WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA hIARMHÍ
Candidate Information Booklet
Executive Engineer
(PERMANENT & FIXED TERM CONTRACTS)
This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of
completed application forms.
Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completed applications.
Applications should be submitted via email ONLY to
with the subject line "Last Name, First Name – Exec Eng 2025" e.g Bloggs, Joe – Exec Eng 2025
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Executive Engineer
Table of Contents
Overview 3
Qualifications for the Post 4
The Position 5
Particulars of Post (including recruitment) 7
Competencies for the Post 12
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Overview
County Westmeath is located in the midlands of Ireland in the province of Leinster and is one of twelve
Local Authorities comprising the Eastern and Midlands Region. It has a population of 96, Census)
and has a total land mass of approximately 1,840km² making it the 6th largest county in Leinster. The
principal towns are Athlone, Moate, Kilbeggan and Mullingar, Kinnegad and Castlepollard.
Westmeath County Council consists of 20 members who are elected every five years. The county is
divided into two Municipal Districts of Mullingar/ Kinnegad and Athlone / Moate with the administrative
headquarters of the Council located in Mullingar. There are also Civic Offices located in Athlone and
Castlepollard. Mullingar is the county town while Athlone is a Regional Growth Centre under the National
Planning Framework.
The Council employs 600 staff and has an estimated revenue budget of €117 million for 2025, 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 €509 million representing significant infrastructural development to meet the County's current and
future needs.
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WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
Qualifications
Character
Each candidate must be of good character.
Health
Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to
render regular and efficient service.
Citizenship
Candidates 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 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 and Switzerland 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 and has a stamp 4
visa; or
e) A 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 or
f) A 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
Education, experience, etc.
Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:
(a) (i) hold at least an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National
Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering;
OR
(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of
Qualifications (NFQ)) and a post graduate masters degree (level 9 in the NFQ) in Engineering.
OR
(iii) hold a masters degree (level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in
Engineering attained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4
years duration and which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent
accreditation body internationally;
(b) have at least five years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;
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(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience;
(d) possess a high standard of administrative experience;
(e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such
knowledge.
*A level 7 degree will be assessed on the basis that the period of study undertaken should be equivalent to at
least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Accumulation System) credits.
For international qualifications, the level of the qualification will be determined using the NARIC Ireland
Foreign Qualification database. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation
document.
Candidates should be aware that fulfilling the eligibility requirements for this post should not
be taken as indicating that your current qualification would be acceptable for more senior
engineering posts (i.e. Senior Executive Engineer and above) which have different eligibility
requirements.
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THE ROLE:
Westmeath County Council would like to invite applications for the post of Executive Engineer of which
permanent and fixed term contracts may be filled. The Executive Engineer works as part of a multi-
disciplinary team within one of the Council's Directorates to deliver key local authority services which
include housing; transportation infrastructure, environment including climate change, energy
management and rural water. The Executive Engineer may also be assigned to a municipal district.
The role can include responsibility for the management and successful delivery of a diverse range of
projects including the effective delivery of services. Executive Engineers may have responsibility for the
management and supervision of assigned staff. The person/s appointed will report to and work under
the direction of the Senior Engineer or Senior Executive Engineer or other officer designated by the
Director of Services or the Chief Executive.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
The main duties for this role may include the following:
* Supervising, managing, and carrying out engineering services to include the preparation and
management of work programmes.
* Management of Consultants and Contractors and work contracts including procurement where
required.
* The implementation of engineering programmes in the areas of transportation, water, housing,
recreation and amenity, environment and other services.
* Responsibility for the management of the day-to-day operations of the work section/
department.
* Managing and supervision of staff performance, conduct and staff development where required.
* Budget management and preparation, ensuring that works are implemented within allocated
budgets and ensuring accurate and timely draw-down of scheme funds from funding agencies.
* Maintaining and proactively developing a culture of Health and Safety in the workplace while
ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and regulations.
* Ensuring works are implemented in accordance with all relevant legislation and regulations
including planning and procurement requirements.
* Liaising with and responding to other local authorities, government departments and statutory
agencies.
* Representing the Council at meetings with, elected members, community/general interest
groups, businesses and communities.
* Preparation of technical reports for meetings.
