Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerLongford County Council is one of Local Authorities in the Republic of Ireland. TheCouncil has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services which arenecessary to the physical, economic, social, and cultural life of County Longford, with afocus on making Longford an attractive place to live, work and invest.The following comprise the areas of service delivery in Longford County Council:• Economic & Dog Development • Fire & Emergency Services• Local Enterprise • Environment• Planning • Finance• Cultural & Recreational Services • Information Services• Infrastructure • Corporate Services• Water Services • Human ResourcesHousingThis is an opportunity to gain employment in the role of Assistant Engineer withLongford County Council. Longford County Council is committed to a policy of open and fairrecruitment, in line with good practice, recruitment & selection standards,employment legislation and relevant circulars from the Department ofHousing, Local Government & Heritage.This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide informationboth on the role of Assistant Engineer and the application/selectionprocess. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the informationprovided in this booklet before they complete and submit theirapplication.It is the responsibility of the Candidates to ensure that they meet all thequalifying criteria and are eligible to apply for the post of AssistantEngineer.Where a candidate provides false or misleading information or hasdeliberately omitted relevant information on their application form thismay result in their disqualification from the competition.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerAssistant EngineerTHE ROLE & DUTIESUnder the direction and supervision of the appropriate line manager, the position ofAssistant Engineer in Longford County Council will involve the provision of such engineeringor ancillary services of an advisory and/or supervisory nature as may be required by theCouncil in the exercise and performance of its powers, functions and duties.The actual duties will depend on placement of the post, but in general they will include butare not limited to the following:To assess the nature, level, and pattern of demand for the service in thearea/function and to recommend the priorities to the relevant line manager.To implement the agreed strategies to meet and to expand or improve the range,quantity, or quality of existing services and to recommend changes in strategies asrequired.To develop and maintain effective working relationships with external agencies andto ensure that, in accordance with policy and procedure, programmes of work areco-ordinated and implemented in full, with the co-operation of all relevant parties.To achieve and maintain the productive collaboration between electedrepresentatives, the public and the executive of Longford County Council.To assist in identifying and agreeing work programmes, targets and deadlines andensuring their subsequent implementation.When required to do so, to manage and supervise staff, as the position demands.To work as part of an effective, motivated, and committed team and to maintainsound employee relations and morale in accordance with good employment practiceand relevant legislation.To work within a cross-functional/multidisciplinary team in line with the executivestructures of the Council.To implement the systems necessary to support the service.To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities that may berequired from time to time.Participate & take part in the duties as required as part of the Organisationalresponse to Climate Action to promote & ensure capacity building, empoweringchange and delivering action.To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required.To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may berequired or assigned from time to time.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerTHE CANDIDATE:The ideal candidate will need to be conscientious and resilient, have a high level of attentionto detail and accuracy, and must have:Satisfactory Engineering Experience.The ability to work under pressure (both independently and as part of team).The ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.The ability to self-motivate to achieve good performance.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Strong organisation, task management and IT skills.A good working knowledge or demonstrate the ability to acquire a good workingknowledge of the legal, regulatory and governance framework within which theCounty Council operates and adhere to corporate policies, protocols and procedures.Good knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations,the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in theworkplace.The ability to manage financial resources within a budgetary control framework.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerCOMPETENCIESKey competencies for the post of Assistant Engineer are given in the table below.Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their applicationform of their competence under each of these headings. Please take particular note of thecompetencies listed as any shortlisting or interview processes will be based on theinformation provided by the candidate in their completed application form.• Strategic Ability: Plans develops and prioritises work programmesthat are aligned to Corporate and Operational Plans.Networking and Representing; Develops and maintains positive andbeneficial relationships with relevant interests. Ability to negotiateand influence and adopt a partnership approach with allMANAGEMENT stakeholders.& • Bringing about Change; Demonstrates enthusiasm for newCHANGE developments/changing work practices and strives to implementthese changes effectively.Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work; Ensures compliance with allrelevant legislation /regulations including Health & Safety, Planning& Procurement.Positively contributes to the development of operational plans andleads the development of team plans.Plans and prioritises work and resources effectively having regard tocorporate priorities and operational objectives.DELIVERING • Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.RESULTS • Acts decisively and makes timely, informed, and effective decisions,pinpointing critical information and addresses issues logically.Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practicalsuggestions for their implementation.Leads by example to motivate and engage employees to achievehigh-quality outcomes and customer service.Effectively manages performance of individuals and teams toPERFORMANCEP achieve operational plans, targets, and objectives. THROUGH EOPLE• Effectively identifies and manages conflict.Acts as an effective link between staff and management.PERSONAL • Motivation, Initiative and Achievement; Is enthusiastic about theEFFECTIVENESS role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage thedelivery of several tasks/projects concurrently.Manages their time effectively, focusing on essential tasks andresponsibilities.Qualifications and Knowledge; Keeps up with current and emergingdevelopments, trends, and best practice in this area.Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective PublicService.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerAssistant EngineerQUALIFICATIONS. CharacterEach candidate must be of good character.. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonableprospect of ability to render 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 MemberStates 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 andSwitzerland 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 andhas a stamp visa: or(e) A person awarded international protection under the International ProtectionAct or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result offamily reunification and has a stamp visa or(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, andresident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp visa. Education, training, experience, etcEach candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms –(a) (i) hold at least an ordinary bachelor's degree (level or higher on theNational Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) in Engineering;OR(ii) hold an ordinary bachelor's degree (level or higher on the NationalFramework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and a post graduate master's degree (levelin the NFQ) in Engineering;OR(iii) hold a master's degree (level on the National Framework ofQualifications) in Engineering attained after completing an integrated master'slevel programme of a least years duration and which is accredited at CEnglevel by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accredited body internationally;LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer(b) have at least two years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience;(d) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability toacquire such knowledge.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerPARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT. The Post The post is wholetime (i.e. hours per week) and appointment may be permanent ortemporary.. Location Longford County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates to anypremises in 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 meansof transport and at their own expense.. CommencementLongford County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to takeup such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take upthe appointment within such period, or such other longer period as the Council in itsabsolute discretion may determine, Longford County Council shall not appoint them.. Working Hours The current working hours are hours per week, Monday to Friday. A flexible workingsystem is in operation. Longford County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of workfrom time to time.All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of theOrganisation of Working Time Act,, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations,. Longford County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clockingsystem.. Reporting Arrangements Assistant Engineers report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to anyother employee of Longford County Council as designated for this purpose.A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involvediscussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance andconduct.. Probationary Period of Employment There shall be a period after appointment during which the appointee will hold the positionon probation. The period of probation will be prescribed by the Chief Executive.Employment may be terminated during the probationary period should service be deemedby the Chief Executive to be unsatisfactory. Employment may be terminated at the end ofLONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineerthe probationary period unless the Chief Executive has certified that the employee hadsatisfactory service. Tenure of employment following probation will be subject tosatisfactory service.. Remuneration The current scale for the post of Assistant Engineer is €, - €, (LSI) gross perannum (Circular EL /), the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to timein line with Government Circulars.On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the point of thesalary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidatesemployed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history.Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employees nominated bankaccount. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments arepaid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and nationalagreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct arenot satisfactory.. Superannuation & Retirement A person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required inrespect of their Superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.The terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme asamended or the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act or thePublic Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act will apply asappropriate on appointment.Retirement age for employees is dependent on their relevant contract of employment, withdue consideration being given to the rules of the Superannuation Scheme to which theybelong.For appointees who are deemed not to be "new entrants" as defined in the PublicService Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, retirement is compulsory onreaching years of age.The minimum retirement age for "new entrants" to the public service as defined in thePublic Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is. There is nomandatory retirement age.Effective from st January,, The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time new entrants to the public service, as well as to former public servants returningto the public service after a break of more than weeks:Retirement age is set, initially, at years; this will rise in step with statutorychanges in the State Pension Contributory (SPC) age to years in andyears in .Compulsory retirement age will be .LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Annual Leave The current annual leave entitlement for Assistant Engineer is days per annum, inaccordance with the Council's Annual Leave Policy. The Chief Executive of Longford CountyCouncil retains autonomy with regard to office closures, (e.g. Christmas Office Closure), anydays arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee's annual leaveentitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employeeseach year.. Driver's Licence & Insurance Employees of Longford County Council may be required to use their car on official business.In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver's licence and have availableadequate means of transport.It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance cover forbusiness use and to indemnify Longford County Council with the indemnity specified onyour insurance certificate under the heading "Persons or classes of person who arecovered". Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to besupplied to the Council on an annual basis.. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Longford County Council codesof practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisationalpolicies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection,Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment.. TrainingEmployees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may bedecided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of theirdaily working activities.. Health and Safety Regulations Longford County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonablypracticable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety,Health and Welfare at Work Act, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all duecare and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health, andWelfare of its employees.All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operatewith management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything,which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influenceof an intoxicant at the place of work.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend allrequired Safety and Health Training.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Outside Employment The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or beconnected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of officialduties.Important NoticeThe above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be thecomprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in theemployment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerSELECTION PROCESS. How to Apply Only fully completed applications forms will be accepted.Please ensure that:. your application is made on the official application form only and sent via email inpdf format to – do not attach or include your CVNOTE: your CV will not be accepted as an application or as part of your application.. you fully complete all sections of the application form and include all relevant,detailed and accurate information. Applications must be completed in typed format.NOTE: any offer of employment is subject to the information given on yourapplication form being true. False/misleading information or deliberate omissionsmay result in termination of employment.. you include a copy of your educational certificates as part of one pdf application. you submit your application on or before pm Friday, th October .Forward your completed application form via email to :Applications submitted after the closing date will not be acceptedApplications forms must be submitted by email in pdf formatApplications submitted by hand, post or fax will not be acceptedClaims in relation to the late receipt of application forms will not be entertained.Admission to this competition, or an invitation to take tests or to attend for interviewdoes not infer that you fulfil all the requirements for appointment.If you do not receive an "acknowledgement-of-receipt" of your application within sevenworking days of application - please contact Longford County Council's HR departmentby phone: () / or by email: Longford County Council may need to contact you during the competition's selectionprocess. It is important that the contact details (i.e. your postal address, email addressand phone number) given on your application form are correct and accessible by you.Changes to your contact details that occur during this recruitment campaign should benotified by email to Longford County Council will not accept responsibility for communication not accessedor received by you.Correspondance in relation to all aspects of this competition will be primarily via email.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Selection Process Stage – Submission of Application Form via emailCandidates interested in applying for the position of Assistant Engineer should submit theircompleted application with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format toCompleted Application Forms must be submitted on or before pm Friday, th October.Each completed application must include a copy of all educational qualifications declared inthe application form.Failure to submit a completed application form, with all required supportingdocumentation, by the specified deadline will result in the application being deemed invalidand it will not be permitted to proceed any further in the selection process.Stage – Initial ScreeningAll completed application forms received by the stated closing date & time will be screenedto ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position of AssistantEngineer in accordance with the declared Qualifications.Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the required eligibility criteria, theirapplication will progress to the Step of the selection process.Candidates who fail to demonstrate that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria required,their application will be deemed invalid and will not progress any further in the selectionprocess.Stage – ShortlistingLongford County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications, it is very importanttherefore, that candidates provide accurate, clear and comprehensive information in theircompleted application forms.Shortlisting may take the form of:. a desktop-shortlisting process, where a board will be assigned to examine theinformation provided by the candidate and assess it against criteria required for theposition, and/or. an online shortlisting interview.Candidates who are shortlisted may have their application scored and ranked in order ofmerit. Based on the score awarded their application may progress to Step of the selectionprocess.For candidates who are not shortlisted, their application will not progress any further in theselection process.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant EngineerStage –InterviewOn completion of the Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidatesmay be invited in batches for an interview.An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Executive of LongfordCounty Council. The board will comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who willhave expert knowledge in the relevant field. The objective of the board is to establish theapplicant's suitability for the post and to rank the successful candidates in order of meritfor appointment.The interview will be the candidate's opportunity to demonstrate that they possess therequired competencies, knowledge, skills, and experience. The objective of the board is toassess the candidate's responses against agreed criteria and to identify the candidates whobest meet the competencies required.Longford County Council will issue advance notice of the date and time of the interview. It isthe responsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for interview on the dateand time notified and to ensure that they are able to successfully connect to the onlineinterview.Requests to reschedule notified interview dates or times cannot be accommodated.Candidates who do not attend/connect for their interview at the time and on the dateadvised will be deemed to have withdrawn their application from the competition and theirapplication will receive no further consideration.Expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview will be the responsibility of thecandidate.Candidates who are successful in the interview process will be qualified for appointment inorder of merit and placed on a panel. This panel may be used to fill both permanent andtemporary Assistant Engineer vacancies that may arise during the life of the panel.It should be noted that placement on a panel may not necessarily lead to a job offer. Theselection process is not concluded until sought references are received and all otherclearance checks, e.g. Garda Vetting, occupational health, verification of educationqualifications, etc, have been carried out to the satisfaction of the Council.Candidates on the Assistant Engineer panel who satisfy all the requirements for the postmay be offered employment subject to:. Their place, in order of merit, on the panel. The requirements of Longford County Council.Should a candidate decline an offer of employment or having accepted an offer ofemployment relinquish it prior to commencing in the post, they will be deemed to havewithdrawn their application from the competition.