retirement in employment generally be lowered and in such case, the age lower than 55 years shall apply. Fire-fighters who would be physically capable of working beyond age 55 have the option to continue working for a defined limited period (subject to compulsory medical assessment, on an annual basis). The extended optional period would be to age 58. No Retained Fire-fighter shall be employed beyond age 58, in accordance with the Report of the Expert Group on retirement age for Retained Firefighters (April 2003). 4. Rostering: Firefighters shall participate in any rostering arrangements as agreed. 5. A Firefighter must attend and satisfactorily complete each of the following courses during his/her probationary period or such longer time as the Council decides: (a) Retained Recruit Firefighters Course AND (b) Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course AND (c) Any other course that the County Council may consider necessary. One repeat course will be provided should any Firefighter fail on the first attempt. Failure to successfully complete the repeat course(s) will result in the termination of the Firefighter’s employment. Some or all of the above courses will be held at a recognised training centre which may or may not be situated locally. Drill fees will be paid at the current hourly rate for Firefighters during training. 6. A Firefighter must reside and work within 2.5 kms of the Fire Station. In addition, on receipt of an alert a Firefighter must be able to attend at the Fire Station within five minutes. A Firefighter, rostered on duty, must remain within convenient proximity of the Fire Station. Failure to respond promptly to fire or other calls shall, at the discretion of the County Council, result in termination of service. A Firefighter shall notify the Fire Authority in writing of any subsequent changes of residence or place of employment. A change of residence or place of employment that would place the Firefighter outside these limits will mean automatic termination of employment. A Firefighter shall be required to report for duty to the Fire Station in its present location, or in the event of change of location to such new location as may be decided by the Fire Authority. Changes in the location of the Fire Station will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. 7. It shall be necessary for Firefighters to be released from their normal employment, on any occasion that attendance at fires or other emergencies shall be required. Written evidence from the employer as to availability must be provided and the County Council in its sole discretion shall decide as to whether the availability as so evidenced is acceptable. Self-employed persons must provide written evidence as to availability. Such written evidence must cover a candidate’s availability for initial training and on recruitment for fire and other calls, drills, training, and such other duties which he/she may be required by the County Council to perform. If the County Council deems his/her attendance to be unsatisfactory, it may terminate his/her service. 8. Absence from training or fire calls without good reason will lead to disciplinary proceedings which may include suspension without pay and dismissal from the Fire Service. 9. All Firefighters joining the Fire Service after the 15th June 1996 will, as a condition of their employment, operate and be remunerated in accordance with the revised working practices introduced on the basis of the report of the Wexford Fire Services Working Group (November 1995) and the findings of the Arbitrator, Mr. John O'Connell, dated 14th June 1996 and will be subject to Composite Agreement of August 1999. This condition will apply whether or not the changes proposed have been introduced on the date of appointment. 10. Firefighters are required to attend Fire Service Training Programmes which will include: • Regular or weekly training sessions • The training itemised at 5 above • Full day training session or major emergency exercises • Other training arranged by the Chief Fire Officer including training courses outside County Wexford • It shall be necessary for each Firefighter to undertake driving instructions for fire brigade appliances, as and when decided by the employer in order to qualify as a Category C driver 11. A Firefighter shall be available at all times when required for attendance at fires or other incidents. 12. Firefighters will be called to attend fires in a manner to be decided by the Chief Fire Officer which may include the following: (a) Pocket Alerter Firefighters will co-operate in reasonable measures designed to facilitate call out. In particular, each Firefighter shall carry a Fire Service pocket alerter at all times and it shall be his/her responsibility to ensure that it is kept in proper working order. 13. When required, a Firefighter will substitute for any other Firefighter absent through sickness, annual leave or any other reason. 14. A Firefighter shall be responsible for items of personal equipment issued to him/her in connection with his/her employment. 15. Firefighters are issued with personal protective clothing as listed below: a) one firefighters helmet b) two pairs of firefighters boots c) two firefighters tunics d) two pairs of firefighters pants e) two pairs of firefighters gloves f) two flash hoods Firefighters shall ensure that all personal protective clothing issued is maintained to a satisfactory standard.