* Managing public consultation and engagement processes including liaison with the public and
other key stakeholders.
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* Working effectively with the Elected Members and staff in all Council Directorates towards the
successful delivery of services and ensuring efficient and effective responses to stakeholders.
* Working with senior management in devising and implementing strategies leading to improved
efficiencies in delivery of services.
* Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or
assigned, from time to time.
The Ideal Candidate:
It is desirable that the candidate should demonstrate through their application and at interviews a a
strong ability in the following areas: –
* Ability to deliver quality outcomes & ensuring Compliance.
* Proven ability to manage resources and use effectively to deliver on operational plans
* Motivates individuals and teams to deliver to customers.
* Have knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation and safety regulations and their
application within the workplace.
* Effectively manages change.
* Communicates effectively and professionally to staff, elected members and the public.
* Promotes the ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
* Be experienced in all stages of the planning and delivery of engineering projects.
* Have excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external
stakeholders including interest groups and public representatives.
* Have good experience of providing updates, presentations, and reports, taking feedback, and
ensuring any learning from same is used to enhance outcomes.
* Have experience of managing finances and budgets and ensuring value for money quality outcomes
and service delivery.
These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general
guidance.
Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the Westmeath
County Council.
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WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
Particulars of Office
Type of Post
A panel will be formed from which wholetime, permanent, specific purpose and fixed term contract posts
may be filled.
Superannuation
a) Persons who become pensionable employees 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 (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age
contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified
children).
b) Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D
rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local
authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.
c) All persons under (a) and (b) above who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be
required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme,
to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance
with the terms of the Scheme.
d) Persons who are pensionable under the Single Public Sector Pension Scheme, contributions in
respect of Superannuation shall be deducted at a rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3½% of
net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social
insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult
dependent or qualified children)
Salary
The salary will be fully inclusive and will be determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall
pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or
received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or
under any enactment to perform.
The salary scale is from €59,658 to €82,929 incl. LSIs as per Circular Letter EL 07/2025. Please note
starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. The rate of remuneration may be
adjusted from time to time in line with government pay policy.
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Increments are payable, subject to satisfactory performance and in accordance with current
Government Pay Policy and the provisions of the public Service Agreement.
Probation
There shall be a period after appointment takes effect during which the person appointed shall hold
office on probation.
* Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such
period;
* The person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unless
during such period the chief executive has certified that the service of the person in such office
is satisfactory.
Retirement
New entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at 65 but must retire
at age 70.
Existing Public Servants appointed, if they became pensionable after March 2004, may retire at 65 but
must retire at age 70. Existing Public servants who became pensionable prior to March 2004 may retire
at 60 but must retire at age 70.
Sick Leave
The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.
Working Hours
The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary
from time to time.
The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in
working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration
will be paid in respect of such activities.
The provisions of Westmeath County Council's Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade
at the current time.
Annual Leave
The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. 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).
Work Base
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by
the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of
disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide
him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.
Travel
Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in
the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the
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local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of
official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant
Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.
Westmeath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your
employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence,
which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.
Residence
Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a
reasonable distance thereof.
Safety & Welfare
Westmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act
2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative
measure to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.
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 do anything which would place
themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of
work.
Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and
Health Training.
Training
It 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.
Employee Benefits
Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:
* Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)
* Access to Flexi Time Scheme
* A range of Family Friendly Policies
* Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme
* Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme
* A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities
* Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
* Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council's Social Club
* State of the art office accommodation in our Civic Headquarters
* Automatically entered into a pension scheme
* Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council's Employee Assistance
Programme
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Recruitment
Shortlisting
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take the form of
either a desktop-shortlisting process (based on the information provided by the candidate in their
completed application form) or a shortlisting interview.
The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the shortlisting process.
Westmeath County Council's decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going forward to the
next stage of the process may be determined based on this information. The application forms will be
examined against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements for the position. This is not to suggest
that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable 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 relevant
experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant
qualifications/experience on your application form. Based on examination of the application form,
candidates will be selected who appear to be most suitable for the position.
You will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times. The onus is on you to attend for interview
on the dates and times allocated.
Competitive Interview:
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 having regard
to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.
Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.
