Assistant engineer

Candidate Information BookletAssistant Engineer(Permanent and Fixed Term Contracts)This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completedapplication forms.Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completed applications.Applications should be submitted via email ONLY to with the subject line "Last Name, First Name –A.E. 2025" e.g Bloggs, Joe – A.E. 2025Westmeath County Council is committed to a policy ofequal opportunityTable of ContentsThe Role 3Qualifications and Particulars 4Skills and Knowledge 5Particulars of Office 6Recruitment 9Competencies 10The Role:The Assistant Engineer works as part of a multi-disciplinary team within one of the Council'sDirectorates to deliver key local authority services which include housing; transportationinfrastructure, environment including climate change, energy management and rural water. TheAssistant Engineer may also be assigned to a municipal district.The role may include the management and successful delivery of a range of projects including theeffective delivery of services. The person/s appointed will report to and work under the direction ofthe Executive Engineer or Senior Executive Engineer or other officer designated by the Director ofServices or the Chief Executive.Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to beconsidered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the positionof Assistant Engineer will be drawn.Key Duties and Responsibilities:The duties to be assigned include the following, this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed dependingon organisational requirements:To carry out the engineering or ancillary duties assigned to him/her, including the managementof engineering programmes through the relevant services within the Local Authority,To supervise staff as required, including assignment of duties and workloads and identification oftraining needs,To manage any budget allocated to him/her as effectively and efficiently as possible,To propose improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of existing practices/systems,To work with senior management in devising and implementing strategies for the more efficientdelivery of service by support staff,To manage the programme of works that may be assigned to them,To administer construction contracts as required,To implement safe systems of work in accordance with Westmeath County Council's Health andSafety Procedures and ensuring works are implemented in compliance with all relevantlegislation,The supervision and contract administration of construction/ operations / maintenance works,To deal efficiently, effectively, and professionally at all times with stakeholders including localauthority staff, elected members, community groups, businesses, and residents,To liaise with and respond to other local authorities, government departments and statutoryagencies where required,Compilation, preparation and presenting reports as necessary to a variety of stakeholdersincluding organisation of public consultation meetings and processes,Deputising the for the Executive Engineer or any other senior grade when required,Undertaking of any other duties as may be required or assigned, from time to time.Assistant EngineerQUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSTCharacterEach candidate must be of good character.HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability torender regular and efficient service.CitizenshipCandidates 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 theEuropean Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; orb) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); orc) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the freemovement of persons; ord) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; ore) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any familymember entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa orf) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEAmember state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visaEducation and Experience: Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:(a) (i) hold at least an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework ofQualifications (NFQ) in Engineering;OR (ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ)) and a post graduate masters degree (level 9 in the NFQ) in Engineering.OR (iii) hold a masters degree (level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Engineeringattained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4 years duration andwhich is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accreditation bodyinternationally;(b) have at least five years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience;(d) possess a high standard of administrative experience;(e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire suchknowledge. *A level 7 degree will be assessed on the basis that the period of study undertaken should be equivalent toat least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Accumulation System) credits. For international qualifications, the level of the qualification will be determined using the NARIC IrelandForeign Qualification database. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translationdocument.Candidates should be aware that fulfilling the eligibility requirements for this post shouldnot be taken as indicating that your current qualification would be acceptable for moresenior engineering posts (i.e. Senior Executive Engineer and above) which have differenteligibility requirements.ASSISTANT ENGINEEERRequirements, Skills and Knowledge: The ideal candidate for the position shall demonstrate through their application form and at theinterview that they have the following essential experience and skills:Excellent communication, interpersonal and people management skills,Satisfactory knowledge of civil engineering works,Satisfactory knowledge of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act and the Safety, Health, andWelfare at Work (Construction) Regulations,Possess satisfactory knowledge of surveying, levelling, and setting out of works,General proficiency in the use of computers and has experience in the Microsoft Office suite ofproducts including MS Word and MS Excel,Experience in the application of computer software packages such as the various Autodeskand/or GIS range of products,Good report writing skills,An ability to work independently or within a multi-disciplined team,The ability to work in a dynamic team to achieve specific targets and goals,Enthusiasm for the role,Problem solving skills.ASSISTANT ENGINEERPARTICULARS OF OFFICE1. SalaryThe current salary scale for the post of Assistant Engineer is €47,270 to €73,335 (including LongService Increments) gross per annum as per Circular EL 07/2025. Payment of increments isdependent on satisfactory performance.Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by theDepartment of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordancewith current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee's nominated bank account.The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paidannually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements.Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.2. Superannuation and RetirementMembership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service PensionScheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to theappointee prior to appointment.A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the ClassA rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the localauthority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionableremuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old agecontributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant orqualified children). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee ofa local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children'sContributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of netpensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of socialinsurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adultdependant or qualified children).A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class Drate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to thelocal authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate ofPRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme,may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & OrphansContributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children's ContributoryPension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contributeto the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with theterms of the scheme.Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the LocalGovernment Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (MiscellaneousProvisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory andprovides pension, retirement and death gratuities.In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served aminimum of two years employment in a local authority.For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013,superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% ofpensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-averagepay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension ContributoryPublic Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsoryretirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme andOther Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and68 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 publicservice as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 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 ServiceSuperannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of70 years.3. Probation(a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shallhold the position on probation;(b) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend suchperiod;(c) the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unlessduring such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in suchoffice is satisfactory.The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up suchappointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up theappointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolutediscretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.4. Annual LeaveThe annual leaveentitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment forannual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of theOrganisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which may apply from time to time.5. Working HoursNormal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to workoutside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training. All hours worked will besubject to the provision of Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended.You may be required to complete a time sheet in accordance with the Organisation of WorkingTime Regulations, 2001.6. Sick LeaveThe terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.7. LocationWestmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premisesin use by the Council, now or in the future.The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means oftransport and at their own expense.8. Code of Conduct/Organisation PoliciesEmployees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codes ofpractice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies.9. TrainingIt is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate inTraining programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached to the post.10. Safety and WelfareWestmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonablypracticable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Healthand Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care andtake all protective and preventative measure to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of itsemployees. The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Westmeath County CouncilSafety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safetyrules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment.All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate withmanagement and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything which wouldplace themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant atthe place of work.