Technician Grade I (Civil, Architectural & Building)

Reference ID

246

Closing Date for Application

12:00 PM on 03/09/2026

General Information

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include Planning, Placemaking & Economic Development, Rural & Community Development, Housing Services, Housing Activation & Delivery, Capital Infrastructure Delivery, Land Activation, Derelict Sites and Property, Transportation, Mobility and Health & Safety, Climate Action, Environment & Water Services, Fire Service, Building Control & Major Emergency Management, Tourism, Festivals & Events, Libraries, Arts & Cultural Services, Enterprise and Investment, along with Sports & Amenities. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance, People, Culture and Organisational Development functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

The Competition

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post ofTechnician Grade I (Civil, Architectural & Building) from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Job Description

The Technician Grade I (Civil, Architectural & Building) is a key support position within the Council and is assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional area as required. The Technician Grade I will work under the direction and management of the Executive Technician / Executive Architect or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Chief Technician, Senior Executive Engineer, Senior Executive Officer, Senior Engineer or Director of Services as appropriate. The role involves supporting managers and colleagues and working as part of a team in meeting work goals and objectives and delivering quality services to internal and external customers .

Essential Skills & Experience for the role

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE

The ideal candidate for the position shall:

• Working effectively as part of a team
• Planning and prioritisation of workloads
• Dealing effectively with conflicting demands
• Working under pressure to tight deadlines
• Adapting to change
• Problem solving
• Administration and report writing
• Operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages
• Project management
• Budget management
• Acting on own initiative
• Ability to communicate effectively across different levels within an organisation
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Working with AutoCAD software, including in the following areas:
• Land Surveying and GPS
• Creation of ArcGis Mapping
• Land Registry Mapping For Leases, Rents, and Rights of Way
• Precise with good attention to detail.
• Good technical report-writing skills.
• Good graphic illustration ability.
• Understanding and awareness of Building Regulations and technical guidance documents.
• Understanding of mapping and land registry systems.
• Familiar with Clare County Council’s Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS).
• Ability to work with systems and processes including corporate and statutory requirements.

Duties

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 .

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• Communicating / Meeting with and giving technical advice on behalf of Clare County Council to:
  • Landowners
  • Other Council employees and sections
• Communicating / Meeting with:
  • The Public
  • Community Groups
  • Developers
  • Professional Consultants
  • Public Bodies
  • Elected Members
  • Cross Directorate teams
• Participate in team service delivery, reporting to and assisting technicians of a higher rank when required.
• Provide support and assistance in technical service delivery.
• Use Computer Graphics, design, and illustration.
• Maintain administration and filing systems.
• Prepare Part VIII planning applications.
• Design and produce draft and final working drawings, technical details, and specifications for various projects through all design stages from inception through to completion.
• Use various technical software systems, including AutoCAD and ArcGis tools.
• Design and work on the production of draft and final Contract documents, including those for the tender of services on behalf of Clare Co. Co. for consultants and contractors.
• Assisting in the production of maps, Land Registry Compliant mapping, and mapping information.
• Giving evidence at inquiries and / or Court.
• Assisting in the preparation of CPO Maps / Schedules
• Updating Assets Register and inputting data on CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System.
• Producing and updating registers and schedules.
• Prepare reports on potential acquisitions.
• Production of reports on behalf of Clare County Council.
• Prepare technical material for inclusion in reports.
• Working on the production of planning and contract documents and supporting material for Part VIII Applications.
• Undertake Surveying – Topographical, Photographic & Technical, including using GPS surveying equipment.
• Validating of planning applications.
• To comply with all requirements of PMDS operated in Clare County Council.
• To support the line manager to communicate, implement and manage all change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.
• To support the line manager to ensure the section or department work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational plans.
• To ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for information in a professional and courteous and timely manner.
• To communicate and liaise effectively with employee, supervisors and line managers in other sections and customers in relation to operational matters for their section or work area.
• To prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as necessary.
• To provide assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required
• To supervise employees within their team or programmes of work within their area of responsibility, providing support to team members or colleagues as required.
• To identify opportunities for improvements in the service delivery within the relevant area of responsibility and to use key performance indicators or other performance indicators effectively as appropriate.
• To compile, prepare and present reports as necessary, including the preparation of reports or letters which may be sensitive and/or confidential in nature.
• To support the implementation of good practices with transparent reporting and communications to deliver accountable services in the department or section.
• To provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of the Council’s policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers as appropriate.
• To carry out duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.
• To organise and facilitate internal and external meetings and participate and engage in discussions as appropriate.
• To support the Council and Municipal District operations.
• To carry out duties in a politically neutral manner, with a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.
• To provide specialist technical assistance and support in the delivery of projects as required.
• Deputise for line manager when required.
• To support the management and implementation of Health and Safety for the section or department.
• Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications for the post

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Character

Each candidate must 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.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

3.1 (a) have, satisfactory relevant experience, in a technician post at Grade II level, or in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State,

and

have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience in a technician post at Grade II level or in an analogous post,

or

(b) have satisfactory service, in a technician post at Grade I or higher level in an analogous post under a local authority or health board in the State

and

(c) possess adequate training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

OR

3.2 (a) (i) have passed the N.C.E.A. / H.E.T.A.C National Certificate Final Examination in

Civil Engineering

or

Geo-surveying

or

or

Construction Studies in Building Maintenance

or

Construction Studies in Architectural Graphics,

or

hold an equivalent qualification

and

(ii) have at least three years satisfactory experience after attaining the qualification concerned,

or

(iii) fulfil the requirements of paragraph 3.1.

and

(b) possess adequate training or experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Competency 1 Purpose and change

• Having knowledge of the purpose of the various technical / service sections, their priorities, and their requirements.
• Understanding the role of the Elected Council.
• Understanding and adhering to the code of conduct for all employees.
• Maintaining, demonstrating, and promoting a positive image of the Council.
• Co-operating, assisting with and implementing change.
• Carrying out duties under Safety, Health and Welfare at work.