A panel may be formed based on such an interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who
satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are
otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies
arise.
Taking Up Appointment
Westmeath County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such
appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such
period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local
authority shall not appoint him/her.
Medical
Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is
appointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority's Occupational Health Medical
Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will be refunded to the
candidate.
Reference/Documentary Evidence
Candidates are required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their
application. Copies of Certificates will be accepted to confirm eligibility before interview stage but if a
candidate is offered a position, the original Certificate from the relevant University/College/Institution will
be required before the candidate is appointed. The onus is on the candidate to request these before their
appointment.
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If your qualification was received outside of Ireland, it will be necessary to submit a statement from the
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland confirming the level to which your qualification is deemed
equivalent. If this statement is required, please ensure that it is applied for immediately. The onus is on
candidates to establish eligibility in their application form.
The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as
implying that Westmeath County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the
competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your
application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you 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 nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting
yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position
Westmeath County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the
suitability of the candidate.
Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting and Child Protection Procedures in advance of
appointment to the position.
Canvassing
Any 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 the candidate's favour, any member of the
staff of the County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants,
will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought
Closing Date
The completed application form, together with copies of certificates, must be EMAILED as one complete
PDF document to. This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing
date for receipt of completed application forms. Applications will be processed in order of receipt of
completed applications
Please send using the subject line "Your Last Name, Your First Name – Exec Eng 2025" e.g Bloggs, Joe
Exec Eng 2025
Only applications received via email will be accepted.
NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will review regularly
as communication during the assessment/selection period will only be through your nominated e-
mail address
Westmeath County Council is an equal opportunities employer.
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Competencies for the Executive Engineer Post:
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of these
competencies when completing application forms. It should be noted that any short-listing or interview
processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:
Management and Strategic Ability:
Change Strategic Displays the ability to think and act strategically from a management and engineering
perspective Plans, develops and priorities work programmes that are aligned to
Corporate and Operational Plans
Networking and Representing:
Develops and maintains positive and mutually beneficial relationships with relevant
interests
Ability to negotiate and influence and adopt a partnership approach with all
stakeholders
Bringing about Change
Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives
to implement these changes effectively.
Develops and initiates change management programmes to meet end objectives.
Influences others and fosters commitment to change.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation/regulations including health & safety,
planning and procurement.
Political Awareness
Understands the political reality and context of the organisation.
Performance Leading and Motivating
through People Leads, motivates, and engages employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on
operational plans.
Demonstrates ability to effectively manage performance, including conflict resolution.
Demonstrates the ability and experience of promoting awareness, interest, pride and
understanding in engineering matters.
Managing Performance
Effectively manages performance. Empowers people to achieve or exceed
organisational goals by delegating sufficient authority, responsibility, and
accountability.
Demonstrates ability to work in a multi-discipline team environment.
Communicating Effectively
Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Presents ideas effectively
to individuals and groups.
Delivering Problem Solving and Decision Making
Results Can pinpoint critical information and can address issues logically.
Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.
Understands the context and impact of decisions made.
Displays the ability to manage multiple, complex projects within legal, financial and
engineering requirements.
Operational Planning
Contributes to the development of operational plans and specific team plans to meet
objectives.
Plans projects to determine rationale, objectives and deliverables, resource
requirements, timelines and milestones, reporting requirements, and evaluation
methods.
Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.
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Delivering Quality Outcomes
Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services.
Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard through
collaborating with, instructing and motivating employees and by managing resources
effectively.
Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivery and is accountable.
Personal Relevant Knowledge
Effectiveness Keeps up with current and emerging developments, trends and best practice in this
area.
Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the
role.
Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health
and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.
Resilience and Personal Well Being
Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several
tasks/projects concurrently.
Integrity Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent,
fair and consistent in dealing with others.
Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement
Is self-motivated and maintains a positive constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their
role.
Manages time and workload effectively with reference to statutory obligations and
timeframes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties.
Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be
improved.
Knowledge, Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government
Experience and including service requirements.
Skills Knowledge of current local government issues.
Understanding of the role of an Executive Engineer.
Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Westmeath
County Council.
Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems
Candidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the competencies outlined above
at interview in order to meet the qualifying standard.
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