Role Specification & Particulars

Clerk of Works Housing Competition No: 19/054

Closing Date: 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 12th of August 2019 Cork County Council invites applications, from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which vacancies for Clerk of Works (Housing) may be filled.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Section 1: Cork County Council (General Information) 4

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The information in this document is specific to the role and should be read in conjunction with Cork County Council’s Candidate Information Booklet (link)

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Cork County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and temporary vacancies for Clerk of Works in the Housing Directorate may be filled.

The position of Clerk of Works is one which provides required oversight to ensure that all construction works and housing maintenance operations are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, Cork County Council Specifications, regulations, construction standards, codes of practice, etc. and that all materials are provided and utilised in accordance with all manufacturers requirements and recommendations.

The Housing directorate undertake a broad range of functions and any appointees may be required to undertake duties relating to Housing Construction, Housing Maintenance, Inspections of Privately rented properties & inspections of improvement grants to private property owners. The appointee will provide all necessary site information in a report to the Project Manager, Area Housing Engineers, Assigned Certifier and or the Employer’s Representative to supplement the collection of relevant information and evidence in relation to compliance with the Building Control Regulations, for various aspects of housing construction and maintenance operations. The position will require regular property inspections, provide detailed technical reports and assist in the oversight and maintenance and refurbishment of housing, apartment dwellings, and both community and civic buildings.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

1. Carry out a number of inspections on site developments as directed and following up with weekly reports on each project to employee representatives and the Council’s project manager in strict timeframes. The defects of construction must be identified, recorded, and reported in this weekly report.

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2. Monitoring and Assessing of a contract programme; liaising with the Employer’s representative, the Assigned Certifier, Architect, Engineers and/or Project Manager 3. Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and Cork County Council’s Safety Management Systems. 4. Ensuring the work being implemented complies with all relevant legislation and regulations including planning and procurement requirements. 5. To undertake regular maintenance inspections & reports on existing Council properties, including liaising with Council Tenants and Elected Representatives and procuring, scheduling & overseeing of works arising from such inspections. 6. To undertake inspections of privately owned and rented accommodation to ensure that properties are fit for habitation and in compliance with the Minimum Rented Standards Guidelines. 7. Monitoring various constructions, repairs or improvements involve several steps to be carried out. The steps may include: a. Ensuring the materials used to reach the standard and quality set out b. Material testing and verification c. Photographic recording d. Ensuring compliance with contract drawings and documents e. Keeping accurate records of project life f. Measuring and recording contract variations and carrying out level surveys on sites g. Work with senior management in devising and implementing strategies leading to improved efficiencies in the delivery of services. 8. Inspections require decisions to be made on the condition of the building. Stating the building is deemed unfit, needs repairs or safe for human habitation. While being able to determine what is a dangerous structure or if the structure is likely to become dangerous. Completing estimated costs thereof. 9. Ascertaining the names and addresses of owners, agents, occupiers of buildings/structures and take appropriate action including the preparation and serving of notices and requisitions where necessary 10. Inspections of housing receiving funds through incentives such as home grants must be inspected to ensure standards, building regulations and the engineer's drawings are being met on behalf of cork county council. 11. Keeping accurate electronic and written records of inspections, notices, Court Orders, etc.

The above specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

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SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

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. Education, Experience etc.

Each candidate must – (i) (a) Hold a degree in Engineering or Architecture or an equivalent professional qualification; or (b) Hold a National Certificate/National Diploma in Construction Studies or Civil Engineering issued by the National Council for Education Awards/Further Education Training Awards Council; or (c) In the case of an office involving building construction work – as an alternative to the qualification at (a) – be a member of the Institute of Clerk of Works in Ireland, or possess a full course certificate in building issued by the Technical Instruction Branch of the Department of Education or a first class Technological Certificate (Intermediate Stage) or a Technological Certificate (Advanced Stage) issued by the Department of Education or have had satisfactory supervisory experience of building work, including housing.

(ii) Have an adequate knowledge of civil engineering works or of building construction;

(iii) Be capable of writing clear and concise reports, keeping works records, measuring and recording all variations from contract and reading drawings;

(iv) Have a satisfactory knowledge of the surveying, levelling and setting out of works.

Experience Each candidate must satisfy the local authority that he has had adequate experience of a type which would render him suitable to perform satisfactorily the duties of the office for which he is a candidate.

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The ideal candidate for the position shall:

 Be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas: Team Leadership, with the ability to work in an independent environment; Personal Judgement, Technical skill, Analysis and Decision Making; Management and Delivery of Results; Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.  Have knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and safety regulations including: The application of health and safety in the workplace with particular emphasis to construction sites; Understanding the implications that could arise for the organisation; Understand the duties of safety management positions in the workplace.  Have an ability to manage deadlines, effectively handle multiple tasks, request and collect relevant information, identify potential exposures and gaps, evaluate results, summarise conclusions, and present recommendations  Have the ability to represent Cork County Council in court.

4. Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

5. Transport When required to do so, holders of the office 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 provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

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SECTION 4: Competencies

This is a competency based competition and the interviews will be competency based. The competencies listed are the competencies for this post. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each competency. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview process will be based on the information provided by candidates in the application form.

A candidate must possess the following competencies:-

 Judgement,  Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or Analysis & otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors Decision  Takes account of broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when Making making decisions  Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions  Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these  Puts forward solutions to address problems  Management  Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives & Delivery of  Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time Results  Structures and organises their own work and others work effectively  Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available  Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation  Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively  Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs  Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers Interpersonal  Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in & performing role Communicatio  Acts as an effective link between staff, contractors and senior management n Skills  Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues  Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling benefits  Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances  Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing  Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals Specialist  Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how Knowledge, they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation Expertise and  Has high levels of expertise within the construction industry and of modern building Self techniques and building systems Development  Has a strong working knowledge of the Building Regulations and the Building Control Act  Has a broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work  Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance

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SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is pensionable and wholetime. Initial contract is for a three year duration. A panel may be formed to fill both temporary and permanent positions. Appointment to Cork County Council is governed by the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.

SECTION 6: SALARY The Salary scale for the post is: €46,771 - €57,157 per annum.

€46,771 - €47,898 – €49,260 – €51,818 – €53,345 (Maximum), €55,246 (1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum), €57,157 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI).

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST

The base for working purposes shall be the work site or as determined by Cork County Council.

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty seven hour working week. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the FlexiTime Policy.

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SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

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

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