Candidate Information BookletASSISTANT PLANNERThis is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date forreceipt of completed application forms.Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completedapplications.Westmeath County Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.ASSISTANT PLANNERTable of ContentsThe Competition 3Qualifications for the post 5Particulars of the post (including recruitment) 7Competencies for the post 112 | P a g eASSISTANT PLANNERThe Position:Westmeath County Council employs over 570 staff across eight service divisions. Housing & Building;Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; Environmental Protection;Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and Miscellaneous Services. Itconsists of 20 democratically elected members. The Council is mandated to deliver a diverse rangeof functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings of economicdevelopment, community development, provision of physical and social infrastructure, recreationand amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and environmental regulatory framework.The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered forinclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the position of AssistantPlanner will be drawn.The Planning Department plays a key role in supporting economic development, enterprisepromotion and regeneration projects in County Westmeath.The Assistant Planners are responsible for implementing programmes of work in the PlanningDepartment and for providing a multiplicity of planning and related services. Assistant Planners arealso required to input into multi-disciplinary project teams.The Assistant Planner position is multi-faceted and may include some or all the following key serviceareas:Development Management Strategic PolicyPlanning Enforcement Special ProjectsKey Duties and Responsibilities:The Assistant Planner will work under the supervision of a Senior Executive Planner, and such planning orancillary services as may be required in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions andduties including the duty of assisting the Senior Planner, or other appropriate professional officer, in thesupervision of the planning or ancillary services and when required to do so, to deputise for ExecutivePlanners.Assessment and making of recommendations on planning applications in line with allrelevant national, regional, and local plans and policies, and in accordance with theappropriate legislation and guidelines as required.Conduct pre-application consultations and provision of planning advice to members of thepublic, internal departments and to the elected members.Assisting in the preparation of the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, and otherplanning policy reports and studies3 | P a g eCarry out survey work, research, analysis, drafting policies and proposals, preparing writtenstatements and maps and other work as required on the agreed work programme, includingbut not limited to, plans, other planning strategies and studies, urban and rural renewalstrategies, urban design, and public realm strategies.Undertake site visits and preparing reasoned recommendations in relation to planningenforcement, including attendance at court cases, and presenting evidence.Responding to planning queries, monitoring of data and completions of returns etc. fromother Council departments and national and regional Government / statutory agencies,external bodies as directed.Build and maintain co-operative working relationships and supervision of staff as required.Represent the Council at meetings with staff, elected members, community and generalinterest groups as required.Any other associated duties as may be assigned from time to time.The duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing thegeneral character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore berequired to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to takeinstructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assignedfrom time to time by Westmeath County Council.4 | P a g eAssistant PlannerWESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCILASSISTANT PLANNERQUALIFICATIONS1. CHARACTERCandidates shall be of good character.2. HEALTHCandidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability torender regular and efficient service.3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, ETC.Candidates shall:(a) Candidates shall hold a qualification in Planning (at least level 8 on the National Frameworkof Qualifications):(b) have at least two years satisfactory experience of planning work; and(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience.4. 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 thefree movement 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 4visa; ore) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 orany family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has astamp 4 visa orf) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, anEEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.5 | P a g eAssistant PlannerDesirable Skills:The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:Good knowledge of planning legislation and the principles, practices, and techniques ofplanningAn understanding of strategy formulation process for the realisation of organisational goals andobjectivesGood knowledge of current and future planning issues facing Co. WestmeathA strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services.An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas – Identifying problems andcontributing to solutions, communicating effectively, and delivering quality work and services.Good report writing skills and strong IT skills.Good knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of local government functions, services,and activities particularly in relation to planning and development.An ability to deal effectively with conflicting demands.An ability to work effectively under pressure and manage several programmes and projects atany one time.An ability to think laterally, maintaining a solution orientated mind-set in dealing with a widerange of issues.Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for theorganisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.6 | P a g eAssistant PlannerASSISTANT PLANNERParticulars of Post1. SalaryThe current salary scale for the post of Assistant Planner is €47,270 – €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.You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the Councilreserves the right to deduct monies from your "wages" (for the purposes of the Payment ofWages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of the amount of theoverpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section 5(5).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).7 | P a g eAssistant PlannerA 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. Travel:Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles motor car in the courseof their duties and shall drive a and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to thesatisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarilyincurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate ratesin line with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and SubsistencePolicy.Westmeath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Ifduring 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 theCouncil immediately.8 | P a g eAssistant Planner4. Safety & Welfare:The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Westmeath County Council's SafetyStatement 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.5. Training:It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate intraining programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the dutiesattaching to the post.6. Probation:When a person is not already a permanent officer of a local authority and is appointed to apermanent office the following provisions shall apply, that is to say: -(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such personshall hold such office on probation.(b) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretionextend such period;(c) such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of the period of probationunless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of suchperson in such office is satisfactory.7. Annual leave:The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment forannual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of theOrganisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)8. Employee Benefits:Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)A range of Family Friendly Policies -Availability 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 AssistanceProgramme9. Retirement:New entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at65 but must retire at age 70.Existing Public Servants appointed, if they became pensionable after March 2004, may retireat 65 but must retire at age 70. Existing Public servants who became pensionable prior toMarch 2004 may retire at 60 but must retire at age 70.9 | P a g eAssistant Planner10. Recruitment Process:Shortlisting:While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbersapplying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone,Westmeath County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In thisrespect, Westmeath County Council provide for the employment of a short-listing process toselect a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appearto be the most suitable for the position based on the qualifications and relevant experience.An expert board will examine the application forms against pre-determined criteria based onthe requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarilyunsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, whobased on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevantexperience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account ofyour relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form.Competitive Interview:Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalfof the local authority.A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on apanel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for thepost and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel beappointed as appropriate permanent or temporary vacancies arise.11. Residence:The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performedor within a reasonable distance thereof.12. Canvassing:Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation, directlyor indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate'sfavour, any member or employee of the Council or person nominated by the County Councilto interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the positionbeing sought.13. Acceptance of Offer of Employment:The County Council 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 upappointments within such period or such longer period as the County Council in its absolutediscretion may determine, the County Council shall not appoint them.14. Closing DateThe completed application form, along with any certificates, must be EMAILED as one PDFdocument to Please send using the subject line "Your Last Name,First Name – Assistant Planner e.g. Bloggs, Joe – Assistant Planner " This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completed applicationforms.NB. Please send your completed application from an email address that you will reviewregularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will only be throughyour nominated e-mail address10 | P a g eAssistant PlannerASSISTANT PLANNER KEY COMPETENCIESKey Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected todemonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each ofthe following specific areas: -At interview, candidates will be assessed under the following competencies using some/all theindicators listed:CORE COMPETENCIESPlanning Policy & Practice Delivering ResultsExperience and knowledge of the practicalContribute to delivery of high-qualityapplication of :-service and customer care standards.Irish Planning legislation and key relevant • Plan work and resources effectively.European Directives, including associated • Identify problems and contribute toprocedures. solutions.Planning issues relevant to Westmeath • Co-operate with decisions andCounty Council and its wider region implements solutionsHistorical, emerging, and topical planning • Research and formulate policytrends & issues in IrelandReport writing and communication of areasoned assessment or recommendation.Health and safety legislationPerformance through People Personal EffectivenessResilience and personal well-beingDemonstrate ability to engage with staff Integrity and public service valuesand work as part of a team.Personal motivation and initiativeDemonstrate ability to resolve conflictUnderstanding the structures andsituations.Demonstrate ability to lead by example environment within which the Localand show initiative. Authority sector operatesExcellent interpersonal skills. Personal vision for the future planningExcellent verbal and written in Westmeath County Councilcommunication skills. Manage time and workload effectively 11 | P a g eAssistant Planner