Driver

The Role: Leitrim County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent vacancies for Driver may be filled. Drivers are frontline service employees who are involved in the delivery of key local authority services in the heart of communities. The role is outdoors, and the duties will vary according to the functional area to which the person is assigned, but will include driving a range of vehicles and operating different types of plant, including winter maintenance machinery. The role will also involve standard General Operative duties as required. The successful candidate will be required to work under the direction and supervision of the appropriate line manager and carry out duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her in relation to his/her employment and as may be appropriate.

The Qualifications: 1. Character: Candidates must be of good character. 2. Health: 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 (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 4. Education, Training, Experience etc: Candidates must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: (a) have reached a good general level of education, knowledge and experience to enable her/him to undergo successfully the appropriate training and to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post. (b) hold a current full Class C Driving Licence, free from endorsements and have satisfactory knowledge and experience of driving of heavy trucks. (Note: Candidates may be required to undergo a driving assessment as part of the selection process, at the discretion of Leitrim County Council). (c) hold a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Card (Driver CPC Card). (d) Hold a valid Safe Pass Card* Each candidate will demonstrate through their application form and at interview (if called for interview) that s/he: • Has good communication/interpersonal and customer awareness skills; • Has capacity to contribute to and work well in a team; • Is self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative and ability to use judgement in a work-place environment; • Has sufficient knowledge and understanding of Safety, Health & Welfare at work. *Where a candidate does not hold a current valid Safe Pass Card this requirement must be met prior to taking up any offer of a Driver position (meeting this requirement will not be permitted to delay any appointment process and the onus is on the candidate to ensure that they have met the requirements in a timely manner).

The Ideal Candidate Shall Have: • Knowledge and understanding of the functions of a local authority. • Understanding of the role of Driver. • Previous experience relevant to the duties outlined for Driver, including operating plant and machinery. • Relevant training/qualifications eg Manual Handling, CSCS, Safe Pass etc. • Good knowledge and previous experience in Safety, Health & Welfare at Work. • Ability to use judgement in a work-place environment. • Good organisation skills. • Good interpersonal and communication skills. • A flexible and adaptable approach with the ability to multi-task. • The capability of keeping work records and recording accurately the quantities of work. • Experience in dealing with the public and good customer awareness skills. • A willingness to learn and aptitude to use all new technology and information systems. • Flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties can involve working outside of normal hours as required.

Skills/Aptitudes for the Post: Candidates should have all the skills/aptitudes required of a Driver and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Driver as identified in the following skills/aptitudes framework. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based around these skills/aptitudes and the associated information provided by candidates. It is in candidates’ interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of their experiences relevant to this post in the application form

Knowledge/Experience and Skills: ▪ Directly relevant experience having regard to the duties of the post. ▪ Required knowledge, understanding and training for the role. ▪ Understanding of the role of a Driver. ▪ Experience in Driving Heavy Trucks. ▪ Experience and knowledge of health and safety regulations in the workplace. ▪ Understanding of the importance of ensuring that workplace health and safety guidelines and procedures are followed.

Delivering Results:

▪ Capacity to organise, plan and prioritise work programmes. ▪ Follows procedures, ensures compliance and maintains appropriate records. ▪ Demonstrates problem solving, judgement and decision-making skills. ▪ Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges and responsibilities. ▪ Delivers quality work and services.

Performance Management & Teamwork ▪ Relates well to others, building and maintaining positive working relationships. ▪ Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. ▪ Ability to supervise and co-ordinate the team or work area in an effective manner. ▪ Strong team ethic of co-operation and mutual support, sharing information and knowledge as appropriate. ▪ Communicates and reports effectively.

