Candidate Information Booklet

Assistant Engineer
(Permanent and Fixed Term Contracts)

This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completed
application forms.

Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completed applications.

Applications should be submitted via email ONLY to recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie
with the subject line “Last Name, First Name –A.E. 2025” e.g Bloggs, Joe – A.E. 2025

Westmeath County Council is committed to a policy of
equal opportunity

Table of Contents

The Role 3

Qualifications and Particulars 4

Skills and Knowledge 5

Particulars of Office 6

Recruitment 9

Competencies 10

The Role:

The Assistant Engineer works as part of a multi-disciplinary team within one of the Council’s
Directorates to deliver key local authority services which include housing; transportation
infrastructure, environment including climate change, energy management and rural water. The
Assistant Engineer may also be assigned to a municipal district.

The role may include the management and successful delivery of a range of projects including the
effective delivery of services. The person/s appointed will report to and work under the direction of
the Executive Engineer or Senior Executive Engineer or other officer designated by the Director of
Services or the Chief Executive.

Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be
considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the position
of Assistant Engineer will be drawn.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties to be assigned include the following, this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed depending
on organisational requirements:

• To carry out the engineering or ancillary duties assigned to him/her, including the management

• To supervise staff as required, including assignment of duties and workloads and identification of

• To manage any budget allocated to him/her as effectively and efficiently as possible,

• To propose improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of existing practices/systems,

• To work with senior management in devising and implementing strategies for the more efficient

• To manage the programme of works that may be assigned to them,

• To administer construction contracts as required,

• To implement safe systems of work in accordance with Westmeath County Council’s Health and

• The supervision and contract administration of construction/ operations / maintenance works,

• To deal efficiently, effectively, and professionally at all times with stakeholders including local

• To liaise with and respond to other local authorities, government departments and statutory

• Compilation, preparation and presenting reports as necessary to a variety of stakeholders

• Deputising the for the Executive Engineer or any other senior grade when required,

• Undertaking of any other duties as may be required or assigned, from time to time.

Assistant Engineer

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character
Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

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

Education and Experience:

Candidates shall on the latest date for receipt of completed applications:

(a) (i) hold at least an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of

Qualifications (NFQ) in Engineering;

OR

(ii) hold an ordinary bachelors degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications

(NFQ)) and a post graduate masters degree (level 9 in the NFQ) in Engineering.

OR

(iii) hold a masters degree (level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Engineering

attained after completing an integrated masters level programme of at least 4 years duration and
which is accredited at CEng level by Engineers Ireland or an equivalent accreditation body
internationally;

(b) have at least two years satisfactory relevant engineering experience;

(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience;

(d) possess a high standard of administrative experience;

(e) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such

knowledge.




*A level 7 degree will be assessed on the basis that the period of study undertaken should be equivalent to

at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Accumulation System) credits.

For international qualifications, the level of the qualification will be determined using the NARIC Ireland

Foreign Qualification database. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation
document.

Candidates should be aware that fulfilling the eligibility requirements for this post should

not be taken as indicating that your current qualification would be acceptable for more

senior engineering posts (i.e. Senior Executive Engineer and above) which have different

eligibility requirements.

ASSISTANT ENGINEEER

Requirements, Skills and Knowledge:

The ideal candidate for the position shall demonstrate through their application form and at the
interview that they have the following essential experience and skills:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and people management skills,

• Satisfactory knowledge of civil engineering works,

• Satisfactory knowledge of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act and the Safety, Health, and

• Possess satisfactory knowledge of surveying, levelling, and setting out of works,

• General proficiency in the use of computers and has experience in the Microsoft Office suite of

• Experience in the application of computer software packages such as the various Autodesk

• Good report writing skills,

• An ability to work independently or within a multi-disciplined team,

• The ability to work in a dynamic team to achieve specific targets and goals,

• Enthusiasm for the role,

• Problem solving skills.

ASSISTANT ENGINEER

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. Salary
The current salary scale for the post of Assistant Engineer is €47,270 to €73,335 (including Long
Service Increments) gross per annum as per Circular EL 07/2025. Payment of increments is
dependent on satisfactory performance.
Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by the
Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance
with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL
02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account.
The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid
annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements.
Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

2. Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension
Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to the
appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class
A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local
authority at the rate of 1.5% of 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). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee 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 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).

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D
rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the
local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of
PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme,
may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans
Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory

Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute
to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the
terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local
Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and
provides pension, retirement and death gratuities.

In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a
minimum of two years employment in a local authority.

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013,
superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of
pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average
pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory

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.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:
There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public
service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65
years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service,
under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service
Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of
70 years.

3. Probation
(a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall

hold the position on probation;
(b) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such

period;
(c) the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unless

during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of the person in such
office is satisfactory.

The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such
appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the
appointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute
discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

4. Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum. 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 1997 and local agreements which may apply from time to time.

