Summer Student Employment Scheme 2025

Longford County Council is currently accepting online applications from third-level students for our 2025 Summer Student Employment Scheme. The Summer Student Employment Scheme is open to third-level students and will provide not only an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the Local Authority but also a chance to see the wide range of services and future career opportunities offered by Longford County Council. The Summer Student Employment Scheme will offer successful applicants an eight-week placement from 7 July to 29 August 2025. Placements will be primarily office-based, though some field-work opportunities may exist in Environment or Community Outreach roles. The closing date and time for receipt of completed applications is 4:00pm Thursday 17th April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is submitted on time. Applications for 2025 Summer Student Employment Scheme will only be accepted via the official online Application Form. Applications via email or hard copy will not be considered. Do not attach or include your CV – your CV will not be accepted as an application or as part of your application.

Essential Criteria Applicants for the Summer Student Employment Scheme must: • Be a third level student • Have good IT skills and experience of working with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook • Have a structured approach to work with good administrative and organisational capability • Communicate clearly and have effective written and verbal skills • Have a positive customer service attitude • Work as part of a team to ensure delivery of plans and schedules • Demonstrate dignity and respect to customers and colleagues Duties Typical duties that may be assigned to successful candidates in the Summer Student Employment Scheme will be general clerical, administrative and customer service duties which may include but are not limited to: • Photocopying, filing, scanning, typing, data entry, preparation of documents, arranging meetings, attendance at meetings, minute taking, receipting/balancing payments (including cash), processing invoices for payment, dealing with internal and external mail for the section. • Dealing with members of the public by phone, email and in person • Providing first line support on Service Desk for Council employees • Processing queries and applications for Council Services • Assisting local studies and archives inquiries • Front of house counter duties (including reception cover, customer service desk, motor tax desk, housing desk, planning desk, etc.) • Collating data/information for reports • Assisting with library, local studies, and archive inquiries, • Cataloguing file contents and movement of archives • Assisting with organisation of events and social media promotion • Fieldwork (Environment, Community Outreach, Sports Partnership)

PARTICULARS OF SUMMER STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Successful applicants of the Summer Student Employment Scheme will be offered an eightweek temporary appointment to a wholetime post (that is 35 hours per week) and will be required to start employment on 7 July 2025. If they fail to take up the appointment on this date, or on another date as determined by the Council in its absolute discretion, they will be deemed to have withdrawn their interest in the Summer Employment Scheme and the Council will not proceed with their appointment.

Working Hours The current working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Longford County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government Circulars. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Longford County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking system.

Reporting Students employed on the Summer Student Employment Scheme will be assigned to a Section and will report directly to their designated line manager, or to any other employee of Longford County Council as the Director of Services or the Chief Executive may designate for this purpose.

Probation A system of regular appraisal will be in place for the duration of the temporary employment, which will include discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct. Tenure of employment for the duration of this temporary appointment is subject to satisfactory performance, attendance, and conduct. Employment may be terminated at any point during this temporary appointment if performance, attendance and/or conduct is deemed to be unsatisfactory by the Chief Executive.

Remuneration On appointment successful candidates will be paid at the gross rate of €490.00 p/week via PayPath directly to the nominated bank account.

Payment will be made fortnightly. Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, for example PAYE and PRSI & pension.

Annual Leave The temporary contract to be offered will provide for four-days paid annual leave over the 8- weeks period of employment, this is in addition to the paid Public Holiday on 4 August 2025. Employees should not avail of annual leave without the prior consent and approval of their Line Manager. Annual leave requires prior approval of the line manager and employees must consult and secure approval with their Line Manager before taking time off. Approvals in respect of annual leave applications will have regard to work demands and operating requirements of the Section. Annual leave may be suspended during periods of exceptional work demands.

Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies All employees will be required to adhere to all Longford County Council codes of practice (including the Code of Conduct of Employees and the Confidentiality Clause) and all other organisational policies (including Health & Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment, etc).

Training Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council for the duration of the appointment and to apply their learning throughout their daily working activities. Safety, Health & Welfare of Employees Longford County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health & Welfare of its employees. All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.

Important Notice The above represents the principal conditions of service and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment.