WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCILCOMHAIRLE CHONTAE NA hIARMHÍCandidate Information BookletExecutive Engineer(PERMANENT & FIXED TERM CONTRACTS)This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt ofcompleted 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 2025Page | 1 Executive EngineerExecutive EngineerTable of ContentsOverview 3 Qualifications for the Post 4 The Position 5Particulars of Post (including recruitment) 7Competencies for the Post 12Page | 2 Executive EngineerOverviewCounty Westmeath is located in the midlands of Ireland in the province of Leinster and is one of twelveLocal 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. Theprincipal 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 isdivided into two Municipal Districts of Mullingar/ Kinnegad and Athlone / Moate with the administrativeheadquarters of the Council located in Mullingar. There are also Civic Offices located in Athlone andCastlepollard. Mullingar is the county town while Athlone is a Regional Growth Centre under the NationalPlanning Framework.The Council employs 600 staff and has an estimated revenue budget of €117 million for 2025, allocatedunder eight service divisions: Housing & Building; Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; DevelopmentManagement; Environmental Protection; Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Educationand Miscellaneous Services. The Council has a 3-year capital programme with an estimated expenditureof €509 million representing significant infrastructural development to meet the County's current andfuture needs.Page | 3 Executive EngineerWESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCILEXECUTIVE ENGINEERQualificationsCharacterEach candidate must be of good character.HealthCandidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability torender regular and efficient service.CitizenshipCandidates 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 theEuropean 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 Switzerland on thefree movement of persons; ord) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4visa; ore) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or anyfamily member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has astamp 4 visa orf) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, anEEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visaEducation, 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 NationalFramework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering;OR(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework ofQualifications (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) inEngineering attained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4years duration and which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalentaccreditation body internationally;(b) have at least five years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;Page | 4 Executive Engineer(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 suchknowledge.*A level 7 degree will be assessed on the basis that the period of study undertaken should be equivalent to atleast 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Accumulation System) credits.For international qualifications, the level of the qualification will be determined using the NARIC IrelandForeign Qualification database. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translationdocument.Candidates should be aware that fulfilling the eligibility requirements for this post should notbe taken as indicating that your current qualification would be acceptable for more seniorengineering posts (i.e. Senior Executive Engineer and above) which have different eligibilityrequirements.Page | 5 Executive EngineerTHE ROLE:Westmeath County Council would like to invite applications for the post of Executive Engineer of whichpermanent 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 whichinclude housing; transportation infrastructure, environment including climate change, energymanagement 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 ofprojects including the effective delivery of services. Executive Engineers may have responsibility for themanagement and supervision of assigned staff. The person/s appointed will report to and work underthe direction of the Senior Engineer or Senior Executive Engineer or other officer designated by theDirector 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 andmanagement of work programmes. Management of Consultants and Contractors and work contracts including procurement whererequired. 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 allocatedbudgets 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 whileensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation and regulations. Ensuring works are implemented in accordance with all relevant legislation and regulationsincluding planning and procurement requirements.Liaising with and responding to other local authorities, government departments and statutoryagencies. Representing the Council at meetings with, elected members, community/general interestgroups, businesses and communities.Preparation of technical reports for meetings.Managing public consultation and engagement processes including liaison with the public andother key stakeholders. Page | 6 Executive EngineerWorking effectively with the Elected Members and staff in all Council Directorates towards thesuccessful delivery of services and ensuring efficient and effective responses to stakeholders. Working with senior management in devising and implementing strategies leading to improvedefficiencies in delivery of services.Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, orassigned, from time to time.The Ideal Candidate:It is desirable that the candidate should demonstrate through their application and at interviews a astrong ability in the following areas: –Ability to deliver quality outcomes & ensuring Compliance.Proven ability to manage resources and use effectively to deliver on operational plansMotivates individuals and teams to deliver to customers.Have knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation and safety regulations and theirapplication 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 externalstakeholders including interest groups and public representatives.Have good experience of providing updates, presentations, and reports, taking feedback, andensuring any learning from same is used to enhance outcomes.Have experience of managing finances and budgets and ensuring value for money quality outcomesand service delivery.These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under generalguidance. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the WestmeathCounty Council.Page | 7 Executive EngineerWESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCILEXECUTIVE ENGINEERParticulars of OfficeType of PostA panel will be formed from which wholetime, permanent, specific purpose and fixed term contract postsmay be filled.Superannuationa) Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class Arate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the localauthority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration, plus 3.5% of net pensionableremuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old agecontributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualifiedchildren).b) Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class Drate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the localauthority 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 berequired, 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 accordancewith the terms of the Scheme.d) Persons who are pensionable under the Single Public Sector Pension Scheme, contributions inrespect of Superannuation shall be deducted at a rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3½% ofnet pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of socialinsurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adultdependent or qualified children)SalaryThe salary will be fully inclusive and will be determined from time to time. Holders of the office shallpay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to orreceived by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by orunder any enactment to perform.The salary scale is from €59,658 to €82,929 incl. LSIs as per Circular Letter EL 07/2025. Please notestarting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. The rate of remuneration may beadjusted from time to time in line with government pay policy.Page | 8 Executive EngineerIncrements are payable, subject to satisfactory performance and in accordance with currentGovernment Pay Policy and the provisions of the public Service Agreement.ProbationThere shall be a period after appointment takes effect during which the person appointed shall holdoffice on probation.Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend suchperiod;The person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unlessduring such period the chief executive has certified that the service of the person in such officeis satisfactory. RetirementNew entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at 65 but must retireat age 70.Existing Public Servants appointed, if they became pensionable after March 2004, may retire at 65 butmust retire at age 70. Existing Public servants who became pensionable prior to March 2004 may retireat 60 but must retire at age 70.Sick LeaveThe terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.Working HoursThe working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may varyfrom time to time.The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility inworking outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunerationwill be paid in respect of such activities.The provisions of Westmeath County Council's Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this gradeat the current time.Annual LeaveThe current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annualleave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation ofWorking Time Act, 1977 (as amended).Work BaseWestmeath County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use bythe Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment ofdisturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to providehim/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.TravelHolders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car inthe course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of thePage | 9 Executive Engineerlocal authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course ofofficial duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevantDepartment Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.Westmeath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during youremployment, 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.ResidenceHolders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within areasonable distance thereof.Safety & WelfareWestmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventativemeasure 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 withmanagement and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything which would placethemselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place ofwork.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety andHealth Training.TrainingIt is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in trainingprogrammes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post.Employee BenefitsExamples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)Access to Flexi Time SchemeA 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 Employee AssistanceProgrammePage | 10 Executive EngineerRecruitmentShortlistingWestmeath County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take the form ofeither a desktop-shortlisting process (based on the information provided by the candidate in theircompleted 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 thenext stage of the process may be determined based on this information. The application forms will beexamined against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements for the position. This is not to suggestthat other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there aresome 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 accurate account of your relevantqualifications/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 interviewon 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 localauthority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority having regardto 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 whosatisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they areotherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacanciesarise.Taking Up AppointmentWestmeath County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up suchappointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within suchperiod or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the localauthority shall not appoint him/her.MedicalWhere a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she isappointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority's Occupational Health MedicalAdvisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will be refunded to thecandidate.Reference/Documentary EvidenceCandidates are required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of theirapplication. Copies of Certificates will be accepted to confirm eligibility before interview stage but if acandidate is offered a position, the original Certificate from the relevant University/College/Institution willbe required before the candidate is appointed. The onus is on the candidate to request these before theirappointment.Page | 11 Executive EngineerIf your qualification was received outside of Ireland, it will be necessary to submit a statement from theNational Qualifications Authority of Ireland confirming the level to which your qualification is deemedequivalent. If this statement is required, please ensure that it is applied for immediately. The onus is oncandidates 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 asimplying that Westmeath County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of thecompetition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that yourapplication will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is onyou 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 puttingyourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this positionWestmeath County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine thesuitability of the candidate.Garda VettingSuccessful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting and Child Protection Procedures in advance ofappointment to the position.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 the candidate's favour, any member of thestaff 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 soughtClosing DateThe completed application form, together with copies of certificates, must be EMAILED as one completePDF document to. This is a rolling competition, there will be no closingdate for receipt of completed application forms. Applications will be processed in order of receipt ofcompleted applicationsPlease send using the subject line "Your Last Name, Your First Name – Exec Eng 2025" e.g Bloggs, JoeExec Eng 2025Only applications received via email will be accepted. NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will review regularlyas communication during the assessment/selection period will only be through your nominated e-mail address Westmeath County Council is an equal opportunities employer.Page | 12 Executive EngineerCompetencies for the Executive Engineer Post:Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of thesecompetencies when completing application forms. It should be noted that any short-listing or interviewprocesses 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 engineeringperspective Plans, develops and priorities work programmes that are aligned toCorporate and Operational PlansNetworking and Representing:Develops and maintains positive and mutually beneficial relationships with relevantinterestsAbility to negotiate and influence and adopt a partnership approach with allstakeholdersBringing about ChangeDemonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strivesto 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 WorkEnsures compliance with all relevant legislation/regulations including health & safety,planning and procurement.Political AwarenessUnderstands the political reality and context of the organisation.Performance Leading and Motivatingthrough People Leads, motivates, and engages employees to achieve quality results and to deliver onoperational plans.Demonstrates ability to effectively manage performance, including conflict resolution.Demonstrates the ability and experience of promoting awareness, interest, pride andunderstanding in engineering matters.Managing PerformanceEffectively manages performance. Empowers people to achieve or exceedorganisational goals by delegating sufficient authority, responsibility, andaccountability.Demonstrates ability to work in a multi-discipline team environment.Communicating EffectivelyHas highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Presents ideas effectivelyto individuals and groups.Delivering Problem Solving and Decision MakingResults 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 andengineering requirements.Operational PlanningContributes to the development of operational plans and specific team plans to meetobjectives.Plans projects to determine rationale, objectives and deliverables, resourcerequirements, timelines and milestones, reporting requirements, and evaluationmethods.Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.Page | 13 Executive EngineerDelivering Quality OutcomesPromotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services.Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard throughcollaborating with, instructing and motivating employees and by managing resourceseffectively.Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivery and is accountable.Personal Relevant KnowledgeEffectiveness Keeps up with current and emerging developments, trends and best practice in thisarea.Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for therole.Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Healthand Safety legislation and its application in the workplace.Resilience and Personal Well BeingRemains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of severaltasks/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 AchievementIs self-motivated and maintains a positive constructive and enthusiastic attitude to theirrole.Manages time and workload effectively with reference to statutory obligations andtimeframes. Is self-motivated and persistent when faced with difficulties.Engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can beimproved.Knowledge, Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local governmentExperience 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 WestmeathCounty Council.Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systemsCandidates must achieve 50% of the total marks available in each of the competencies outlined aboveat interview in order to meet the qualifying standard.Page | 14 Executive EngineerPage | 15 Executive EngineerPage | 16 Executive EngineerPage | 17 Executive Engineer