Assistant staff officer

HhAssistant Staff OfficerClosing date for receipt of applications:4:00pm on Friday, 13th March 2026Page | 1 | Traffic WardenAssistant Staff OfficerTABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction 3The Position 4Qualifications for the Post 5Particulars of Offices (including recruitment) 7Competencies for the Post 14Page | 2 | Traffic WardenPost of Assistant Staff OfficerIntroductionWestmeath has a population of 96,221 and is in the heart of the country with excellent roadand rail access to all four corners of the island of Ireland.Westmeath County Council consists of 20 members who are elected every five years; Thecounty is divided into two Municipal Districts of Mullingar/ Kinnegad and Athlone / Moatewith the administrative headquarters located in Mullingar. There are also Civic Officeslocated in Athlone and Castlepollard. Mullingar is the county town while Athlone is aRegional Growth Centre under the National Planning Framework.The Council is mandated to deliver a broad range of services and functions described mainlyunder the following headings:Community Development and IntegrationEconomic and Enterprise DevelopmentTourismClimate Action and Environmental ProtectionHousingTransportationInfrastructure development and maintenanceEmergency ServicesLibrary, Arts and CultureHealth and WellbeingRecreation and SportAge-FriendlyPlanning and DevelopmentHeritage and BiodiversityAt a strategic level, the Council operates through its Corporate Policy Group comprising theCathaoirleach of the Council and the Chairs of the Local Authority's four Strategic PolicyCommittees. The Chief Executive and the Management Team play a key role in supportingand advising this policy group.Westmeath County Council employs 600 staff and has an estimated revenue budget of€129.4 million for 2026, allocated under eight service divisions: Housing & Building; Road,Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; Environmental Protection;Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and Miscellaneous Services.The Council has a 3 year capital programme with an estimated expenditure of €417.5 millionrepresenting significant infrastructural development to meet the County's current and futureneeds.Page | 3 | Traffic WardenThe PositionThe Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to beconsidered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts forthe position of Assistant Staff Officer be drawn.The Assistant Staff Officer is a key frontline support role within the organisation. Thesuccessful candidate will be assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functionalarea as required and will work under the direction of a Staff Officer or any employeedesignated by the Administrative Officer, Senior Executive Officer, or Director of Services asappropriate.The Assistant Staff Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhancespublic trust and confidence. The role requires excellent administrative, interpersonal, andcommunication skills, along with the ability to demonstrate strong professional competencewithin the assigned area. The postholder may also be required to deputise for a Staff Officerfrom time to timeDuties & ResponsibilitiesThe Assistant Staff Officer is a support or supervisory position within the Council and thecandidate can be assigned responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a work area,section, or team. The Assistant Staff Officer works as part of a team, supporting managersand colleagues to meet work goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internaland external customers.The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may beassigned to an Assistant Staff Officer:To support the line manager to ensure the section or department work programmes areimplemented to deliver on the Council's Corporate Plan and operational matters.To effectively communicate with employees, supervisors, line managers, and customersregarding operational matters in their areaTo prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as necessary.Collating and analysing information/data and reporting.Maintaining accurate records and electronic files.Briefing and training new staff as required.To organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and participate and engage indiscussions as appropriate.To provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects/work programmesTo ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests forinformation in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.To support the line manager to communicate, implement, and manage all changemanagement initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.Page | 4 | Traffic WardenTo supervise employees within their team or programmes of work and within their areaof responsibility, providing support to team members or colleagues as required andthrough participation in the Performance Management Development System.To complete all essential training successfully.To participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.To be in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies andprocedures and safe systems of work.To deputise for the line manager or equivalent.The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than thosedetailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or suchduties as designated from time to time.Qualifications for the Post1. CharacterCandidates shall be of good character.2. HealthThe role is substantially street based and involves periods of walking and standing. Candidatesshall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to renderregular and efficient service.3. 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; orb) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); orc) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerlandon the free movement of persons; ord) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has astamp 4 visa; ore) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of familyreunification and has a stamp 4 visaOrA 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 4 visa.Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Qualityand Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the IrishNational Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also beaccompanied by a translation document.Page | 5 | Traffic Warden4. Education, Training, ExperienceCandidates must have on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms meetone of the following:(i) Leaving Certificate (must meet both parts (a) and (b)):(a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects(or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department ofEducation Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate VocationalProgramme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics,Accounting, Business Organisation or EconomicsAND(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in threesubjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is includedMathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics)OR(ii) Equivalent Qualification - have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalentexamination,OR(iii) Degree Level Qualification - hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard5. Requirements, Skills and KnowledgeCandidates will be expected to demonstrate, through their application form and atinterview, the following:Have an understanding of the Council's purpose, goals and priorities and knowledgeof public service organisation in Ireland;Understand the role of the elected council and the representational role of theelected members;Understand the changing environment and be capable of adapting to change inorder to deliver quality services to our citizens;Have the ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions;Have an ability to work effectivelyPossess the ability to provide excellent customer services;Have an ability to lead a team;Have excellent