Candidate Information Booklet

Traffic/Litter Warden

Initial assignment to Edenderry Municipal District

Closing Date:4:00 pm Thursday 20th July 2017

Completed Applications should be returned to:

The Senior Executive Officer

Offaly County Council

Áras an Chontae

Charleville Road

Tullamore

Co. Offaly

Email

Word format to

Include “Traffic/Litter Warden” as reference in the subject line

Enclosures;

Offaly County Council – General Information

Job Description

Qualifications of Post

Particulars of Post

Important Check List & Notes

Application Form

Offaly County Council

Contextual Background

The Local Government sector in Ireland comprises 31 Local Authorities. The Local Authority sector is democratically the closest form of Government to citizens and has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services in their local area with a focus on making cities, towns and the countryside areas attractive places to live, work and invest.

Offaly is one of the 31 County and City councils who collectively have on average a sectoral revenue spend of over €4 billion and capital spend in excess of €2 billion per annum. Local authorities employ over 28,000 staff or 1/10th of total public service employment.

County Offaly is located in the centre of Ireland in the province of Leinster and is one of twelve local authorities comprising the Eastern and Midlands Region. County Offaly has a population of 78,003 (2016 Census) with approximately 60% of the population residing in rural areas. The principal towns are Tullamore (the county town), Edenderry, Birr, Clara and Portarlington. Offaly shares a border with seven other counties and has a total land mass of approximately 200,000 hectares. The county is traversed by the Grand Canal and is bordered by the River Shannon to the West and Slieve Bloom mountains to the South, both of which play a key role in the economic and tourism development of the county.

Offaly County Council consists of 19 members elected every five years, the most recent local elections having taken place in 2014. The county is divided into the three Municipal Districts of Tullamore, Birr and Edenderry with the local authority administrative headquarters located in Tullamore.

At a strategic level, the Council operate through its Corporate Policy Group comprising the Cathaoirleach of the Council and the Chairs of the local authority’s four Strategic Policy Committees as well as a Municipal District representative. The Chief Executive and his/her Management Team play a key role in supporting the advising this policy group.

Offaly Co. Council employs almost 400 staff and has an estimated revenue and capital spend of over €51m and €16m respectively in 2017, allocated under eight service divisions –

Housing & Building

Road, Transport & Safety

Water Services

Development Management

Environmental Services

Recreation & Amenity

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare

Day to day management of these services take place under the stewardship of the Chief Executive and three Directors of Service and a Head of Finance who currently hold the following briefs :-

1.Head of Finance – Finance, Procurement, Risk Management, Information Systems,Data Protection and Edenderry Municipal District

2.Director of Service – Human Resources, Corporate, Internal Audit, Health and Safety,Community & Culture,Libraries, Fire& Emergency Services

3.Director of Service – Planning, Heritage, Economic Development, Tourism, Housing, and Birr Municipal District

4.Director of Service – Environment including Climate Change, National Waste Collection Permit Office, Water Services, Transport and Infrastructure, and Tullamore Municipal District

Job Description

Essential Requirements

A Traffic/Litter Warden is a member of a multi-disciplinary team of front line service employs based in one of the Council’s three Municipal Districts which deliver a wide variety of key local authority services in the heart of communities. Services include transportation and traffic management, deliveryof social housing and other key infrastructure, environmental works, recreation and amenity facilities and general community development. Local Authorities also play a major role in supporting economic development and enterprise promotion at local level.

Whilst the Traffic/Litter Warden has specific responsibility for the enforcement of a variety of legislation including Road Traffic, Litter Pollution and Casual Trading acts and regulations, the role also entails working closely with a wide range of local authority stakeholders in the Municipal District including businesses, schools, tidy towns committees, resident associations and other community groups. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated adaptable and flexible person capable of acting on their own initiative, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services. Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of:

  • Local authority services, its key stakeholders and relationships
  • Local government structures and the role of Elected Members
  • Key legislation relating to road traffic and litter legislation
  • Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplace
  • Importance of fostering and maintaining wide ranging productive working relationships both internally and externally to the organisation
  • Good Public Service values

The ideal candidate should also have a good experience, knowledgeand proven track record in the following:

  • Dealing with customers and members of the public
  • Working with others as part of a team and taking direction from a supervisor
  • Operating standard office ICT systems, packages and equipment
  • Administration and record keeping
  • Report writing
  • Prioritising work effectively
  • Making timely decisions
  • Acting on own initiative
  • Managing and dealing with conflict

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: -

Relevant Experience:

  • Delivering front line customer services
  • Dealing with difficult customers
  • Administration and report writing
  • Working under pressure and managing conflict
  • Meeting compliance requirements and deadlines
  • Awareness of key health, safety and welfare at work legislation

Decision Making:

  • Organising, planning, and prioritising workloads
  • Acting on own initiative when required
  • Demonstrating good judgement
  • Understanding the central issue of a problem and arriving at the best solution

Interpersonal Communications:

  • Delivering a message in a clear and coherent fashion
  • Ability to keep calm under pressure
  • Portraying a positive customer service ethos at all times
  • Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
  • Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing at all times

