Graduate Planner

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Requirements

Graduate Planners work within the planning section, which is itself currently within the Planning, Heritage, Economic Development, Tourism, including the Municipal District of Birr Directorate. The section works broadly under four headings as follows: Forward Planning, Development Management, Enforcement (including taking charge of housing developments) and Special Projects (such as greenway development. However, a Graduate Planner will be required to input into multi-disciplinary project teams on occasion. Local Authorities also play a key role in supporting economic development and enterprise promotion at a local level.

·       The Graduate Planner will work under the direction and management of the Senior Planner or other employee designated by the Director of Services as appropriate.

·       The Graduate Planner will be required at times to work on their own initiative as circumstances demand on a broad range of projects. They will be required to work

as part of a multi-disciplinary project team in the Council’s busy Planning Department.

·       The role requires good administrative, interpersonal, communication and other particular skills depending on assignment.

·       The successful candidate will be expected to carry out his/her duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of the following specific areas:

Planning Policy & Practice:

Knowledge of the practical application of:

·       Irish Planning legislation and key relevant European Directives, including associated procedures

·       Planning issues relevant to Co. Offaly and its wider region

·       Historical, emerging and topical planning trends & issues in Ireland

·       Report writing and communication of a reasoned assessment or recommendation

·       Health and Safety legislation

Personal Effectiveness:

·       Resilience and Personal Well-Being

·       Integrity & Public Service Values

·       Personal Motivation and Initiative

·       Understanding the structures and environment within which the local authority sector operates

·       Personal vision for the future of planning in Co. Offaly

·       Political awareness

QUALIFICATIONS

1.           Character

Candidates shall 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. Education, Experience, etc.

Candidates shall:

a)     Hold an honours degree (level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Planning

Desirable requirements:

It is desirable candidates:

·       Hold a Masters qualification in Town Planning

·       Demonstrate an understanding of good planning practice and a good knowledge of the relevant regulations

·       Have good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post:

The post is whole-time, temporary and pensionable. 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 will be used to fill temporary positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.  Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.   Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.  Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale.  The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €35,960 - €38,742 - €42,723 - €46,352.

Duties:

You shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to you in relation to your employment and as may be appropriate to any particular function of any local authority for which the Chief Executive is responsible and carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of your duties. You shall, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. You may be required to work outside your normal job description from time to time.

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

·        Conducting site visits & preparing recommendations on assigned planning applications including applications made directly to An Bord Pleanala where a local authority report is requested.

·        Preparing responses to pre-planning requests & holding pre planning meetings.

·        Preparing responses to planning appeals, attendance and input at oral hearings as necessary.

·        Carrying out site visits and preparing recommendations in relation to planning enforcement and derelict sites, including attendance at court cases and the giving of evidence.

·        Preparation of reports on the taking in charge of residential developments.

·        Preparing responses for submissions on compliance with planning conditions.

·        Advising on and preparation of recommendations on ‘Section 5’ exempted development declaration applications and other declarations as directed.

·        Giving planning advice on the preparation and processing of “Part 8” Local Authority development applications.

·        Responding to planning queries, completions of returns etc. from other Council departments and national and regional Government / statutory agencies, external bodies as directed.

·        Carrying out survey work, research, analysis, drafting policies and proposals, preparing written statements and maps and other work as required on the agreed Forward Planning work programme, including but not limited to, plans, other planning strategies and studies, urban and rural renewal strategies / plans, urban design / public realm strategies.

·        Input into the preparation of, management and administration of environmental assessments of planning applications and plans / programmes as required.

·        Assistance in organising and facilitating public consultation and participation including attendance at meetings and other public forums, making presentations and recording and responding to queries.

·        Dealing professionally and courteously with queries from members of the public and their agents.

·        Providing a high level of service to public representatives, including attendance at and presentations to the relevant Strategic Policy Committee and at meetings of the Council, including at Municipal District level.

·        Maintaining and proactively developing a culture of Health and Safety in the workplace

·        Engaging in Continuing Professional Development/Training.

·        Incorporating the use of IT and efficiencies into work practices.

·        Preparation for and attendance at staff meetings.

·        Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.

Work Base:

Offaly 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.

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 Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 24 – 26 days per annum, after 5 years service. 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).

Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of Offaly County Council’s Probation Policy will apply.

Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% 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 dependent or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.

Persons who commenced Public Sector Employment prior to 1st January 2013:

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 dependent or qualified children).

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.

All persons 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

Retirement:

Public 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. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

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 2004. 65 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 65 years.

Travel:

When required to do so, 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 local authority. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Offaly County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. 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 Offaly County Council’s 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.

Taking Up Appointment:

The local authority 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.

Recruitment:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a certain number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description. An expert board will examine the application forms 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 on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for this position. On occasion a shortlisting interview may take place.

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 notified of the means through which the interview will be conducted prior to their interview date.

Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview. 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.

Appeals:

Offaly County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy document is available from the Human Resources Department. This document includes details of the appeals procedure available to applicants for each stage of the recruitment process.

Right to Review:

Offaly County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy document is available from the Human Resources Department on the HR page of iPortal or on our website at www.offaly.ie/careers . This document includes details of the review procedure available to applicants for each stage of the recruitment process.

Health:

Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/ she is appointed, to undergo, at their expense, 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.

Residence:

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Safety & Welfare:

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Offaly County Council’s 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. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on his/her person at all times a valid safepass card. Should he/she not hold a valid safepass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card.

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.

Reference/Documentary Evidence:

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names and addresses of two responsible persons to whom he/she is well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a former/current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

 The admission of a person to a competition or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Offaly 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 Offaly County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

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