5. Working Hours
Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to work
outside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training. All hours worked will be
subject to the provision of Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended.

You may be required to complete a time sheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working
Time Regulations, 2001.

6. Sick Leave

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

7. Location
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises
in use by the Council, now or in the future.

The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of
transport and at their own expense.

8. Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies
Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codes of
practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies.

9. Training
It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in
Training programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached to the post.

10. Safety and Welfare
Westmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonably
practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety, Health
and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and
take all protective and preventative measure to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its
employees. The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Westmeath County Council
Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety
rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment.

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.

11. Driver’s Licence & Insurance

It is desirable that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles, as he/she
may be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide
and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is the responsibility of the post holder to
arrange insurance cover for business use and to indemnify Westmeath County Council with the

indemnity specified on your insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person
who are covered”. Travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will
be refunded in accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority 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.

12. Garda Vetting

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.

13. Employee Benefits

• Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

• Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)

• Access to Flexi Time Scheme

• A range of Family Friendly Policies

• Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme

• Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme

• A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities

• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

• Option to become a member of Westmeath County Council’s Social Club

• State of the art office accommodation in our Civic Headquarters

• Automatically entered into a pension scheme

• Access to the services provided under Westmeath County Council’s Employee Assistance

14. Recruitment:

Shortlisting Stage:
Westmeath County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may take the
form of either a desktop-shortlisting process (based on the information provided by the candidate
in their completed application form) or a shortlisting interview.

The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the shortlisting
process. Westmeath County Council’s decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going
forward to the next stage of the process may be determined based on this information. The
application forms will be examined against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements for
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 on
your application form. Based on examination of the application form, candidates will be selected
who appear to be most suitable for the position.

You will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times. The onus is on you to attend for
interview on the dates and times allocated.

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.

15. Taking Up Appointment

Westmeath 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.

16. Medical

Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before
he/she is appointed, to undergo, a medical examination by the local authority’s Occupational
Health Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will
be refunded to the candidate.

Reference/Documentary Evidence
Candidates are required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of
their application. Copies of Certificates will be accepted to confirm eligibility before interview
stage but if a candidate is offered a position, the original Certificate from the relevant
University/College/Institution will be required before the candidate is appointed. The onus is on
the candidate to request these before their appointment.

If your qualification was received outside of Ireland, it will be necessary to submit a statement
from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland confirming the level to which your
qualification is deemed equivalent. If this statement is required, please ensure that it is applied
for immediately. The onus is on candidates to establish eligibility in their application form.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be
taken as implying that Westmeath 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
Westmeath County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine
the suitability of the candidate.

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 influence in the candidate’s favour,
any member of the staff of the County Council or person nominated by the County Council to

interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being
sought

17. Closing Date

The completed application form, together with copies of certificates, must be EMAILED as one complete
PDF document to recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie .

This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completed application forms.
Applications will be processed in order of receipt of completed applications

Please send using the subject line “ A.E. 2025 ““Your Last Name, Your First Name –e.g Bloggs, Joe
Only applications received via email will be accepted.

NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you will review
regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will only be through your
nominated e-mail address.

The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications from the
Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for communication not accessed
or received by the applicant

KEY COMPETENCIES

Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate in their application and at interview that they
possess the following competencies through the experience and skills they have gained to date.

Management & Change Performance through People

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality • Demonstrated ability to engage with staff

contacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, ethos.
positive, and cohesive image for the organisation • Actively listens to others and shares
it represents. information with relevant stakeholders.

• Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to • Has highly effective verbal and written
change. communication skills.

• Develops and initiates change management • Presents ideas effectively to individuals
programmes to meet end objectives. and groups.

Delivering Results Personal Effectiveness

• Demonstrates the required knowledge,
• Can pinpoint critical information and address issues understanding and training for the role &

logically. keeps up to date with current developments,

• Understands the context and impact of decisions and best practice in their area of

made. responsibility.

• Can act decisively to ensure decisions are made in • Has knowledge and understanding in relation

line with objectives. to statutory obligations of Health and Safety

• Plans projects to determine rationale, objectives and legislation and its application in the

deliverables, resource requirements, timelines, and workplace.

milestones, reporting requirements and evaluation • Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-

methods. confidence, self-motivated and persistent

• Establishes high quality service and customer care when faced with difficulties.

standards. • Remains calm under pressure and operates

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in effectively in an environment with significant

delivering services. complexity and pace.

• Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed • Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and

the required standard. respectful manner and is transparent, fair

• Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning, and consistent in dealing with others.

and implements improvements required. • Is enthusiastic about the role, ability to be

flexible and adapt to new challenges and sets
challenging goals to achieve high quality
outcomes.

• Works to keep knowledge and skills up to

• Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the structure and

• Understands the role of an Assistant Engineer

• Range and depth of experience relevant to the post.

presentations, correspondence etc.

• Has knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

• Effective budget and financial and resource management