Skilled General Operative

The Competition The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form panel(s) for: • Skilled General Operative - North Leitrim Area • Skilled General Operative - South Leitrim Area from which whole-time, permanent posts may be filled at Skilled General Operative (aligned to Foreman) Grade. The North Leitrim Area generally covers the Tullaghan, Kinlough, Manorhamilton, Rossinver, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne, Killargue, Dromahaire, Drumkeerin areas. The South Leitrim Area generally covers the Dowra, Ballinaglera, Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon, Dromod, Rooskey, Mohill, Ballinamore, Aughnasheelin, Cloone, Carrigallen areas. Skilled General Operatives 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 The Role Skilled General Operatives are frontline service employees who are involved in the delivery of a wide range of key local authority services in the heart of communities. The role is outdoors, operational, semi-skilled and manual and the duties will vary according to the functional area to which the person is assigned. Typical services include roads and transportation, maintenance of social housing units and estates, environmental and drainage works, upkeep of recreation and amenity facilities etc. 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 ideal candidate will have relevant experience and be highly motivated, adaptable, flexible, capable of acting on their own initiative and someone with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services. The Qualifications: 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Each candidate must 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 Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: a) Have reached a standard of education sufficient to enable them to carry out the duties of the position satisfactorily; b) Have adequate knowledge and experience of semi-skilled construction work and the ability to work on own initiative without constant supervision; c) Have a good knowledge and previous experience in Safety, Health & Welfare at Work and in dealing with the public; d) Hold a valid Safe Pass Card*; e) Hold a current full Class B Driving Licence, free from endorsement. 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 Skilled General Operative 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 Will Have: • An understanding of the role of a Skilled General Operative (semi-skilled works in addition to regular General Operative duties). • Knowledge, experience and training relevant to the duties outlined for a Skilled General Operative and the capacity to undertake works of a semi-skilled nature. • The ability to plan and prioritise work effectively and to work under pressure (both independently and as part of a team). • Management skills including the ability to supervise works and staff and to work within, lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams. • The capability of keeping work records and recording accurately the quantities of work. • A flexible and adaptable approach with the ability to multi-task. • Good judgement and problem-solving skills. • Strong initiative, organization skills and discipline, and the drive to deliver the required results. • Effective interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical and other reports for line managers. • Good ICT skills and an ability to use technology (eg. hand-held smart technology etc) as required. • Experience in dealing with the public and a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services. • An excellent knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace. • A strong understanding of the role and duties of managers in safety and staff resource management in the workplace. • A good understanding of how local authorities operate.

The Skills/Aptitudes for the Post: Candidates should have all the skills/aptitudes required of a Skilled General Operative 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 Skilled General Operative 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. • Training / qualifications relevant to the role. • Understanding of the role of a Skilled General Operative. • Experience in working with relevant plant / machinery. • 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 and Conditions: 1. Particulars of Employment The post of Skilled General Operative 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. Skilled General Operatives 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 wages for the post of Skilled General Operative (aligned to Foreman Scale), effective as at 1st October 2023, is as follows: Point 1 €719.00 after 0.5 years €722.81 after 1.5 years €726.31 after 2.5 years €728.30 after 3.5 years €728.30 after 4.5 years €728.30 after 5.5 years €728.30 after 6.5 years €729.59 after 7.5 years €731.58 after 8.5 years €733.70 after 9.5 years €735.98 after 10.5 years €738.04 after 11.5 years €740.14 Persons who are appointed to the post of Skilled General Operative 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 & Responsibilities The Skilled General Operative grade is a frontline outdoor grade involved in the delivery of a wide range of key local authority services in the heart of communities. The role is operational, semi-skilled and manual and may involve front-line supervisory responsibilities. The Skilled General Operative is a critical post in terms of ensuring quality service delivery to the public. Skilled General Operatives may be required to work as part of a works/maintenance crew in any of the service areas of the Council. Successful candidates will be required to 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 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 Skilled General Operative duties will include a variety of labouring, semi-skilled and ancillary duties in the Roads, Housing/Facilities and related areas, at the instruction of supervisors. Typical duties in Roads may include (as example), but will not be limited to the following: • Road maintenance work including road repairs and general road maintenance. • Road construction works including pipe laying, minor block and mortar work, road strengthening, road construction, surface dressing etc. • General maintenance duties in relation to roads and footpaths including opening water inlets, drainage work and tar patching etc. • Carrying out road reinstatement and footpath repairs and general concrete works. • Footpath construction works including kerb laying, cutting etc • General construction work including stonework, blockwork, erecting fencing, gates etc • Erecting, cleaning and repairing signage. • Carrying out bridge maintenance/repairs as required. • Undertaking/assisting in relation to tree felling as required. • Power washing as required. • Street cleaning, litter picking and emptying of bins. • Carrying out maintenance / improvement / construction works in playgrounds, parks, amenity areas. • Grass cutting, strimming and general landscaping works. • Chemical spraying and weed control. • Setting out of road works. • Implementing traffic management plans.