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Feedback Candidates shall be notified of the outcome of each stage of the selection process as soon aspossible.If, following the interview, a candidate is placed on a panel they shall be informed of theirposition on the panel. Details of marks attained in the interview process will be providedupon receipt of written request.. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn Candidates who do not attend for interview when and where required by the LongfordCounty Council, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as required byLongford County Council within the specified timeframe, regarding any matter relevant totheir candidature, will be deemed to have withdrawn their application from thecompetition.. References Applicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they arewell known but not related.In advance of any offer of employment, Longford County Council reserves the right to seekboth written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educationalinstitutions, or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated.Longford County Council reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness andrelevance of such references and referees. Information sought from referees shall bestructured around the requirements of the job and the job description, person specificationand/or competency profile provided.. Verification of Education Qualifications Prior to appointment, the candidate will be required to present the original parchment oftheir certificate, diploma and/or degree and any other supporting documentation requiredby the Council*, to the Human Resources department in order to verify their qualifications.Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality andQualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the IrishNational Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also beaccompanied by a translation document.. Pre-Employment Medical Prior to appointment the candidate will be required to complete a Health Declaration andto undergo a medical examination, at their own expense, by a qualified medicalpractitioner nominated by the Council. On taking up employment the expense of thismedical examination will be refunded.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Garda Clearance Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance the National Vetting Bureau (Children andVulnerable Persons) Acts to and the applicant will be required to fully cooperatewith this process.. CanvassingAny attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation,directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in thecandidate's favour, any member or employee of the Council or person nominated by theCounty Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify thecandidate for the position being sought.. Confidentiality Longford County Council, in its recruitment and selection procedures, has appropriatemeasures in place to protect the confidentiality of all applicants. All enquiries, applicationsand other aspects that form part of the recruitment formalities are treated as confidentialand are not disclosed to anyone, outside of those directly involved in the recruitmentprocess - subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, -.Records created, maintained, and stored by Longford County Council as part of the recruitmentand selection process are subject to a range of legislation, including Freedom of Informationand Data Protection. Longford County Council shall comply with the National RecordsRetention Policy () and any other relevant records retention policies.LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/Candidate Information Booklet – Assistant Engineer. Who can I contact if I have a query in relation the Recruitment Campaign for AssistantEngineer?The Candidate Information Booklet provides comprehensive information relating to the selectionprocess for this recruitment campaign. However, if after reading this information booklet yourequire any additional/further information - please forward your query by email to:. I have submitted my application form. What happens next?Longford County Council will carry out an eligibility check on all application forms to ensure that theymeet the minimum eligibility criteria for the post as set out by the Department of Housing, Planningand Local Government. If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, basedon the information given in your application form, your application will be deemed invalid, and youwill not be considered for interview.Depending on the number of candidates remaining at this stage of the competition it may benecessary to hold a shortlisting process. The shortlisting process may take the form of either adesktop exercise (based on the information provided in the application forms) and/or a shortlistinginterview.. What happens on completion of the shortlisting process?Longford County Council will contact all applicant's advising them of the results of the shortlistingprocess. Candidates who are shortlisted at this stage may be invited to attend for online interview.It is the responsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for the online interview on thedate and time notified. Reschedule requests cannot be accommodated.. What happens after undertaking the final interview?Candidates who are successful in the interview process will be placed on a panel and ranked inorder.Please note that being placed on a panel is not a guarantee that you will be appointed.. If I am offered employment, where will I be based?The management of Longford County Council reserve the right to assign employees to any premisesor business section as required in accordance with the business needs of the organisation.. How will Longford County Council communicate with me throughout the Recruitmentand Selection Campaign?Longford County Council may contact you by phone, email or post at various stages throughout theselection process. Any change to the contact details provided that occur during this recruitmentcampaign should be notified by email to LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL AE/