Lifeguard
Qualifications 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Each candidate shall be free from any defect of disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold the employment and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. Education/ experience, etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: - (a) Hold a current pool Irish Water Safety lifeguard award or equivalent (b) Be able to display a proficiency in resuscitation, swimming ability and rescue techniques. (c) Have excellent communication and customer care skills. Fluency in the English language is essential. (d) Have ability to adapt to new processes/procedures and to undergo any training that is required. Please supply copies of any relevant Certificates you may have with the application form. 4. 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. 5. AGE Candidates must be 18 years of age or over on the date of appointment of lifeguard. Desirable Criteria Previous Lifeguard experience Irish Water Safety Assistant Swim Teacher Award or equivalent POOL LIFEGUARD DUTIES The person employed shall be required to carry out duties as may from time to time be assigned to them in relation to their 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 duties. The Pool Manager or any such person designated may assign any other duties as he sees fit at his/her absolute discretion. Those who are employed as temporary pool lifeguards from the sporadic cover panel, are required to assist management in ensuring that the facility is utilised to its maximum efficiency by delivering the highest standard of service to members and guests and to support Westmeath County Council across all areas of activity. Successful candidates may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, such duties being reasonably consistent with the position of lifeguard. These activities may be added to at the discretion of Westmeath County Council as deemed necessary from time to time. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the duties shall include but will not be limited to the following: - The principal duty of the lifeguard shall be to safeguard the users of the pool by maintaining a constant observation of all swimmers while on duty. - Attend courses relevant to the job. - Teach swimming lessons and co-ordinate camps & parties. - On commencement of daily duties, he/she shall inspect all equipment at his/her disposal and ensure that it is serviceable. He/she shall then inspect the pool and pool area, making sure that it is clean and safe for use. - When defects are noticed, he/she shall rectify them where possible, and if not, he/she shall immediately bring them to the attention of the supervisor. - He/she shall point out the regulations to the swimmers and make sure that hygiene is practised by them, in the use of showers etc. - He/she shall see that the pool users are well behaved and shall discourage any conduct that might lead to the injury or discomfort of other swimmers. - He/she shall immediately report to the supervisor incidents of misconduct. Where minor offences occur, such as disobeying instructions or breaking the rules, the offenders shall be warned before being reported to the supervisor. - He/she shall co-operate with the supervisor in maintaining the efficient running of the pool. - He/she shall give any information in relation to the pool of the county council or its officials as requested from time to time. - He/she shall render first-aid and resuscitation if required and shall make every effort to improve his/her competency in this regard. - He/she will be required to carry out hygiene duties around the pool area - No Phone usage permitted while on duty. The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Westmeath County Council’s Health & Safety Management System. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT 1. Type of Post The Lifeguard post is part-time and temporary. A panel will be formed from which part-time contract posts may be filled. 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 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 any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. The salary scale is from €17.37 - €19.42 per hour incl. LSIs (15-point scale) as per Circular Letter EL 03/2025. Please note 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 pay policy. Increments are payable, subject to satisfactory performance and in accordance with current Government Pay Policy and the provisions of the public Service Agreements. 4. Location The post will be located in Mullingar Swimming Pool, Town Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district 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. 5. 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 six months, 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. 6. Working Hours Candidates must be available to work from Monday to Sunday and hours shall vary from early morning to late evening within the hours during which the Swimming Pool is open. The working hours will be on a rota basis arranged by the Swimming Pool Manager. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time. Candidates may be required to work overtime (to be approved in advance) on various occasions. Remuneration for such overtime will be paid in accordance with agreed rates and procedures. 7. Retirement Minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is maximum retirement age for staff that commenced employment in the public sector prior to 1st April 2004. Staff who commenced employment in the public sector between 1st April 2004 and 31st December 2012, minimum retirement age is 65, with no maximum retirement age (subject to being in a state of health, to render regular and efficient service). Staff who commenced employment in the public sector from the 1st January 2013, minimum retirement age is in line with the age for the contributory state pension and maximum retirement age is 70. 8. Leave The leave entitlement and entitlement to Public Holidays shall be granted in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Westmeath County Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. 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 as amended. 9. Sick Pay Scheme Westmeath County Council’s Sick Pay Scheme shall apply to the post of Lifeguard. 10. Transport The person appointed will be expected to report to their place of work by their own means of transport. 11. The appropriate provisions of the following Acts, where applicable, will apply to the employment Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 – 1991. Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977 – 1993 12. Safety, Health & Welfare The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 1989 shall apply to the post. The Lifeguard shall co-operate with the terms of Westmeath County Council’s Safety Statement. He/she shall familiarise himself/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. He/she must report to his/her supervisor any defect notices in the place of work or system of work, which might be dangerous to Safety, Health and Welfare. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in disciplinary action. 13. Appraisal A system of continuous appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between employee and Line Manager in relation to performance and conduct. 14. 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. 15. Recruitment Pursuant to article 8 of the Local Government (Appointment of Officers) Regulations 1974, the Minister has given directions as follows: - (i) The appointment shall be advertised in such a manner as to clearly indicate that the local authority is an equal opportunities employer. (ii) Selection shall be by means of a practical test and an interview board set up for this purpose. Applicants shall be required to attend for interview at their own expense, on the basis of information supplied by them in the formal application for the post. (iii) A County Council may decide, by reason of the number of persons seeking admission to the competition, to carry out a short-listing procedure and admit to the competition only persons who appear to be likely to attain in the competition a standard sufficient for appointment. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications/experience on the application form . (iv) A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the office and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. 16. Taking Up Appointment Westmeath County Council 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. 17. Medical Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority’s Occupational Health Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will be refunded to the candidate. In the course of their employment and whenever requested by the Council, the lifeguard may be required to undergo medical examinations and comply with such remedial requirements as the Council considers necessary. Employment will not be continued in any case where as a result of such examinations the Council considers the Lifeguard is medically unfit to continue. 18. Garda Vetting Westmeath County Council carries out vetting of applications for posts which entail contact with children. A failure to declare any relevant information will result in disqualification. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to disqualify any applicant upon receipt of relevant Garda vetting information. 19. Acceptance of Offer of Employment The local authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them 20. Closing Date The completed application form, along with any certificates, can be EMAILED as one PDF document to recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie or by post to HR Department, Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath .
Retained Firefighter
QUALIFICATIONS Character Each candidate must be of good character and the successful applicant may be subject to Garda Vetting prior to any appointment being confirmed. Age Each candidate must be at least 18 years of age on 1 May 2026. Retirement age for Retained Fire fighters is 55 years of age (up to 62 years of age subject to conditions). Health Each candidate must be free from any defects which would render that person unsuitable to perform the duties of the post and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. For the purpose of satisfying this requirement, it will be necessary to undergo at the candidate’s own expense an initial medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by Cork County Council. Note the requirement to complete and pass the Chester Step Test detailed below. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to the candidate. Retained Fire fighters will be required to undergo regular and ad hoc medical examinations at any time. Given the strenuous nature of fire fighting duties, the medical examination will be of a very thorough nature. Please note that the following disabilities will render an applicant unsuitable for fire fighting duties and will lead to disqualification at the examination. History of epilepsy Alcohol or drug dependency Obesity Chronic bronchitis or asthma or other disabling disease of the lungs Organic disease of the cardiovascular system Diabetes mellitus Unaided vision less than 6/12 in either eye Inability to hear a forced whisper or conversational voice separately in either ear at 20 feet Evidence of labyrinthine disturbance A history of vertigo or an illness which would affect sense of balance History of mental instability Please note that it is recommended that Retained Fire fighters be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B Virus and in this connection the vaccine will be made available free of charge to successful candidates. Fitness Test Part of the pre employment medical examination includes completing the fitness test. Candidates successful at interview must successfully complete the fitness test prior to employment being offered. The fitness test at the recruit medical is the Chester Step Test. The Chester Step Test measures aerobic capacity and fitness and entails a moderately vigorous level of physical activity. The level of fitness needed to pass this test requires regular exercise and the test pass level is difficult to achieve if the candidate does not already have a good level of physical fitness prior to the test. Medical examiner advice is that fitness needed for this test does not come overnight; realistically it takes at least a few weeks and often longer to appreciably improve your fitness level. Candidates who fail the initial Chester Step Test will be offered one further fitness test only. This may be a Chester Step Test or a Shuttle Run test, as determined by Cork County Council. No further retests will be offered. Residence and Availability Only applicants from competent persons who reside and work within 2 miles of the fire station of the relevant unit and whose ordinary activity does not take them away from the town in which a brigade is located will be considered. On receipt of a fire or other emergency call you should be in attendance at the station within five minutes. Unemployed persons are not precluded from applying, provided that they satisfy the residence and availability requirements. Licence Each applicant must hold a full current Category B European Community Model Driving Licence free from endorsement. Garda Vetting Candidates successful at interview will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, which will be directly arranged by Cork County Council. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT The employment is part time. Panels may be used to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. New entrant retained fire fighters who commence on or after 1 January 2013 will be members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (SPSPS), as established by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The Single Scheme does not provide for a Retained Fire fighters gratuity. New entrants will pay superannuation contributions each quarter, with SPSPS pension lump sum and pension payable on retirement, subject to certain conditions. Retained Fire fighters must retire (on their birthday) upon reaching the age limit for the employment (currently 55 years of age and up to 62 subject to conditions). A successful candidate will only be offered employment on a probationary basis as a Retained Fire fighter subject to satisfactory completion of the following courses. (a) Firefighting Skills Course This course is a full time three week course which will be held in Ireland and will involve staying away from home on a Monday to Friday basis for the three weeks. (b) Breathing Apparatus Course This course is of a full time nature, of two weeks duration and is held outside the county. (c) Compartment Fire Behaviour Training Course This course is of one week duration, normally held outside of the county. (d) Occupational First Aid Course This course is of a full time nature, normally three days duration and is held within the county. (e) Class C HGV driving licence. The above does not preclude the Council from offering temporary employment but failure to complete either of the above courses satisfactorily