Personal Effectiveness:

▪ Manages time and workload effectively. ▪ Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to the role. ▪ Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change. ▪ Responds positively to the challenges of the job and is proactive in addressing issues and problems. ▪ Is self-motivated and committed and demonstrates a strong customer service ethos. ▪ Is professional in performing the role and in carrying out their responsibilities The Principal Terms & Conditions: 1. Particulars of Employment The post of Driver is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. Two Panels will be created – one for the North Leitrim Area and one for the South Leitrim Area Candidates may be placed on more than one panel based on the options selected on the application form. Any permanent positions which arise in the respective areas during the lifetime of the Panel(s) will be filled from the associated Panel. Drivers may be called on at any time, in case of emergency or urgent need, and must be in a position to provide an acceptable response time in relation to the discharge of their duties. Post holders will be required to reside within a reasonable distance of their work base, and this requirement should be considered by applicants in selecting which panel(s)to apply for. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, re-assign an employee to any Department now or in the future. Leitrim County Council reserves the right to, at any time, assign an employee to any base or premises in use by the Council now or in the future. 2. Remuneration: The gross weekly wage for the post of Driver (Driver Plant Operator B) is as follows (scale effective from1st October 2023): Point 1 €720.43 after 0.5 years €724.06 after 1.5 years €727.68 after 2.5 years €729.67 after 3.5 years €729.67 after 4.5 years €729.67 after 5.5 years €729.67 after 6.5 years €730.85 after 7.5 years €732.93 after 8.5 years €735.08 after 9.5 years €737.23 after 10.5 years €739.38 after 11.5 years €741.56 Persons who are appointed to the post of Driver will be placed on the pay scale in line with approved arrangements. Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. The remuneration shall be subject to such statutory deductions as may operate from time to time e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Holders of the post 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 official duties or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. 3. Duties Successful candidates will be required to carry out duties as may from time to time be assigned to her/him in relation to her/his employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the local authority for which the Chief Executive is responsible, and carry out such instruction as may be given in relation to the performance of duties. The duties shall include, but will not be limited to the following: ▪ The driving of any County Council owned/hired vehicle as assigned to her/him which s/he is qualified to drive. ▪ Be fully responsible for the operation and care of the vehicle/machine and ancillary equipment allocated to her/him by the relevant Supervisor (e.g. General Services Supervisor, Ganger, Plant Manager, Engineer in Charge). Under no circumstances should any County Council vehicle be used for purposes other than official County Council business. ▪ Loading of vehicles and operation of any lifting equipment and familiarise her/himself with the instructions issued by the machinery manufacturer and the Supervisor in charge, so that s/he may operate the machine in an efficient manner. ▪ Keep the vehicle / machine in good order and condition at all times, and carry out regular washing, oiling, greasing, tightening of nuts-and-bolts, dirt removal and mechanical adjustment, on a regular basis or as required. Particular attention shall be paid to the checking and tightening of wheel nuts. ▪ Carry out Daily inspections and record in Daily Inspection booklet for the vehicle that is being used. ▪ Draw the attention of the Supervisor in charge to any repairs or overhauls which s/he considers necessary. ▪ Immediately notify the relevant supervisor in the event of a break-down or unsatisfactory running of the vehicle. ▪ Prior consent of the General Services Supervisor must be obtained before a lorry is sent for repair/service. General Services Supervisor to arrange for repair/service and expedite carrying out of repairs. The Plant Manager to be notified. Delays in expediting repairs are to be reported to the Area Engineer. ▪ Ensure that the plant is on the job at the appointed starting time. ▪ Operate equipment, tools and machinery as required. ▪ Keep and furnish accurate and complete records, including weekly time sheets and any such other returns that are required, including walk around vehicle check sheets, records of hours worked, mileage and receipts for fuels and oils purchased etc. ▪ Carry out all works which are assigned to the crew they are working with. ▪ When a lorry is lying idle, or is stationary, Drivers may be re-deployed to other driving duties when other driving duties are available e.g. vans, pick-ups, etc. The Driver will be required to take part in all duties appropriate to General Operatives in the work area where they are employed. ▪ Carry out Winter Maintenance Duties as required, including out of hours and as directed by the Duty Engineer, General Services Supervisor, or Plant Manager. ▪ Have due regard to Health, Safety and Welfare at Work legislation particularly with the loading of vehicles and the operation of any lifting equipment. ▪ Assume personal responsibility for their own safety at work. ▪ Take every care to safeguard the public and the plant in their care. In the event of an accident they shall immediately report it to the General Services Supervisor. ▪ Submit motor claim accident reports to the relevant line manager, in so far as possible, within 24 hours of any incident occurring. ▪ Work cooperatively with supervisors and colleagues and deal effectively and courteously with contractors, members of the public etc. ▪ Operate existing and all new technology including GPS technology, and record daily operations on existing/new systems, through smartphone, tablet, or any other similar device. ▪ Comply with all Leitrim County Council policies and procedures in all aspects of their work including all Health & Safety procedures. ▪ Attend training courses as required and ensure qualifications such as CPC courses, Health and Safety courses, Safe Pass and other training skills are updated as required. ▪ The Driver may be required to work in any part of the County, as directed by the relevant supervisor / line manager, and on any vehicle which is allocated to them. ▪ To carry out any other duties and/or instructions as may be assigned from time to time. Please note that these duties are typical of a Driver and are indicative rather than exhaustive. The duties will vary according to the work programme and the functional area to which the person is assigned. The work will be carried out in accordance with established work practices or as negotiated from time to time. Persons appointed will be required to report to work at the location notified to him/her by the supervisor. Employees must attend at all training courses deemed necessary by their employer for their area of work The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Leitrim County Council’s Safety Management System. Working in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation and construction regulations, will be the primary responsibility of all Drivers. 4. Residence: The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which her/his duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof, to enable her/his duties to be discharged in a satisfactory manner, as approved by Leitrim County Council. Successful candidates may be required to demonstrate that they can provide an acceptable response time in relation to the discharge of her/his duties and in such circumstances a determination as to whether a successful candidate can meet such response times will be at the discretion of management. The North Leitrim Area covers the following general areas: Tullaghan, Kinlough, Manorhamilton, Rossinver, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne, Killargue, Dromahaire, Drumkeerin.