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all requiredSafety and Health Training.11. Driver's Licence & InsuranceIt is desirable that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles, as he/shemay be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provideand maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is the responsibility of the post holder toarrange insurance cover for business use and to indemnify Westmeath County Council with theindemnity specified on your insurance certificate under the heading "Persons or classes of personwho are covered". Travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties willbe refunded in accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel andSubsistence Policy.If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receiveendorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify the Councilimmediately.12. Garda VettingSuccessful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.13. Employee BenefitsExamples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)Access to Flexi Time SchemeA range of Family Friendly PoliciesAvailability of an Optical Benefit SchemeAvailability of a Cycle to Work SchemeA range of Learning and Developmental OpportunitiesPaid Maternity and Paternity LeaveOption to become a member of Westmeath County Council's Social ClubState of the art office accommodation in our Civic HeadquartersAutomatically entered into a pension schemeAccess to the services provided under Westmeath County Council's Employee AssistanceProgramme14. Recruitment:Shortlisting Stage:Westmeath County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take theform of either a desktop-shortlisting process (based on the information provided by the candidatein their completed application form) or a shortlisting interview.The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the shortlistingprocess. Westmeath County Council's decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates goingforward to the next stage of the process may be determined based on this information. Theapplication forms will be examined against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements forthe position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable ofundertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application,appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your owninterest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/experience onyour application form. Based on examination of the application form, candidates will be selectedwho appear to be most suitable for the position.You will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times. The onus is on you to attend forinterview on the dates and times allocated.Competitive Interview:Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf ofthe local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the LocalAuthority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a paneland who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post andthat they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointedas appropriate vacancies arise.15. Taking Up AppointmentWestmeath County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take upsuch appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointmentwithin such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion maydetermine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.16. MedicalWhere a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, beforehe/she is appointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority's OccupationalHealth Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination willbe refunded to the candidate.Reference/Documentary EvidenceCandidates are required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support oftheir application. Copies of Certificates will be accepted to confirm eligibility before interviewstage but if a candidate is offered a position, the original Certificate from the relevantUniversity/College/Institution will be required before the candidate is appointed. The onus is onthe candidate to request these before their appointment.If your qualification was received outside of Ireland, it will be necessary to submit a statementfrom the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland confirming the level to which yourqualification is deemed equivalent. If this statement is required, please ensure that it is appliedfor immediately. The onus is on candidates to establish eligibility in their application form. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to betaken as implying that Westmeath County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils therequirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and doesnot carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important,therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibilityrequirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet theessential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself tounnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this positionWestmeath County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determinethe suitability of the candidate.CanvassingAny attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation, directly orindirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate's favour,any member of the staff of the County Council or person nominated by the County Council tointerview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position beingsought17. Closing DateThe completed application form, together with copies of certificates, must be EMAILED as one completePDF document to .This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completed application forms.Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completed applicationsPlease send using the subject line " A.E. 2025 ""Your Last Name, Your First Name –e.g Bloggs, JoeOnly applications received via email will be accepted.NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will reviewregularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will only be through yournominated e-mail address. The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications from theCouncil. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for communication not accessedor received by the applicantKEY COMPETENCIESCandidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview that theypossess the following competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date.Management & Change Performance through People• Has a clear understanding of the political reality • Demonstrated ability to engage with staffand context of the organisation. and to deliver high quality work andDevelops and maintains positive and beneficial customer focused outcomes.relationships with a range of stakeholders. • Leads by example in terms of commitment,Builds networks of technical and professional flexibility, and a strong customer servicecontacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, ethos.positive, and cohesive image for the organisation • Actively listens to others and sharesit represents. information with relevant stakeholders.• Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to • Has highly effective verbal and writtenchange. communication skills.• Develops and initiates change management • Presents ideas effectively to individualsprogrammes to meet end objectives. and groups.Delivering Results Personal EffectivenessDemonstrates the required knowledge,Can pinpoint critical information and address issues understanding and training for the role &logically. keeps up to date with current developments,Understands the context and impact of decisions and best practice in their area ofmade. responsibility.• Can act decisively to ensure decisions are made in • Has knowledge and understanding in relationline with objectives. to statutory obligations of Health and SafetyPlans projects to determine rationale, objectives and legislation and its application in thedeliverables, resource requirements, timelines, and workplace.milestones, reporting requirements and evaluation • Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-methods. confidence, self-motivated and persistentEstablishes high quality service and customer care when faced with difficulties.standards. • Remains calm under pressure and operatesPromotes the achievement of quality outcomes in effectively in an environment with significantdelivering services. complexity and pace.• Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed • Behaves in an honest, trustworthy andthe required standard. respectful manner and is transparent, fairEvaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning, and consistent in dealing with others.and implements improvements required. • Is enthusiastic about the role, ability to beflexible and adapt to new challenges and setschallenging goals to achieve high qualityoutcomes.Works to keep knowledge and skills up todate and engages in regular critical reflectionin order to identify how own performancecan be improved.Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the structure andfunctions of Local GovernmentUnderstands the role of an Assistant EngineerRange and depth of experience relevant to the post.Knowledge, • Understanding of health and safetyExperience and Skills • Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports,presentations, correspondence etc.Has knowledge and experience of operating ICT systemsEffective budget and financial and resource management