interpersonal and communications skills;Be motivated to achieve maximum performance;Page | 6 | Traffic WardenDemonstrate excellent clerical/administrative experience in an office basedenvironment;Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment andwithout constant supervision;Have staff supervisory experience;Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, theimplications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in theworkplace.6. PanelFollowing the selection process, three panels will be formed for the post of Assistant StaffOfficer from which future and permanent and fixed term contracts will be filledPanel A (Confined to Local Authority Sector) will comprise of successful applicants in orderof merit from within the Local Authority Sector only i.e. candidates serving in a LocalAuthority or Regional Assembly with at least two year's satisfactory experience in apost of Clerical Officer or an analogous post. 50% of appointments will be madefrom Panel A.Panel B (Open) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may includecandidates serving in a local authority, regional assembly, and external applicants.30% of appointments will be made from Panel B.Panel C (Confined to Westmeath Co. Council) will comprise of successful applicants inorder of merit who are current employees of Westmeath Co. Council. 20% ofappointments will be made from Panel C.The order of candidates placed on each of the panels is determined by where they were placedon the overall order of merit.Particulars of Office (including retirement)1. The PostA panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for afurther year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel may be used to fillpermanent & fixed term positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will beoffered in order of merit as per the panel. Vacancies may arise on a county-widebasis. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any worklocation having regard to funding and/or operational circumstances.Page | 7 | Traffic Warden2. SalaryThe current salary for the post of Assistant Staff Officer is €36,113 - €55,460 perannum (including Long Service Increments), as per Circular EL 02/2026. Payment ofincrements is dependent on satisfactory performance.Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued bythe Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scalein accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of theEnvironment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016dated 5th February 2016.Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee's nominatedbank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period ofemployment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Incrementsare paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance andnational agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/orconduct are not satisfactory.You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, theCouncil reserves the right to deduct monies from your "wages" (for the purposes ofthe Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council ofthe amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991,Section 5(53. Superannuation and RetirementMembership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single PublicService Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevantscheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable topay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuationto contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remunerationplus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twicethe annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at themaximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a localauthority 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 net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice theannual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximumrate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).A person whobecomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rateof PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation tocontribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. APage | 8 | Traffic Wardenperson paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a localauthority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependentscheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension)Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Schemeand if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute tothe local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordancewith the terms of the scheme.Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the termsof the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and theSuperannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date ofappointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement anddeath gratuities.In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, the employee musthave served a minimum of two years' employment in a local authority.For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1stJanuary 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionableremuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lumpsum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be coordinated with the StatePension ContributoryPublic Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions)Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the PublicService Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:There is no mandatory retirement age for 'New Entrants' from 1st April 2004 to thepublic service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (MiscellaneousProvisions) Act years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. Asa new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrantswill 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 compulsoryretirement age of 70 years.4. Probationa. There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which suchpersons shall hold the position on probation.b. Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretionextend such period.c. The person appointed shall cease hold office at the end of the period of probationunless the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in suchoffice is satisfactory.Page | 9 | Traffic WardenThe Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to takeup such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail totake up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the localauthority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall notappoint them.5. Annual LeaveThe annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave,payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by theprovisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements whichmay apply from time to time.Working HoursNormal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successfulapplicant to work outside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training.All hours worked will be subject 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 ofWorking Time 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 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.8. Code of Conduct/Organisation PoliciesEmployees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Councilcodes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and futureorganisational policies.9. TrainingIt is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participatein training programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attachedto 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 thePage | 10 | Traffic WardenSafety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty toexercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measure to protect theSafety, Health and Welfare of its employees. The holder of the post shall co-operate withthe terms of Westmeath County