The bases within the North Leitrim Area are: • Drumkeerin • Manorhamilton The South Leitrim Area covers the following general areas: Dowra, Ballinaglera, Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon, Dromod, Rooskey, Mohill, Ballinamore, Aughnasheelin, Cloone, Carrigallen.

The bases within the South Leitrim Area are: • Ballinamore • Carrick on Shannon • Drumshanbo • Mohill

The holder of the post will be required to serve wherever assigned by the Local Authority and to reside within a reasonable distance of the relevant base. 5. Hours of Duty: Core hours of work shall be a 39 hour week. Normal working hours are 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Friday (half hour lunch break each day), or such hours as may from time to time be prescribed. The holder of the post may be called on at any time, in case of emergency or urgent need, and/or may be required to work outside of normal working hours, i.e. at evenings and/or weekends, as required, subject to overtime in accordance with agreed rates and procedures. Drivers will be required to undertake Winter Maintenance Duties, including out of hours winter maintenance activities. All hours of work will be subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time 6. Probation: Employment is subject to a probationary period of one year, or such other period as may be determined, during which there will be an ongoing review of performance. Candidates shall cease to be employed as Driver at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory. The probationary period may be extended at Leitrim County Council’s discretion. 7. Health: For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before s/he is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. 8. Annual Leave: The annual leave entitlement for the post of Driver will be 25 days per annum, which will be taken in accordance with the Council’s Annual Leave Policy for Outdoor Staff. 9. Superannuation: All new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after 1 January 2013 will be members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. All members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be required to contribute 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration plus 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sums for member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contribution Scheme. Persons who are pensionable under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998, and are 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 dependant or qualified children). You will also be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens’ Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the Scheme. Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are 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. You may also be required to pay Spouses and Children/Widows and Orphans contributions at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration.