Assistant Planner

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

Longford County Council is one of Local Authorities in the Republic of Ireland. The
Council has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services which are
necessary to the physical, economic, social and cultural life of County Longford, with a
focus on making Longford an attractive place to live, work and invest.

The following comprise the areas of service delivery in Longford County Council:

• Economic & Community Development • Fire & Emergency Services

• Local Enterprise • Environment

• Planning • Finance

• Cultural & Recreational Services • Information Services

• Infrastructure • Corporate Services

• Water Services • Human Resources

• Housing

Longford County Council is committed to a policy of open and fair

recruitment, in line with good practice, recruitment & selection standards,
employment legislation and relevant circulars from the Department of

Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

This Candidate Information Booklet is intended to provide information on the
post of Assistant Planner and the selection process and candidates are

advised to familiarise themselves with the detailed information in advance of
submitting their application.

Candidates should satisfy themselves that they are eligible under the

Qualifications to apply for the post of Assistant Planner.

Where a candidate provides false or misleading information or has
deliberately omitted relevant information on their application form this may

result in their disqualification from the competition.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

ASSISTANT PLANNER

THE ROLE

An Assistant Planner is responsible for working as part of a team implementing programmes
of work in the Planning Department and for providing a multiplicity of planning services and
related services. Assistant Planner positions are multifaceted and may include some or all of
the following key service areas:

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Good knowledge of planning legislation and the principles, practices and techniques

• An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Good planning, operational and project management skills.
• Good communication / presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of local government

functions, services and activities particularly in relation to planning and
development.

• Good report writing skills and strong IT skills.
• An ability to achieve delivery of competing demands within prescribed timelines and

eligible for membership of either professional Institute.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

DUTIES

The duties of the office are to give to the local authority and

(a) to such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes
of the Local Government Act, , is Chief Executive and
(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the
local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of this
paragraph

Under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the
Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate planning and ancillary
services of an advisory, supervisory or executive nature as may be required by any local
authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its
powers, functions and duties, including servicing all committees that may be established by
any such local authority or body, and the duty of assisting any appropriate officer, in the
supervision of the planning or ancillary services of any of the foregoing local authorities or
bodies and, when required to do so, to perform the duty of acting for the appropriate
professional officer of higher rank during the absence of such officer of higher rank.



Assistant Planner duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Assess planning applications and pre-application proposals against the Councils

• Assist in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of development plan /

• Assist in the preparation of planning studies including EU funded research projects.
• Assisting in monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, including

response to Climate Action and Just Transition to promote & ensure capacity
building, empowering change and delivering action

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general
guidance.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

COMPETENCIES

Key competencies for the post of Assistant Planner are given in the table below. Candidates

will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of their

competence under each of these headings. Please take particular note of the competencies

listed as any shortlisting or interview processes will be based on the information provided

by the candidate in their completed application form.

• Plans work and allocation of staff and other resources

• Implements high quality service and customer care

standards.
COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication

• Assists the team or work area to achieve corporate

• Works as part of a team to ensure delivery of plans and

PERFORMANCE THROUGH
• Has a strong team ethic of co-operation and mutual

PEOPLE
support.

• Show visible commitment to the purpose, mission and

• Takes initiative and is open to taking on new challenges or

• Manages time and workload effectively.

• Maintains a positive and constructive and enthusiastic

attitude to their role.

• Understands and implements change and demonstrates

• Satisfactory range and depth of relevant experience and

• Project Management

• Appreciation & understanding of Health & Safety issues

• Knowledge & understanding of the role of Assistant

Government

• Knowledge of current local and national issues &

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner

QUALIFICATIONS

. Character

Candidates shall 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 visa: or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection

Act or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of

family reunification and has a stamp 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 visa

. Education, Training and Experience etc.

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

(a) hold an honours degree (level in the National Framework of Qualifications) in
Planning.

(b) have at least two years satisfactory experience of planning work; and

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

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT . The Post

The post is wholetime (i.e., hours per week) and appointment may be permanent or
temporary. . Location

Longford County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates 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. . Commencement

Longford County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take
up such appointment within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up
the appointment within such period, or such other longer period as the Council in its
absolute discretion may determine, Longford County Council shall not appoint them. . Working Hours

The current working hours are 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, , and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, . Longford County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking
system. . Reporting Arrangements

Assistant Planners report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any
other employee of Longford County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate
employee may designate for this purpose.

A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve
discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and
conduct. . Probationary Period of Employment

There shall be a period after appointment during which the appointee will hold the position
on probation. The period of probation will be prescribed by the Chief Executive.
Employment may be terminated during the probationary period should service be deemed

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

by the Chief Executive to be unsatisfactory. Employment may be terminated at the end of
the probationary period unless the Chief Executive has certified that the employee had
satisfactory service. Tenure of employment following probation will be subject to
satisfactory service. . Remuneration

The current salary scale for the post of Assistant Planner is €, - €, (LSI ) gross
per annum (Circular EL /), the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to
time in line with Government Circulars.

On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the point of the
salary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates
employed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history.

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

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. 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. . Superannuation & Retirement

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of the County Council will be required in
respect of their Superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the appropriate rate.

The terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Scheme as
amended or the Public Services Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act or the
Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act will apply as
appropriate on appointment.

Retirement age for employees is dependent on their relevant contract of employment, with
due consideration being given to the rules of the Superannuation Scheme to which they
belong.

• For appointees who are deemed not to be “new entrants” as defined in the Public Service

• The minimum retirement age for “new entrants” to the public service as defined in the

• Effective from st January, , The Single Public Service Scheme applies to all first-time

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

• Retirement age is set, initially, at years; this will rise in step with statutory

• Compulsory retirement age will be .
  

. Annual Leave

The current annual leave entitlement for Assistant Planner is days per annum, in
accordance with the Council’s Annual Leave Policy.

The Chief Executive of Longford County Council retains autonomy with regard to office
closures, (e.g., Christmas Office Closure), any days arising from such closure will be reserved
from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be
reviewed and advised to all employees each year. . Driver’s Licence & Insurance

Longford County Council employees may on occasion be required to use their car on official
business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver’s licence and
have available adequate means of transport.

It is the responsibility of the employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance cover for
business use and to indemnify Longford County Council with the indemnity specified on
your insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are
covered”. Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to be
supplied to the Council on an annual basis. . Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Longford County Council codes
of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational
policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection,
Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment. . Training

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be
decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their
daily working activities. . Health and Safety Regulations

Longford 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 of its employees. Under the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act , the County Council has a legal duty to exercise
all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health
and Welfare of its employees.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

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 is not intended to be the

comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the
employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

SELECTION PROCESS . How to Apply

Only fully completed application forms will be accepted.

Please ensure that: . your application is made on the official application form only and sent via email in

pdf format to hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie – do not attach or include your CV

NOTE: your CV will not be accepted as an application or as part of your application.

. you fully complete all sections of the application form and include all relevant,
detailed and accurate information.

NOTE: any offer of employment is subject to the information given on your
application form being true. False/misleading information or deliberate omissions
may result in termination of employment.

. you include a copy of your educational certificates as part of one pdf application.

Forward your completed application form via email to hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie :

• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted

• Application forms must be submitted by email in pdf format

• Applications submitted by hand, post or fax will not be accepted

• Claims in relation to the late receipt of application forms will not be entertained.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

. Selection Process

Stage – Submission of Application Form via email

Candidates interested in applying for the position of Assistant Planner should submit their
completed application with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format to
hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie



Each completed application must include a copy of all educational qualifications declared in
the application form.

Failure to submit a completed application form, with all required supporting
documentation, by the specified deadline will result in the application being deemed invalid
and it will not be permitted to proceed any further in the selection process.

Stage – Initial Screening

All completed application forms received by the stated closing date & time will be screened
to ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position of Assistant
Planner in accordance with the declared Qualifications (as given on page of this booklet).

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the required eligibility criteria, their
application will progress to Step of the selection process.

Candidates who fail to demonstrate that they meet the minimum eligibility criteria required,
their application will be deemed invalid and will not progress any further in the selection
process.

Stage – Shortlisting

Longford County Council reserves the right to shortlist applications, it is very important
therefore, that candidates provide accurate, clear and comprehensive information in their
completed application forms.

Shortlisting may take the form of:

. a desktop-shortlisting process, where a board will be assigned to examine the
information provided by the candidate and assess it against criteria required for the
position, and/or

. an online shortlisting interview.

Candidates who are shortlisted may have their application scored and ranked in order of
merit. Based on the score awarded their application may progress to Step of the selection
process.

For candidates who are not shortlisted, their application will not progress any further in the
selection process.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

Stage – Interview

On completion of Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidates may
be invited in batches, to attend for interview.

An independent interview board will be established by the Chief Executive of Longford
County Council. The board will comprise a Chairperson and two other members, who will
have expert knowledge in the relevant field. The objective of the board is to establish the
applicant’s suitability for the post and to rank the successful candidates in order of merit
for appointment.

The interview will be the candidate’s opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the
required competencies, knowledge, skills and experience. The objective of the board is to
assess the candidate’s responses against agreed criteria and to identify the candidates who
best meet the competencies required.

Longford County Council will issue advance notice of the date and time of the interview. It
is the responsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for interview on the date
and time notified and to ensure that they are able to successfully connect to the online
interview if required.

Requests to reschedule notified interview dates or times cannot be accommodated.