will result in termination of employment. Subject to compliance with the conditions of item 4 above, the employment is subject to a probationary period of one year and will be terminable by the giving of one week’s notice by either side during that period. After the employment has been confirmed, it will be terminable at any stage on the giving of the required notice by either side under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, or without notice in circumstances justifying immediate dismissal. Please note that due to the requirement for firefighters to wear Breathing Apparatus, all facial growth below the line of the upper lip must be removed, for example beards. Retained Fire fighters must be prepared to attend other courses which may be held in Ireland or the United Kingdom. Availability Based on an annual 52 weeks, excluding 4 weeks annual leave, Retained Firefighters will be required to be available and attend alerts 24 weeks in the year on a week on and week off basis. Across the 24 weeks where a Retained Firefighter is rostered off they can, if they so wish, attend incidents. In the event of occasional unavoidable absence of one rostered member for part of his or her week, it is the responsibility of the rostered member to arrange cover for the period of his or her absence with an available off duty member. This agreement has to be notified and agreed with by the Station Officer or Sub Station Officer in advance. This is to guarantee that the Station Officer is in a position to ensure that the minimum manning levels for each station are met before any cover arrangement can be approved. Retained Firefighters must normally reside and work in the town where the Brigade is located and in such a proximity to the Fire Station which will allow him or her to respond within the turnout time set by the Chief Fire Officer (current requirement is a target timeframe of five minutes for the first appliance to leave the station). It is necessary that he or she be released from his or her normal employment on the occasions that attendance at incidents demands such release. Changes of residence or workplace must be notified in writing to the Chief Fire Officer. Failure to do so may result in termination of employment as a Firefighter. Any change of residence or place of work that puts the Firefighter at a distance or turnout times more than that permitted by the Chief Fire Officer from the Fire Station, or to a location unacceptable to the Chief Fire Officer, will result in termination of employment as a Firefighter. The Council may at its discretion, prior to employing any qualified candidate, seek appropriate evidence as to the availability of such person to fulfil the duties of this position. Annual Leave Four weeks annual leave per annum in addition to the annual payment of the retainer. Furthermore, payment for annual leave is confirmed as being 8 percent of earnings. These earnings will be calculated on the basis of the previous year’s earnings excluding the retainer, clothing allowance and payment for annual leave and public holiday leave in the previous year. The payment for annual leave will be made when employees take annual leave as part of the fortnightly pay cycle. Members of brigades shall be subject to such rules and regulations as may be issued from time to time. It should be particularly noted that Retained Fire fighters must, in the matter of drills, attendance at fires or in other emergencies, comply strictly with the orders and discretion of the Station Officer, or in his absence such other Brigade Member as may be in charge. Any Retained Fire fighter guilty of infringement of this regulation will be dismissed. Generally, members of all brigades will be under the general control and supervision of the Chief Fire Officer, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Senior Executive Fire Officer, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Assistant Fire Officer or other appropriate officer as the case may be. While on duty, Retained Fire fighters shall use the clothing and personal equipment provided by the Council and the same shall be left in the station immediately after the cessation of duty. Retained Fire fighters may not use such clothing and equipment save while on duty. Retained Fire fighters must comply fully with safety policy and directives in force from time to time. Rostering of Retained Fire fighters will take place at the Council’s discretion. Rate of Pay €16,852 - €20,251 per year. Attendance at Incidents An annual review will be undertaken in December each year to identify stations with low incident mobilisation. Where such levels fall below 75 hours in a calendar year, an adjustment payment will be made to each firefighter to provide for a minimum annual payment of 75 hours. This payment will be calculated on a pro rata basis for any new entrants in a calendar year. Attendance at Drills Drills take place on station three times a month at regular intervals (36 drills annually) and are of two and a half hours duration. There is an obligation on firefighters to attend 85 percent of drills annually. The retaining fee will not normally be paid to any member who has failed to attend at least 85 percent of drills during the quarter, the decision on which if appropriate is at the discretion of the Chief Fire Officer. The Council reserves the right to alter the frequency and duration of drills at its discretion.