Typical duties in Housing/Facilities may include (as example), but will not be limited to the following: • General labouring and maintenance duties in relation to Housing / Facilities as required. • Assistance to the Craftworker as required. • Minor Plumbing Repairs - Leaking Taps, Pipework and Cylinders. • Replacement of Showers Units. • Sewer Cleaning/Unblocking by Rodding/Letting. • Minor Roof Repairs - Replacing Slates/Tiles/Ridge Tiles. • Replacement of Chimney Capping. • Hanging Doors and Lock Installation/replacement. • Fix/Replace Skirting Board and Architraves. • Internal & External painting. • Repair of Kitchen Doors/Worktop/Carcass. • Fitting/Replacement of Kitchen. • Fitting of Floor/Wall Tiles. • Laying Laminate Floor Coverings. • Minor Ceiling/Plasterboard repair. • Lay/replace/repair surface and foul water sewer lines. • Repair window locks & hinges. • Erecting boundary fencing. • Repair external boundary walls. • Stove/Range repair and installation. • Footpath construction works including kerb laying, cutting etc. • Power washing as required. • Grass cutting, strimming and general landscaping works. • Heatpump troubleshooting. • Repair/replacement of Fascia/Soffit/Gutters. • Undertaking minor energy efficiency works. Other duties, regardless of assignment, may include (as example) but will not be limited to the following: • Loading and unloading of building materials, road-making materials, including gravel and chippings, pipes, fencing posts and all materials used by the Council. • Driving Council / hired vehicles as required. • Operating tools, small plant and equipment/machinery as required. • Responsible for equipment and materials under his/her control. • Completing returns and records of work as required. • Undertaking the duties of a Ganger as required including: o Organising of work to ensure that tasks assigned are completed on time and to specification. o Working at all times with his/her crew/team unless otherwise directed by the General Services Supervisor or other Line Manager. o Supervising local safety arrangements on site, including the preparation and communication of the SSWP. o Supervising the crew/team and liaising with the General Services Supervisor or other Line Manager as required. o Supervising Contractors, Plant Operators etc on site as required. o Keeping such records of crews, equipment, materials and jobs under his/her control as are required by Supervisor. • Ensuring that the Council’s safety management systems and procedures are complied with at all times. • Compliance with all organisational policies, procedures and legislation. • Dealing effectively and courteously with work colleagues and customers • Taking directions from and reporting to the appropriate Line Manager/Supervisor. • Responding to emergencies as required by Supervisor. • Attending to emergency work outside of normal working hours as required • Participating and co-operating with all training initiatives as required. • Operating existing technology and any new technology that may be introduced in the future in the area assigned as required, including mobile devices, and recording daily operations on such systems. • Use of current and future ICT systems, including mobile devices, employed in the area assigned as required. • Such other duties/tasks as may be assigned to him/her from time to time as directed by the engineer or authorised supervisor.

Please note that these duties are typical of a Skilled General Operative (semi-skilled duties in addition to standard General Operative duties) 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 Skilled General Operatives.