Team Work:

  • Positively contributing to teamsand workgroups
  • Understanding the importance of good group dynamics
  • Ability to listen and take instructions
  • Flexibility and willingness to embrace change

Personal Effectiveness:

  • Resilience and Personal Well-Being
  • Understanding of the role being applied for including knowledge of the key legislation relevant to the specified duties
  • Integrity, Ethics, and Public Service Values
  • Loyalty to the organisation
  • Personal Motivation and Initiative
  • Understanding the local authority sector generally and the role of the Elected Member

Offaly County Council

Post of Traffic/Litter Warden

Initial Assignment to Edenderry Municipal District

Qualifications

  1. Character:

Each candidate must be of good character.

  1. 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.Education and Experience:

Each candidate must have a good standard of education to enable him/her to efficiently perform his/her duties and must be capable of writing clear and concise reports and keeping records on matters pertaining to the duties of post.

4.Driving Licence:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, hold a full valid driving licence for Class B vehicles.

Offaly County Council

Post of Traffic/Litter Warden

Initial Assignment to Edenderry Municipal District

Particulars of Office

1.The Panel:

The post is whole timeand 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 appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positionswill be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2.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.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 €609.48 - €628.29per week.

3.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:

  • To patrol an area of the county as assigned in accordance with Road Traffic Acts, traffic and parking by-laws, Litter Pollution Acts and any other such appropriate legislation and regulations
  • To be fully conversant with Road Traffic legislation, on-street and off-street parking by-laws and any other legislation appropriate to the duties of the post
  • To issue “On-the-Spot” fines when there are infringements of the Road Traffic legislation and parking by-laws including disc parking regulations
  • Use all information and communications technology as directed in relation to any duty associated with the post including issue of tickets, recording of data, maintaining of records, preparation of reportsetc.
  • To carry out duties of Litter Warden and be fully conversant with the Litter Pollution Acts, by-laws and other appropriate legislation
  • To arrange for the systematic removal of abandoned vehicles in consultation with the Environment Department and Gardai.
  • To patrol designated “casual trading” areas and report breaches of same
  • Liaise with community groups and residents' associations to include the distribution of materials for general clean-up of estates.
  • To co-operate in anti-litter campaigns arranged by Offaly County Council, local association, schools, etc., when directed
  • To approach traders and owners of shops and other public places which generate litter to improve conditions in the vicinity of such places.
  • To assist in the promotion of environmental awareness in the county and to bring to the attention of the public the need for their co-operation in keeping their environment tidy and litter free.
  • To liaise with staff in any section of the local authority as may be required from time to time in the course of duty
  • Report instances of relevant signage or litter bins not being maintained in a proper manner or which have been the subject of vandalism or damage
  • Report instances of unauthorised dumping to relevant personnel
  • Keep senior management advised on all relevant matters which may be of importance in the Municipal District interest of the County Council and to liaise with other relevant sections of the Council on works and emergencies.
  • To write clear and concise reports, when required in connection with any duty associated with the post.
  • To keep accurate records of offences as required for the purpose of court proceedings, to liaise closely with any other relevant staff in the preparation of evidence and to attend Court and give evidence, when required.
  • To comply with Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and Offaly County Council’s Safety Management Systems at all times
  • To wear required uniform when on duty
  • Maintain time and attendance records and systems in line with organisational policies and procedures
  • To be helpful and courteous to the public at all times.
  • To undergo training from time to time
  • To participate in the local authority Performance Management Development System (PMDS)
  • To provide cover for holiday/sick leave for other colleagues, as required on occasions including cover in other Municipal Districts
  • Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time
  • Perform duties outside normal working hours where organisational needs demand
  • Carry out duties in a politically neutral and impartial manner that enhances public trust and confidence in the local authority decision making process
  • Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

4.Work Base:

You will initially be assigned to Edenderry Municipal District. Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district 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.

5.Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-nine hours working week, on a rota system within the period 8.00 a.m. to midnight, including Saturdays, at specific hours to be decided by the Council. Hours may vary from time to time but will not exceed the normal working week.The Council reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time.

6.Probation:

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

7.Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 24 daysplus of Good Friday. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

8.Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Management(Sick Leave) Regulations Scheme 2014(as amended) will prevail.

9.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. In each pay period an amount equivalent to 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration PLUS 3% of pensionable remuneration will be deducted as the member’s contribution under the Scheme. This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme.

If you are an existing public servant current superannuation arrangements will continue to apply.

10.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.

If you are an existing public servant current retirement age will apply to the successful candidate.

11.Uniform

The Traffic/Litter Warden will be required to wear a uniform provided by the Local Authority.

12.Travel:

The holder of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles. At the discretion of the Council a vehicle may be provided for undertaking duties and in this event, no allowance will be payable. You will be required to drive such vehicles as the Council may require in the performance of your duties.

13.Taking Up Appointment:

Offaly County Council 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.

14.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 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. 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 and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for this position on the application form.

On occasion a short listing 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 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.