Council Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan.He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and makeproper use of all safety clothing and equipment.All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or doanything which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be underthe influence of 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.11. Driver's Licence & InsuranceIt is desirable that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles, ashe/she may be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties and for thispurpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is theresponsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and toindemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurancecertificate under the heading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Travellingand subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded inaccordance 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 theCouncil immediately.12. Garda VettingSuccessful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to theposition.13. Employee BenefitsExamples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annumA 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 EmployeeAssistance Programme (EAP)Page | 11 | Traffic Warden14. RecruitmentShortlisting Stage:If the volume of applicants for the position is such that it would not be practical tointerview all candidates, Westmeath County Council may decide to carry out a short-listing process to select candidates for interview based on an examination of theapplication forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position to bring forward tothe interview stage.Application forms will be examined against a pre-determined criteria based on therequirements 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,who based 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 accurateaccount of your relevant qualifications/experience and complete all sections on theapplication form.Candidates can expect all enquiries, applications, and all aspects of the proceedings tothe extent that they are managed by Westmeath County Council are treated as strictlyconfidential subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2004.Interview Stage:Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or onbehalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determinedby the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.The interview process is an opportunity for the candidates to give evidence ofknowledge, skills and experience and the Local Authorities opportunity to assess yoursuitability for the role.The invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that WestmeathCounty Council is satisfied that you fulfil the requirements of the Regulations or is notdisqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that yourapplication will receive further consideration. It is important to note, the onus is on youto ensure that you meet the eligibility requirement for the post before attending forinterview.Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending theinterview and the onus is on the candidate to attend for interview on the dates andtimes of the interview.Interviews are conducted by a Board(s) set up by Westmeath County Council. TheBoard(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except in so far as they are assessedotherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed Qualifications and anyother relevant matters.A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are ona panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declaredfor the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life ofthe panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. Placement on any panel from thiscompetition is no guarantee that a position will be offered.Page | 12 | Traffic Warden15. 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.16. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawnCandidates who do not attend for interview or other tests when and where required byWestmeath County Council, or who do not, when requested, give such evidence asWestmeath County Council require regarding any matter relevant to their candidature,will have no further claim to consideration.17. Pre-employmentBefore contracts of employment are entered into various pre-employment checks areundertaken. These include medicals, references and may include Garda Vetting.Westmeath County Council will invite successful candidates to under a medicalassessment. A Medical Examiner will be nominated by Westmeath County Council.Westmeath County Council will pay the fee for any general medical examination.18. Data ProtectionThe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May, 2018replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU data Protection Directive.The personal information (data) collected on the application form, including anyattachments, (which may include the collection of sensitive personal data) is collectedfor the purpose of processing this application, and any data collected is subject toWestmeath County Council's privacy statement which can be found at19. Closing DateThe completed application form must be EMAILED to not later than 4.00pm on Friday 13th March 2026.Please send using the subject line "Job Application Post, Your Last Name, Your FirstName e.g. Assistant Staff Officer, Bloggs, JoeOnly applications received via email will be accepted.NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you willreview regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period willonly be through your nominated e-mail address.The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communicationsfrom the Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility forcommunication not accessed or received by the applicant.Page | 13 | Traffic WardenAssistant Staff OfficerKey CompetenciesCandidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates atthe interview will be questioned on at least some or all of the indicators listed below under eachcompetency.Understands the role and responsibilities of a Assistant Staff OfficerHas relevant experience, transferable skills, or the ability to learn rolerequirements quicklyKnowledge, • Aware of administrative and operational processes in an organisationalExperience and settingSkills • Competent in IT systems or willing to learn new systems as requiredFlexible and willing to take on additional responsibilitiesKnowledgeable about health, safety, and welfare legislationContributes to the delivery of high-quality services, ensuring standards aremet and improvements are madeFollows relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures in theperformance of dutiesDelivering Results • Collaborates effectively with others and uses resources efficiently to achieveservice goalsReviews outcomes and reflects on processes to identify improvementsCommunicates clearly and concisely, understanding the importance ofeffective workplace communicationBuilds positive relationships and interacts professionally with othersWorks effectively as part of a team and contributes to shared goalsPerformance • Responds constructively to feedback and is aware of personal performanceThrough People and development needsDemonstrates an understanding of the importance of cooperation andpositive working relationshipsMaintains a positive and practical approach to workWorks to agreed standards and strives for quality outcomesAdapts to changing demands and responds well to challengesPersonal • Remains calm and professional under pressureManages time effectively to meet work requirementsEffectiveness • Shows resilience and perseverance when facing difficulties• Open to learning new skills, systems, and technologyCandidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the competenciesoutlined above at interview in order to meet the qualifying standard.Page | 14 | Traffic WardenPage | 15 | Traffic Warden