Urban Designer – South Dublin County Council
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is responsible for local government in South Dublin County and is an equal opportunities employer. SDCC offers a diverse work environment, flexible and blended working arrangements, career progression, structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring.
Opportunity
Applications will be accepted only through SDCC’s e‑Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Responsibilities
Implement programmes of work in the Planning Department, ensuring compliance with national policy and encouraging compact growth in quality placemaking.
Work independently and within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality plans and projects.
Provide urban design advice and input into statutory deliverables (e.g., plans required by planning legislation) and non‑statutory deliverables (e.g., masterplans, urban framework plans, site briefs, design statements).
Advise on formulation of urban design policy and development guidance for the County Development Plan and other plans and projects.
Support and train the Development Management team to enhance proficiency in assessing planning applications.
Take responsibility for project management on specific projects.
Provide urban design input to national programmes and funding applications such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and others.
Promote best practice in urban design, including people‑centred and healthy placemaking, to support sustainable and inclusive settlements.
Prepare reports and communications, including visual formats, to an excellent standard for colleagues, external stakeholders and the public.
Attend executive and Council meetings to provide urban design advice as required.
Carry out other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
Hold a primary honours degree (Level 8 NFQ) in a built‑environment subject and a postgraduate qualification in Urban Design.
At least three years satisfactory post‑qualification experience in urban design and placemaking, with excellent communication skills, including report writing and graphics.
Good organisational and management skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Understanding of social, environmental and economic considerations in placemaking.
Capability to communicate urban design ideas visually through relevant software, including 3D representation.
Good research skills, including high‑quality background research and urban design analysis with report writing experience.
Knowledge of national policy relating to planning and the ability to influence local policy development.
Enterprising, innovative, and capable of working independently on brief.
Understanding of Irish local authority services and structures in planning, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly.
Full driving licence, free from endorsement.
Key Competencies / Skills
Management and change
Delivering results
Performance through people
Personal effectiveness
Local government knowledge and understanding
Salary
€59,658 – €82,929 (depending on Grade and LSI level).
Hours of Work
35 hours per week (SDCC reserves the right to alter hours from time to time).
Annual Leave
30 days.
Candidature Requirements
Good character and a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of regular and efficient service.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvasing will automatically disqualify applicants.
Recruitment Process
Selection by competition based on interview (face‑to‑face or via Microsoft Teams).
Pre‑employment checks include a medical examination, two satisfactory references, and Garda vetting.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Ireland (confirm citizenship or work permit status as outlined).
Other Information
Blended working policy allows up to two remote days per week after six months continuous employment.
Probation: 1 year (extendable).
Residence: Must reside within the district or a reasonable distance as determined by SDCC.
Outside employment: No private practice or outside business that interferes with official duties.
Superannuation: Local Government (Superannuation) Scheme applies, with specific PRSI rates and pension eligibility after two years of service.
Retention and Benefits
Salary and pension details are subject to Government policies and linked to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage circulars.
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