Overview
Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the local government authority for County Clare. The corporate headquarters are at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis. The council supports four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) with area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. The council has 28 elected members, around 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.
Clare County Council delivers a diverse range of services across planning, Local Enterprise Office, rural and community development, transportation, motor tax, water, environment and emergency services, housing activation and delivery, libraries, sports and amenities, property management, derelict sites and vacant homes. Internal services include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance and People and Culture functions. Local democracy is supported through the Municipal Districts and the council emphasises customer and community needs in service delivery.
The Competition
Clare County Council is inviting applications for the post of Sports Facilities Assistant. Following the interview process, a panel will be formed from which future vacancies may be filled subject to sanction from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit. The panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further 6–12 months at the Chief Executive's discretion.
Job Description
The Sports Facilities Assistant will be part of a team based at the Active Kilrush Sports grounds on the Cooraclare Road in Kilrush, reporting to the Senior General Services Supervisor in the Kilrush area. The team is part of the Municipal District Team managed from the Town Hall in Kilrush. Responsibilities include the daily operation, maintenance and safety of the sports grounds and facilities and providing high standards of customer service. The role involves assisting management of facilities, ensuring an appropriate level of service for customers, marketing facilities and ensuring compliance with Clare County Council's Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, adaptable and flexible, able to act on their own initiative with a commitment to delivering quality public services. They should be flexible to work evenings, weekends and event days as required and liaise daily with Central Office at Active Ennis Leisure Complex to obtain daily bookings and record details on the daily booking sheet.
Essential Skills & Experience for the Role
* Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or sports facility maintenance (advantageous).
* Experience in a sports facility, community centre or similar environment involving customer-facing roles.
* Basic knowledge of turf management, irrigation systems and sports field preparation.
* Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment (mowers, line markers, tractors).
* Strong attention to detail; able to work independently or as part of a team.
* Good physical fitness; manual labour and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
* Understanding of health and safety regulations.
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event days as required.
Duties
The duties listed are not exhaustive and may be revised to meet organisational needs. The following duties are included:
* Manage the administration, use and maintenance of synthetic pitches, changing facilities, conventional pitches, running tracks and inspections at Cooraclare Road.
* Mark out and water pitches as required; operate machinery including tractor, lawnmower and trimmer.
* Set up and tidy away equipment as necessary.
* Open/close facilities and dressing rooms and perform security checks, including alarm setup.
* Keep facilities and grounds clean and free of litter; maintain entrance roads, shrubbery and footpaths/grass margins.
* Supervise pitches at Cooraclare Road as required.
* Liaise with clubs, schools, groups and individuals using the facilities.
* Report serious defects or repairs to the Line Manager.
* Carry out repairs to equipment, surfaces, painting, furniture and signage as needed.
* Monitor and control usage of electricity, heating and hot water.
* Act as keyholder.
* Liaise daily with Central Office at Active Ennis Leisure Complex to obtain daily bookings and record on the daily booking sheet.
* Comply with all health and safety regulations.
* Additional duties as assigned by the Line Manager.
Qualifications for the Post
Essential Criteria
1. Character
Candidate must be of good character.
2. Health
Candidates must be in a state of health indicating the ability to render regular and efficient service.
On the latest date for receipt of completed applications:
* Have a good standard of general education, including literacy skills.
* Have good general computer skills (computer literate – ECDL level).
* Have previous experience as a General Operative in Local Authority or horticulture/landscaping sector.
* Hold a current Class B Driving Licence.
* Failure to input and upload proof of essential criteria will deem you ineligible for this competition.
The salary is fully inclusive and set according to the relevant Department Circular. Starting pay is at the minimum of the scale for new entrants. Annual leave entitlement is 8% of hours worked. The Clare County Council holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December, with terms governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1977 (as amended).
Working Hours
19 hours over 7 days (salary pro rata for 19 hours; the 39-hour week salary is listed for reference). The successful candidate must be flexible to work evenings, weekends and event days as required.
Age
Applicants must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed applications if not a new entrant to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. The 70-year age restriction does not apply to new entrants as defined by the same Act.
Candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer and be a citizen of an EEA country, the UK, Switzerland, or meet other listed eligibility criteria including family/visa provisions as applicable.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
CANVASSING
Canvassing to influence interview decisions will disqualify a candidate.
Criminal Convictions
Declare any convictions/prosecutions to the People & Culture Officer without delay.
Garda Vetting
Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in line with National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016.
Health
Candidates may be required to undergo a medical examination before appointment; costs may be reimbursed upon appointment.
Learning and Development
Participation in training programmes relevant to the duties is required; opportunities for further professional development exist.
Outside Employment
Position is full-time; private practice or outside business must not interfere with duties.
Policies & Procedures
The post-holder must abide by Clare County Council policies, including Code of Conduct, Attendance Management, Grievance, Performance Management, Confidentiality, Information Security, Anti-Fraud, Dignity at Work, and other applicable policies.
Privacy
Refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice.
Probation
Probation terms are set by the local authority and may include an eleven-month period with possible extension and end conditions; assessment periods may apply.
Recruitment
An eligibility exercise may determine whether applicants satisfy essential criteria. Shortlisting may be based on application evaluation and may involve an expert board or short interviews. Shortlisting does not guarantee progression. Details must be accurately provided in the application.
Competitive Interviews
Interviews will determine final decisions; expenses incurred by candidates attending interviews are the candidate's responsibility. A panel may be formed to fill future vacancies.
Reference/Evidence
Candidates may be asked to provide references and documentary evidence. Attending an interview does not guarantee progression.
Retirement
Rules on retirement age depend on entrant status and circulars; see policy for details. Details may include different retirement ages for new entrants and older entrants.
Residence
The holder must reside in the district or within a reasonable distance as determined by Clare County Council.
Safety & Welfare
Adhere to safety policies; wear appropriate safety gear and have a valid Safe Pass if required.
Taking Up Appointment
Offer must be taken up within four weeks unless an extended period is granted.
Travel
A full driving licence (Class B) is required; travel expenses are reimbursed according to policy. Notify the Council if the licence is revoked or endorsements occur.
Work Base
The Council may assign the employee to any department or district and relocation does not entitle compensation; employee must arrange own travel.
Your Right to Information and Appeal
The Council will provide feedback on request. Appeals regarding eligibility, shortlisting and interview decisions must be made in writing within 7 working days of notification. The selection decisions may be revisited on appeal.
* Emergency contacts: Water or wastewater emergencies: Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
* Other emergencies: (087) 259-9568 (outside office hours)
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