Services Officer

Section 1: Overview of the Department

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a multi-functional organisation which provides a wide range of services both directly and through specialist state agencies operating under its aegis. The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, taxpayers, consumers, food processers and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bio-energy, research as well as diverse EU institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups. The Mission of the Department is to serve ‘the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits.’

Vacancies

The Department seeks to employ a Services Officer.The post will be located in Dublin.

Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard will be placed on an Order of Merit from which one appointment will be made. The post will be offered to the candidate ranked first and, if refused, to the remaining candidates in sequence until the post is filled. While it is anticipated that only one appointment will be made as a result of this competition, the Order of Merit will remain in place for a period of up to two years from the date of the first appointment, or until exhausted, and will be used to fill further vacancies, if any, that may arise during that period.

Temporary Vacancies

In the event that temporary vacancies for this post arise during the lifetime of the Order of Merit, the Department reserves the right to offer such temporary posts on the basis of the results of this competition. Candidates who accept such a temporary post retain their placing on the Order of Merit and the acceptance of such a temporary appointment in no way interferes with the normal process of appointing candidates to permanent posts that may arise.

Section 2: Job Specification

The duties of a Services Officer include, but are not restricted to, the following;

• Facilitate the smooth running of reception areas- the Services Officer will be required to carry out reception desk duties that involve dealing with queries and deliveries from colleagues and visitors, both in person and by telephone, in a prompt and courteous manner.
• Security Duties – facilitate security of reception areas, entrance gates, car parks, doors, alarms, etc. Additional security as required.
• Collection, sorting and delivery of internal and external mail to include letters, parcels, newspapers, periodicals, etc.
• Key-holder duties including opening and locking of office in the morning/evening.*
• Van driving duties.**
• Other duties as assigned by line management from time to time as appropriate to the role.

* A key-holding allowance may be payable where the full range of key-holding duties are undertaken.

** A van driving allowance may be payable where driving duties are undertaken.

Reporting Relationship

The Services Officer reports to the Head Service Officer and to any other person to whom authority has been delegated and/or assigned.

Section 3: Person Specification

Essential Requirements
Given the nature of the work, candidates must be fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to the position. In addition candidates must;

• have good communication skills – both oral and written
• be flexible and be capable of using own initiative
• have the ability to work well as part of a team

Desirable Skills/Qualities

It is desirable that candidates;

• be willing to take responsibility for tasks and complete work in a timely manner
• be thorough and conscientious
• hold a full clean driving licence

Competencies

Applicants should have all the attributes required of a Services Officer 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 Services Officer as identified in the following competency framework.

1.Team work

• Shows respect for and builds good working relationships with colleagues and co-workers
• Plays a full and constructive part in the team
• Is supportive and helpful to colleagues

2. Initiative and Problem Solving

• Comes up with practical solutions to work problems
• Is willing to be flexible within the context of the job profile and finds ways to work around a problem2.

3.Delivery of Results

• Approaches and carries out all work in a thorough and organised manner
• Completes work on time consistently and to a high standard

4.Customer Service & Communication Skills

• Listens to customers and is respectful, courteous and professional
• Tries to calm down difficult situations when dealing with people who are unhappy/angry
• Communicates clearly and fluently

5.Drive and Commitment

• Takes pride in a job well done, even if work is routine or less pleasant
• Is interested in work and doing the job well

6.Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform in the role effectively
• Understands the importance of Health & Safety in the workplace and follows safety guidelines

Candidates should note thatadmission tothe competition does not imply that they meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore, candidates should satisfy themselves that they meet the eligibility criteria for this competition.

Section 4: Application and Selection Process

How to Apply

Only Online Applications can be made and should be submitted via the Digital application process outlined in this advert

Closing Date

Your application must be submitted no later than 12pm onTuesday 14th January 2025.

All queries relating to this recruitment campaign should be directed to dafm@cpl.iewith the subject heading ‘Services Officer - Dublin’.

Application acknowledgements:

All applications received will be acknowledged within 5 working days of the competition closing date. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within the 5 working days, please contact Competitions Section on 057-8680471 or by email: dafm@cpl.ie

Applications will not be accepted after the closing time/date.