Dog Warden

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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 & Dog 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
both on the role of Dog Warden and the application/selection process.

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the information provided in
this booklet before they complete and submit their application.

It is the responsibility of the Candidates to ensure that they meet all the
qualifying criteria and are eligible to apply for the post of Dog Warden

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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL DW/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

Dog Warden

Role and Responsibility:
The overall role and responsibility of the Dog Warden is the management of Longford
County Council’s dog control service and the dog pound. This will involve attending to and
managing all animals at the pound and maintaining all associated records. It will involve
dealing with the public, liaising with and working alongside co-workers and reporting to the
Administrative Officer, to ensure all duties are carried out to the highest level.

The following list of legislation will act as a guide to the duties involved and as such a formal
qualification as Registered Veterinary Nurse or in animal care will be desirable.

• Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations S.I. No /

• Control of Dogs Act , as amended, including Regulations made there under

• Pounds Act , and Regulations made there under

• Animals Act

• Control of Horses Act and Regulations made there under

• European Communities (Identification of Equidae) Regulations

• Dog Breeding Establishments Act

• Animal Health & Welfare Act

• Micro-chipping of Dogs Regulations

Health and Safety
The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care,
in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in
compliance with Longford County Council’s Health & Safety Management System. Working
in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation and construction
regulations, will be the primary responsibility of all Dog Wardens.

A Dog Warden’s duties may include but will not be limited to;

Governance
a) Be familiar with relevant policies, bye-laws and legislation and be authorised under

the relevant legislation
b) Implement procedures in accordance with training provided

Management

a) Carry out duties at the dog pound and dog control service as required in conjunction
with other Wardens, administrative section, and the general veterinary service
provider and in line with the dog pound animal health programme.

b) Work closely with An Garda Siochana, ISPCA, Animal Welfare Charities and other
stakeholders in relation to dog control issues.

c) Contribute to the development of the dog control service.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

Administration
a) Keep accurate records of all dog control related matters
b) Keep and maintain the register of pound dogs and their traceability records
c) Keep a register of all dog related calls
d) Submit reports in relation to work under your charge as may be required
e) Maintain detailed records in relation to enforcement issues, including those of

alleged offences as required for the purpose of Court Proceedings.
f) Liaise closely with Administrative Staff in the preparation of evidence for court
g) Attend Court and give evidence when required to do so.
h) Completion of annual dog control statistics return and other periodic returns/reports
i) Provide assistance as required with Freedom of Information and other requests
j) Prepare reports for prosecution of offenders under the relevant legislation, and

attending court where necessary
k) Applying for a court order in relation to dangerous dogs
l) Attend and give evidence in court
m) Use all information technology equipment provided

Operational

a) Wear uniform and use PPE as provided
b) Ensure the Pound is open and attended at required times
c) Seizure and detention of stray and surrendered dogs, including all associated

administration
d) Contact the administrative section promptly when a dog enters the pound, when any

other significant issue arises.
e) Ensure no animal is accepted without appropriate fees being paid in advance at the

cash desk and no animal is released without appropriate fees being paid in advance
to the cash desk and all relevant documentation is completed and maintained

f) Microchip dogs as required and scan, record and register all details of microchips
g) Take all reasonable steps to trace and identify the owners or keepers of stray dogs or

uncontrolled dogs and where possible, to return such dogs to their owners.
h) Request as necessary any person appearing to be the owner or keeper of a dog to

produce a relevant licence.
i) Ensure animal welfare is maintained to the highest standard at all times and report

any illness or injury to contracted general veterinary service provider
j) Maintain the Dog Pound, (including the kennels, mats, structures and equipment) in

a clean and sanitary condition with due regard at all times to the comfort and
welfare of dogs held in the County Council’s Pound.

k) Investigate complaints in relation to dog control and dog breeding establishment
issues

l) Carry out house to house calls in relation to dog control matters
m) Carry out regular patrols in housing estates and other areas as required
n) Prepare and issue fixed penalty notices
o) Ensure maximum dog licensing levels in county, including carrying out house to

house checks
p) Assist with/carry out the inspection of dog breeding establishments and report on

same.
q) Facilitate education in relation to responsible dog ownership e.g. sheep worrying

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

r) Carry out health and safety inspection on the dog pound and assist with internal and
external audits

s) Arrange the humane euthanasia of dogs when required by Court Order or otherwise.
t) Carry out any horse related duties as required from time to time
u) Cooperate with the Longford Urban Horse Education Project.

The above specifications are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved
and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform such duties appropriate to
the post, which may be assigned from time to time.