Competency 2 Delivering Results

• Identifying problems of a technical / civil / architectural / building nature and providing and contributing towards technical detailing, design, and specification solutions.
• Co-operating with decisions and implementing solutions.
• Effective care and use of council resources and equipment.
• Complying with all council rules and relevant legislation.
• Delivering quality technical, civil & architectural work and services.

Competency 3 Performance Through People

• Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills and record keeping.
• Demonstrates the ability and experience of promoting awareness, interest, pride and understanding in planning matters.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team environment.

Competency 4 Personal Effectiveness

• Technical Skills, Experience and Knowledge.
• Resilience and personal wellbeing.
• Integrity and decision making.
• Adopts positive and constructive approach to work.
• Personal motivation and initiative.

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. 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 policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post (June 2026): €49,753, €50,498, €51,478, €52,463, €53,452, €54,464, €55,399, €57,163 (LSI1), €58,952 (LSI2)

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1 st January to 31 st December. 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).

Working Hours

The working hours effective from 1st July 2022, provide for a five day, thirty-five hour working week. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.

The provisions of Clare County Council’s Leave Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• 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
• 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
• 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.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

CANVASSING

Any attempt by a candidate or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Clare County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

It is the responsibility of the candidate to declare if they are in receipt of any convictions/prosecutions and to bring this to the attention of the People & Culture Officer without delay.

GARDA VETTING

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position in line with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.

HEALTH

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

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. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT

The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The post-holder will be expected to abide & adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Clare County Council. These include but are not limited to:

• Code of Conduct for Employees
• Attendance Management Policy & Sick Leave scheme
• Grievance
• Performance Management & Development System
• Confidentiality
• Information Communications & Acceptable Usage Policy and Social Media Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Dignity at work

PRIVACY

Please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice

PROBATION

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation;
• such period shall be eleven months, but the Chief Executive may at their own discretion extend such period;
• such persons shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory;
• the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and

Terms of Employment Acts;

• there will be assessments during the probationary

RECRUITMENT

An eligibility exercise may be carried out, if required, on all applications received to determine if applicants satisfy the essential qualification criteria outlined in the Job Specification Document.

Shortlisting:

Clare County Council may short-list based on an examination of the application forms received. In this instance, an expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.

Short-listing does not 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/ work experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence if competencies are required for this position. Shortlisting may also take the form of a short interview.

Competency Based Competitions:

If the recruitment competition is competency based, candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Competencies for the competition will be outlined in the Job Specification Document. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates in the application form.

Competitive Interviews:

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. 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 panels, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

REFERENCE/DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names, and addresses of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a recent former employer and/or 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 Clare 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, Clare County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

RETIREMENT

• The compulsory retirement age for new entrants who joined the public service on or after 1st January 2013 is 70 years. Minimum retirement age is in line with State Pension age changes, as
• There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ who joined between 1st April, 2004 and 31st December 2012 to the public service, subject to being in a state of health to render regular and effecient service. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may retire.
• For employees who joined the public service prior to 31st March 2004, minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is the maximum retirement age.

It should be noted that the terms of Paragraph 13 of Circular Letter EL 02/09 - Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) may need to be considered in some instances. It is a condition of this scheme as set out in the Department of Finance Circular 12/2009 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.

RESIDENCE

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Clare County Council.

SAFETY & WELFARE

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Clare County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. They shall familiarise themselves 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 their person at all times a valid Safe Pass card. Should they not hold a valid Safe Pass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card.

SICK LEAVE

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

SUPERANNUATION

The terms of Local Government Superannuationapply.

Persons who become pensionable officers 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 dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers 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.

From 1 January 2019 onwards, public servants will pay an additional superannuation contribution (ASC). ASC confers no additional pension benefits and therefore should not be included in pension scheme benefit statements.

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 they fail 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 them.

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. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Clare 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 Clare 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.

WORK BASE

Clare 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 themselves at their own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

BLENDED WORKING

There will be an opportunity to apply for Blended Working periodically in line with the PMDS process. Blended working applications are considered based on business needs and role suitability.

Blended working arrangements are not an entitlement, or term of employment. Such arrangements are not guaranteed on a permanent basis. Rotating blended working opportunities among employees may be required in order to support employee mobility and career development.

While Clare County Council is committed to facilitating blended working where practical, not all roles will be suitable for blended working.

YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND APPEAL

The Council is committed to offering feedback to candidates who request it, and to dealing with such requests in a timely and efficient manner. In this regard, Clare County Council will automatically forward the marks awarded to you at interview and comments made by the Interview Board.

The Council will consider appeals in relation to eligibility, short-listing, and final decisions of interview boards. Such appeals must be made by candidates in writing within 7 working days of notification of the relevant decision. On receipt of appeal, the selection decisions will be re-visited, and the candidate will be informed of the outcome of this review.

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