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Assistant Staff Officer
Closing date for receipt of applications:
4:00pm on Friday, 13th March 2026
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Assistant Staff Officer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
The Position 4
Qualifications for the Post 5
Particulars of Offices (including recruitment) 7
Competencies for the Post 14
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Post of Assistant Staff Officer
Introduction
Westmeath has a population of 96,221 and is in the heart of the country with excellent road
and rail access to all four corners of the island of Ireland.
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 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 is mandated to deliver a broad range of services and functions described mainly
under the following headings:
* Community Development and Integration
* Economic and Enterprise Development
* Tourism
* Climate Action and Environmental Protection
* Housing
* Transportation
* Infrastructure development and maintenance
* Emergency Services
* Library, Arts and Culture
* Health and Wellbeing
* Recreation and Sport
* Age-Friendly
* Planning and Development
* Heritage and Biodiversity
At a strategic level, the Council operates through its Corporate Policy Group comprising the
Cathaoirleach of the Council and the Chairs of the Local Authority's four Strategic Policy
Committees. The Chief Executive and the Management Team play a key role in supporting
and 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 million
representing significant infrastructural development to meet the County's current and future
needs.
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The Position
The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be
considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for
the position of Assistant Staff Officer be drawn.
The Assistant Staff Officer is a key frontline support role within the organisation. The
successful candidate will be assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional
area as required and will work under the direction of a Staff Officer or any employee
designated by the Administrative Officer, Senior Executive Officer, or Director of Services as
appropriate.
The Assistant Staff Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances
public trust and confidence. The role requires excellent administrative, interpersonal, and
communication skills, along with the ability to demonstrate strong professional competence
within the assigned area. The postholder may also be required to deputise for a Staff Officer
from time to time
Duties & Responsibilities
The Assistant Staff Officer is a support or supervisory position within the Council and the
candidate 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 managers
and colleagues to meet work goals and objectives and to deliver quality services to internal
and external customers.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of key duties and responsibilities which may be
assigned to an Assistant Staff Officer:
* To support the line manager to ensure the section or department work programmes are
implemented to deliver on the Council's Corporate Plan and operational matters.
* To effectively communicate with employees, supervisors, line managers, and customers
regarding operational matters in their area
* To 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 in
discussions as appropriate.
* To provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects/work programmes
* To ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for
information in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
* To support the line manager to communicate, implement, and manage all change
management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.
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* To supervise employees within their team or programmes of work and within their area
of responsibility, providing support to team members or colleagues as required and
through 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 and
procedures 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 those
detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such
duties as designated from time to time.
Qualifications for the Post
1. Character
Candidates shall be of good character.
2. Health
The role is substantially street based and involves periods of walking and standing. Candidates
shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render
regular and efficient service.
3. 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
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.
* Non-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.
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4. Education, Training, Experience
Candidates must have on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms meet
one 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 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
(ii) Equivalent Qualification - have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent
examination,
OR
(iii) Degree Level Qualification - hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard
5. Requirements, Skills and Knowledge
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate, through their application form and at
interview, the following:
* Have an understanding of the Council's purpose, goals and priorities and knowledge
of public service organisation in Ireland;
* Understand the role of the elected council and the representational role of the
elected members;
* Understand the changing environment and be capable of adapting to change in
order to deliver quality services to our citizens;
* Have the ability to identify problems and contribute to solutions;
* Have an ability to work effectively
* Possess 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;
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* Demonstrate excellent clerical/administrative experience in an office based
environment;
* Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and
without constant supervision;
* Have staff supervisory experience;
* Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the
implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the
workplace.
6. Panel
Following the selection process, three panels will be formed for the post of Assistant Staff
Officer from which future and permanent and fixed term contracts will be filled
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 with at least two year's satisfactory experience in a
post of Clerical Officer or an analogous post. 50% of appointments will be made
from Panel A.
Panel B (Open) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may include
candidates 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 in
order of merit who are current employees of Westmeath Co. Council. 20% of
appointments will be made from Panel C.
The order of candidates placed on each of the panels is determined by where they were placed
on the overall order of merit.
Particulars of Office (including retirement)
1. The Post
A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a
further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel may be used to fill
permanent & fixed term positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be
offered in order of merit as per the panel. Vacancies may arise on a county-wide
basis. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any work
location having regard to funding and/or operational circumstances.
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2. Salary
The current salary for the post of Assistant Staff Officer is €36,113 - €55,460 per
annum (including Long Service Increments), as per Circular EL 02/2026. Payment of
increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.
Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by
the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale
in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the
Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 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 paid annually 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
Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your "wages" (for the purposes of
the Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of
the amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991,
Section 5(5
3. Superannuation and Retirement
Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public
Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant
scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.
A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to
pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation
to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of 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 dependent or qualified children).
A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee 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 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).A person who
becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate
of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to
contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A
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person paying Class D rate of PRSI 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 & Orphans Contributory Pension)
Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme
and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to
the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance
with the terms of the scheme.
Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms
of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of
appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and
death gratuities.
In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, the employee must
have served a minimum 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% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump
sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be coordinated with the State
Pension ContributoryPublic Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions)
Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public
Service 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 the
public service 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 Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to compulsory
retirement age of 70 years.
4. Probation
a. There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such
persons shall hold the position on probation.
b. Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion
extend such period.
c. The person appointed shall cease hold office at the end of the period of probation
unless the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in such
office is satisfactory.
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The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take
up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to
take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local
authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not
appoint them.
5. Annual Leave
The 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 the
provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which
may apply from time to time.
Working Hours
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful
applicant 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 of
Working Time Regulations, 2001.
6. Sick Leave
The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.
7. Location
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any
premises 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 means
of transport and at their own expense.
8. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies
Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council
codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future
organisational policies.
9. Training
It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate
in training programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached
to the post.
10. Safety and 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
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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. The holder of the post shall co-operate with
the terms of Westmeath County Council Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan.
He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make
proper 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 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.
11. Driver's Licence & Insurance
It is desirable that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles, as
he/she may be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties and for this
purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is the
responsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and to
indemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance
certificate under the heading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Travelling
and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in
accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and
Subsistence 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.
12. Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the
position.
13. Employee Benefits
Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:
* Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum
* 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 (EAP)
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14. Recruitment
Shortlisting Stage:
If the volume of applicants for the position is such that it would not be practical to
interview all candidates, Westmeath County Council may decide to carry out a short-
listing process to select candidates for interview based on an examination of the
application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position to bring forward to
the interview stage.
Application forms will be examined against a pre-determined criteria based on the
requirements of 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 and complete all sections on the
application form.
Candidates can expect all enquiries, applications, and all aspects of the proceedings to
the extent that they are managed by Westmeath County Council are treated as strictly
confidential 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 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.
The interview process is an opportunity for the candidates to give evidence of
knowledge, skills and experience and the Local Authorities opportunity to assess your
suitability for the role.
The invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Westmeath
County Council is satisfied that you fulfil the requirements of the Regulations 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 to note, the onus is on you
to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirement for the post before attending for
interview.
Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the
interview and the onus is on the candidate to attend for interview on the dates and
times of the interview.
Interviews are conducted by a Board(s) set up by Westmeath County Council. The
Board(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except in so far as they are assessed
otherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed Qualifications and any
other relevant matters.
A panel may be formed on the basis of such 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. Placement on any panel from this
competition is no guarantee that a position will be offered.
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15. 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 or employee of the Council or person nominated by the
County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the
candidate for the position being sought.
16. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn
Candidates who do not attend for interview or other tests when and where required by
Westmeath County Council, or who do not, when requested, give such evidence as
Westmeath County Council require regarding any matter relevant to their candidature,
will have no further claim to consideration.
17. Pre-employment
Before contracts of employment are entered into various pre-employment checks are
undertaken. These include medicals, references and may include Garda Vetting.
Westmeath County Council will invite successful candidates to under a medical
assessment. A Medical Examiner will be nominated by Westmeath County Council.
Westmeath County Council will pay the fee for any general medical examination.
18. Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May, 2018
replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU data Protection Directive.
The personal information (data) collected on the application form, including any
attachments, (which may include the collection of sensitive personal data) is collected
for the purpose of processing this application, and any data collected is subject to
Westmeath County Council's privacy statement which can be found at
19. Closing Date
The 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 First
Name e.g. Assistant Staff Officer, Bloggs, Joe
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.
The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications
from the Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for
communication not accessed or received by the applicant.
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Assistant Staff Officer
Key Competencies
Candidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates at
the interview will be questioned on at least some or all of the indicators listed below under each
competency.
* Understands the role and responsibilities of a Assistant Staff Officer
* Has relevant experience, transferable skills, or the ability to learn role
requirements quickly
Knowledge,
• Aware of administrative and operational processes in an organisational
Experience and setting
Skills
• Competent in IT systems or willing to learn new systems as required
* Flexible and willing to take on additional responsibilities
* Knowledgeable about health, safety, and welfare legislation
* Contributes to the delivery of high-quality services, ensuring standards are
met and improvements are made
* Follows relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures in the
performance of duties
Delivering Results
• Collaborates effectively with others and uses resources efficiently to achieve
service goals
* Reviews outcomes and reflects on processes to identify improvements
* Communicates clearly and concisely, understanding the importance of
effective workplace communication
* Builds positive relationships and interacts professionally with others
* Works effectively as part of a team and contributes to shared goals
Performance
• Responds constructively to feedback and is aware of personal performance
Through People and development needs
* Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cooperation and
positive working relationships
* Maintains a positive and practical approach to work
* Works to agreed standards and strives for quality outcomes
* Adapts to changing demands and responds well to challenges
Personal
• Remains calm and professional under pressure
* Manages time effectively to meet work requirements
Effectiveness
• Shows resilience and perseverance when facing difficulties
• Open to learning new skills, systems, and technology
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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