The work will be carried out in accordance with established work practices or as negotiated
from time to time. Person appointed will be required to report to work location at the
location notified to him/her by the supervisor.

Employees must attend at all training courses deemed necessary by their employer for their
area of work, and exercise the skills and knowledge learnt when required to do so. The
successful candidate may be required to successfully pass a Safe Pass course as required.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

COMPETENCIES
Key competencies for the post of Dog Warden 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.

• Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively.

• Establish high quality service and customer care

D • Make timely, informed, and effective decisions and ELIVERING RESULTS
show good judgement and balance in making
decisions or recommendations.

• Critically evaluate outcomes and processes used to

• Deliver a message in a clear and coherent fashion.

• Ability to keep calm under pressure.

• Portray a positive customer service ethos at all

PERFORMANCE THROUGH PEOPLE • Establish and maintain productive working
relationships with key internal and external
stakeholders.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• Demonstrate self-motivation and maintain a

• Manage time and workload effectively and operate

in an environment with significant complexity and
pace.

• Set challenging standards and achieve high quality

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and • Knowledge and understanding of the role of Dog
Self Development Warden.

• Relevant experience to date.

• Ability to use IT systems.

• Understanding the importance of keeping accurate

• Knowledge and awareness of key topical and priority

• Understanding of political reality / context of issues.

• Understanding compliance standards, policies,

• A clear understanding of Health and Safety Policy

• Ability to Audit External Organisations including dog

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

Dog Warden
QUALIFICATIONS

. 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 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, experience, etc

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

a) Have a standard of education such as will enable the applicant to satisfactorily
perform the duties of the position.

b) A working knowledge of software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, online

applications, smart handheld devices etc).

c) Hold a full clean B Driving Licence

d) Be able to write concise and legible reports

e) Experience in handling animals is required and Registered Veterinary Nurse or other
formal training in animal care is desirable

f) Have experience working with Dog/voluntary/disadvantaged groups

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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 Dog Warden/Pound Keeper will be required to work a -hour week, incorporating
attendance of hours each day, every second Saturday and Sunday. The working week will
include (a) periodic early morning and evening work, (b) weekend work. Attendance may
also be required at such specific times as may be notified by the Council from time to time.

The hours and days of work may be subject to change from week to week, start and finish
times will be determined and notified in advance. Longford County Council reserves the
right to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government guidance.

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 all employees to record their hours using the
Council’s attendance management system. . Reporting Arrangements

The Dog Warden will report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any
other employee of Longford County Council as designated 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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

. 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
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 scale for the post of Dog Warden is €. - €. gross per week (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

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

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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

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

• Compulsory retirement age will be .

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

. Use of Modern Technology

The successful candidate will be required to use all equipment provided, including
computers, hand-held terminals, mobile telephone, electronic equipment, video or other
monitoring equipment and any other new technology which may be introduced in the
future. . Uniform

The person appointed will be required to wear a uniform (which will be supplied by the
County Council) at all times when on duty, unless otherwise authorised by Longford County
Council. . 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. . Period of Acceptance

The local authority shall require persons 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 longer period as the local authority in its absolute
discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them. . 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.

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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

SELECTION PROCESS

. How to Apply

Only fully completed applications 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 [email protected] – 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. Applications must be completed in typed format.

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

. you submit your application on or before pm Friday, th September

Forward your completed application form via email to [email protected] :

• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted

• Applications 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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

. Selection Process

Stage – Submission of Application Form via email

Candidates interested in applying for the position of Dog Warden should submit their
completed application with supporting documentation form via email in PDF format to
[email protected]

Completed Application Forms must be submitted on or before pm Friday, th September .

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 Dog Warden in
accordance with the declared Qualifications.

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

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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

Stage –Interview

On completion of the Stage of the selection process, successfully shortlisted candidates
may be invited in batches for an online 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 online
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.

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 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 Dog Warden 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 Dog Warden 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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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. . 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 interview when and where required by the Longford
County Council, 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

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

. 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. . Garda Clearance

Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance 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.

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/

Candidate Information Booklet – Dog Warden

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

Warden?

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:

[email protected]

. 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, Planning
and Local Government. If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, based
on the information given in your application form, your application will be deemed invalid, and you
will not be considered for 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 provided in the application forms) and/or a shortlisting
interview.

. What happens on completion of the shortlisting process?

Longford County Council will contact all applicant’s advising them of the results of the shortlisting
process. Candidates who are shortlisted at this stage may be invited to attend for online interview.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to make themselves available for the online interview on the
date and time notified. Reschedule requests cannot be accommodated.

. 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.
Please note that being placed on a panel is not a guarantee that you will be appointed.

. 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 [email protected]

LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL GO/