Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include planning, Local Enterprise Office, rural and community development, transportation, motor tax, water, environment, emergency services along with housing activation & delivery, libraries, and sports & amenities, property management, derelict sites, and vacant homes. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance and People and Culture functions.There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.The CompetitionClare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Staff Officer from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for the following panel(s):Panel A (Confined to Local Authority Sector) will comprise of successful applicants, in order of merit, from within the Local Authority Sector only, i.e., candidates serving in a Local Authority or Regional Assembly (where applicable).Panel B (Open Competition) will comprise of all successful applicants, in order of merit, and may include candidates serving in a Local Authority, Regional Assembly and external candidates.Panel C (Confined to Clare County Council) will comprise of successful applicants, in order of merit, from within Clare County Council only.Job DescriptionThe Staff Officer is a frontline management position within the local authority and is assigned responsibility for managing the performance of a section / department handling an area of the local authority’s activities. The administrative structure ranges from the entry grade of Clerical Officer, through to Assistant Staff Officer, Staff Officer, Senior Staff Officer, and Administrative Officer. A Staff Officer will generally work under the direction and management of a Senior Staff Officer / Administrative Officer or analogous grade.A Staff Officer’s operational duties may include the day to day running of a section, the supervision and management of staff within the section, the planning, allocation and prioritisation of work and the reporting of progress of work at staff management meetings. Other duties may include representing their Department or the Council on various committees and contributing through the business planning process. The Staff Officer will be expected to use initiative and work to a high standard and will be required to operate the Council’s existing and future IT systems as part of their work.The Staff Officer role requires excellent administrative, employee management, interpersonal, communication and other particular skills and expertise depending on assignment.Essential Skills & Experience for the roleThe ideal candidate for the position shall possess the following skills:Managing peopleCommunicating effectively across different levels within an organisationProblem solvingDecision makingProject managementStakeholder networking and engagementAdministration and report writingOperation of ICT systems and standard office software packagesWorking effectively as part of a teamPlanning and prioritisation of workloadsDealing effectively with conflicting demandsWorking under pressure to tight deadlinesAdapting to changeActing on own initiativeMaintaining confidentialityHealth & Safety ManagementDutiesThe duties will include but will not be limited to the following:To be responsible for the supervision of a section or function within the Council.To support the Senior Staff Officer / Administrative Officer to ensure the section or department work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational plans.To support the Senior Staff Officer / Administrative Officer to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.To supervise employees in supporting roles up to the position/grade of Assistant Staff Officer (Grade IV) or analogous grades, including assigning duties and workload.To provide on-going support to employees in the department or section, including handling day to day problems and identifying training and development requirements as appropriate.To ensure full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures including grievance and disciplinary, performance management and attendance management.To communicate and liaise effectively with employees, supervisors and managers in other sections, senior managers, and customers in relation to operational matters for their section.To prepare budgets and ensure that work programmes are implemented within allocated budgets.To identify opportunities for improvements in the service delivery within the relevant area of responsibility and to use key performance indicators or other performance indicators effectively as appropriate.To compile, prepare and present reports as necessary, including the preparation of reports or letters which may be sensitive and/or confidential in nature.To support the implementation of good practices with transparent reporting and communications to deliver accountable services in the department or section.To provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of the Council’s policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers as appropriate.To carry out duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.To organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and participate and engage in discussions as appropriate.To support the Council and Municipal District operations.To carry out duties in a politically neutral manner, with a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.To provide specialist administrative assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required.To support the Senior Staff Officer / Administrative Officer in the management and implementation of Health and Safety for the section or department.Deputise for line manager when required.To comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in Clare County Council.Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.Qualifications for the postCONFINED COMPETITION (PANEL A & C – Local Authority Sector and Clare County Council)ESSENTIAL CRITERIA1. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.2. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms -(a) be a serving employee of a local authority or a regional assembly and have not less than two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or analogous post,and(b) have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.ESSENTIAL CRITERIA1. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.2. HealthEach candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms -(a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics,AND(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics),OR (c) have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination,OR (d) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard,AND(e) have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.Failure to upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competitionNon-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.Competency 1 Delivering ResultsIdentifying problems and contributing to solutions.Organising work programmes and implementing solutions.Managing resources, including equipment.Complying with all council rules.Delivering quality work and services.Competency 2 Performance Through PeopleLeading and directing.Performance management.Managing conflict.Communicating effectively.Competency 3 Personal EffectivenessTakes initiative, is motivated and seeks opportunities to exceed goals.Maintains a positive, constructive, and enthusiastic attitude to their role.Skills, Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience.Resilience and Personal Well-Being.Commitment to integrity & good public service values.Demonstrates good level of verbal and written communication skills.Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.Competency 4 Understanding purpose and changeKnowing Council purpose and its priorities.Understanding the role of the Elected Council and the representational role of the Elected Members.Understanding and adhering to the code of conduct for all employees.Maintaining a positive image of the Council.Implementing change.Safety, Health and Welfare at work.The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.The current salary scale applicable to the post (August 2025): €51,722, €53,266, €54,844, €56,454, €58,076, €59,967, €61,865The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Clare 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, 1977 (as amended).Working HoursThe working hours effective from 1st July 2022, provide for a five day, 35 hour working week. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.The provisions of Clare County Council’s Leave Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.AgeEach candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; orA citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); orA citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; orA non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; orA 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 orA 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.Terms and Conditions of EmploymentCANVASSINGAny 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, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Clare County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.CRIMINAL CONVICTIONSIt is the responsibility of the candidate to declare if they are in receipt of any convictions/prosecutions and to bring this to the attention of the People & Culture Officer without delay.GARDA VETTINGSuccessful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position in line with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.HEALTHFor the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTIt 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. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENTThe position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.POLICIES & PROCEDURESThe post-holder will be expected to abide & adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Clare County Council. These include but are not limited to:Code of Conduct for EmployeesAttendance Management Policy & Sick Leave schemeGrievancePerformance Management & Development SystemConfidentialityInformation Communications & Acceptable Usage Policy and Social Media PolicyAnti-Fraud and Corruption PolicyDignity at workPRIVACYPlease refer to the Candidate Privacy NoticePROBATIONWhere persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation;such period shall be eleven months, but the Chief Executive may at their own discretion extend such period;such persons shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory;the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts;Terms of Employment Acts;there will be assessments during the probationaryRECRUITMENTAn eligibility exercise may be carried out, if required, on all applications received to determine if applicants satisfy the essential qualification criteria outlined in the Job Specification Document.Shortlisting:Clare County Council may short-list based on an examination of the application forms received. In this instance, an expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. Short-listing does not suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job; provide a detailed and accurate account of qualifications/experience for competencies as required. Shortlisting may also take the form of a short interview.Competency Based Competitions:If the recruitment competition is competency based, candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Competencies for the competition will be outlined in the Job Specification Document. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates in the application form.Competitive Interviews:Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.REFERENCE/DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCEEach candidate may be required to submit as references, the names, and addresses of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a recent former employer and/or current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Clare County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position. It is important to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet the essential entry requirement but attend for interview you will incur unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position, Clare County Council will make all such enquiries as deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.RETIREMENTThe compulsory retirement age for new entrants who joined the public service on or after 1st January 2013 is 70 years. Minimum retirement age is in line with State Pension age changes; 65 is the minimum age at which a person may retire.There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ who joined between 1st April 2004 and 31st December 2012 to the public service, subject to being in a state of health to render regular and efficient service.For employees who joined the public service before 31st March 2004, minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is the maximum retirement age.It should be noted that the terms of Paragraph 13 of Circular Letter EL 02/09 - Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) may need to be considered in some instances. It is a condition of this scheme as set out in the Department of Finance Circular 12/2009 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.RESIDENCEThe holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Clare County Council.SAFETY & WELFAREThe holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Clare County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. They shall familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action. If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on their person at all times a valid Safe Pass card. Should they not hold a valid Safe Pass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card.SICK LEAVEThe terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.SUPERANNUATIONThe terms of Local Government Superannuation apply.Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution 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. Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. All pensionable employees will be required to contribute to the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme at 1.5% of pensionable remuneration. From 1 January 2019 onwards, public servants will pay an additional superannuation contribution (ASC).TAKING UP APPOINTMENTThe local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within four weeks. If they fail to do so, the local authority may not appoint them.TRAVELHolders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of duties. If travel is required, Clare County Council must be indemnified on the employee's insurance policy. Travelling and subsistence expenses will be refunded in line with rates and the Council Travel and Subsistence Policy. If the license is revoked or endorsements appear, the candidate must notify the Council immediately.WORK BASEClare County Council reserves the right to assign the employee to any department, premises or district in use by the Council. Changes in location of employment will not entail disturbance money or compensation. The employee must provide themselves with travel to and from work.BLENDED WORKINGThere will be an opportunity to apply for Blended Working periodically in line with the PMDS process. Blended working arrangements are not guaranteed and are based on business needs and role suitability.YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND APPEALThe Council is committed to offering feedback to candidates who request it. Clare County Council will automatically forward marks awarded at interview and comments from the Interview Board. Appeals may be made in writing within 7 working days of notification of the decision. The selection decisions will be revisited, and the candidate will be informed of the outcome.Emergency ContactsWater or waste water emergencies: 1800 278 278Other emergencies: (087) 2599568 - outside office hours only
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