Candidates who do not attend/connect for their interview at the time and on the date
advised will be deemed to have withdrawn their application from the competition and their
application will receive no further consideration.

Expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview will be the responsibility of the
candidate.

Candidates who are successful in the online interview process will be qualified for
appointment in order of merit and placed on a panel. This panel may be used to fill both
permanent and temporary Assistant Planner vacancies that may arise during the life of the
panel.

It should be noted that placement on a panel may not necessarily lead to a job offer. The
selection process is not concluded until sought references are received and all other
clearance checks, e.g. Garda Vetting, occupational health, verification of education
qualifications, etc, have been carried out to the satisfaction of the Council.

Candidates on the Assistant Planner panel who satisfy all the requirements for the post
may be offered employment subject to:

. Their place, in order of merit, on the panel . The requirements of Longford County Council.

Should a candidate decline an offer of employment or having accepted an offer of
employment relinquish it prior to commencing in the post, they will be deemed to have
withdrawn their application from the competition.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

. Feedback

Candidates shall be notified of the outcome of each stage of the selection process as soon as
possible.

If, following the interview, a candidate is placed on a panel they shall be informed of their
position on the panel. Details of marks attained in the interview process will be provided
upon receipt of written request. . Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn

Candidates who do not attend for testing and/or interview when and where required by
Longford County Council and/or the Testing Company, or who do not, when requested,
furnish such evidence as required by Longford County Council within the specified
timeframe, regarding any matter relevant to their candidature, will be deemed to have
withdrawn their application from the competition. . References

Applicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they are
well known but not related.

In advance of any offer of employment, Longford County Council reserves the right to seek
both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational
institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated.
Longford County Council reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and
relevance of such references and referees. Information sought from referees shall be
structured around the requirements of the job and the job description, person specification
and/or competency profile provided. . Verification of Education Qualifications

Prior to appointment, the candidate will be required to present the original parchment of
their certificate, diploma and/or degree and any other supporting documentation required
by the Council*, to the Human Resources department in order to verify their qualifications.

• Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and

. Pre-Employment Medical

Prior to appointment the candidate will be required to complete a Health Declaration and
to undergo a medical examination, at their own expense, by a qualified medical
practitioner nominated by the Council. On taking up employment the expense of this
medical examination will be refunded.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

. Garda Clearance

Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and
Vulnerable Persons) Acts to and the applicant will be required to fully cooperate
with this process. . 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 or employee of the Council or person nominated by the
County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the
candidate for the position being sought. . Confidentiality

Longford County Council, in its recruitment and selection procedures, has appropriate
measures in place to protect the confidentiality of all applicants. All enquiries, applications
and other aspects that form part of the recruitment formalities are treated as confidential
and are not disclosed to anyone, outside of those directly involved in the recruitment
process - subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, -.

Records created, maintained and stored by Longford County Council as part of the recruitment
and selection process are subject to a range of legislation, including Freedom of Information
and Data Protection. Longford County Council shall comply with the National Records
Retention Policy () and any other relevant records retention policies.

Candidate Information Booklet - Assistant Planner

. Who can I contact if I have a query in relation the Recruitment Campaign for Assistant

Planner?

The Candidate Information Booklet provides comprehensive information relating to the selection
process for this recruitment campaign. However, if after reading this information booklet you
require any additional/further information - please forward your query by email to:
hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie

. I have submitted my application form. What happens next?

Longford County Council will carry out an eligibility check on all application forms to ensure that they
meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the post as set out by the Department of Housing, Local
Government & Heritage. If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post,
based on the information given in your application form, you will not be invited to interview.

Depending on the number of candidates remaining at this stage of the competition it may be
necessary to hold a shortlisting process. The shortlisting process may take the form of either a
desktop exercise (based on the information contained in the application forms) or a shortlisting
interview.

. What happens on completion of the shortlisting process?

Longford County Council will contact all applicants advising them of the results of the shortlisting
process. Candidates who are shortlisted at this stage will be invited to attend for interview. It is
your responsibility to attend for interview on the date and time notified. An alternative dates and
times cannot be facilitated.

. What happens after undertaking the final interview?

Candidates who are successful in the interview process will be placed on a panel and ranked in order
of merit. This panel may be used to fill both permanent and temporary vacancies for the post of
Assistant Planner, that may arise during the life of the panel.

Please note that being placed on a panel is not a guarantee that you will be appointed to the
position of Assistant Planner.

. If I am offered employment where will I be based?

The management of Longford County Council reserve the right to assign employees to any premises
or business section as required in accordance with the business needs of the organisation.

. How will Longford County Council communicate with me throughout the Recruitment and
Selection Campaign?

Longford County Council may contact you by phone, email or post at various stages throughout the
selection process. Any change to the contact details provided that occur during this recruitment
campaign should be notified by email to hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie