ASSISTANT PLANNER

Westmeath County Council -
County Westmeath

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Job details

Fixed term

Benefits

Bike to work scheme
Annual leave
Employee assistance program

Qualifications

IT
Less (style sheet language)
Communication skills
B Driving Licence

Full job description

Candidate Information Booklet

ASSISTANT PLANNER

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.

Westmeath County Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Table of Contents

The Competition 3

Qualifications for the post 5

Particulars of the post (including recruitment) 7

Competencies for the post 11

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ASSISTANT PLANNER

The Position:
Westmeath County Council employs over 570 staff across eight service divisions. Housing & Building;
Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; Environmental Protection;
Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and Miscellaneous Services. It
consists of 20 democratically elected members. The Council is mandated to deliver a diverse range
of functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings of economic
development, community development, provision of physical and social infrastructure, recreation
and amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and environmental regulatory framework.
The Council now 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
Planner will be drawn.

The Planning Department plays a key role in supporting economic development, enterprise
promotion and regeneration projects in County Westmeath.

The Assistant Planners are responsible for implementing programmes of work in the Planning
Department and for providing a multiplicity of planning and related services. Assistant Planners are
also required to input into multi-disciplinary project teams.

The Assistant Planner position is multi-faceted and may include some or all the following key service
areas:

Development Management Strategic Policy Planning Enforcement Special Projects

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The Assistant Planner will work under the supervision of a Senior Executive Planner, and such planning or
ancillary services as may be required in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and
duties including the duty of assisting the Senior Planner, or other appropriate professional officer, in the
supervision of the planning or ancillary services and when required to do so, to deputise for Executive
Planners.

Assessment and making of recommendations on planning applications in line with all

relevant national, regional, and local plans and policies, and in accordance with the
appropriate legislation and guidelines as required.

Conduct pre-application consultations and provision of planning advice to members of the

public, internal departments and to the elected members.

Assisting in the preparation of the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, and other

planning policy reports and studies

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Carry out survey work, research, analysis, drafting policies and proposals, preparing written

statements and maps and other work as required on the agreed work programme, including
but not limited to, plans, other planning strategies and studies, urban and rural renewal
strategies, urban design, and public realm strategies.

Undertake site visits and preparing reasoned recommendations in relation to planning

enforcement, including attendance at court cases, and presenting evidence.

Responding to planning queries, monitoring of data and completions of returns etc. from

other Council departments and national and regional Government / statutory agencies,
external bodies as directed.

Build and maintain co-operative working relationships and supervision of staff as required.

Represent the Council at meetings with staff, elected members, community and general

interest groups as required.

Any other associated duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the

general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be

required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take

instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned

from time to time by Westmeath County Council

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Assistant Planner

WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL
ASSISTANT PLANNER

QUALIFICATIONS

1. CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to
render regular and efficient service.

3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, ETC.

Candidates shall:

(a) Candidates shall hold a qualification in Planning (at least level 8 on the National Framework
of Qualifications):

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

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

4. 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.

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Assistant Planner

Desirable Skills:

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

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

planning

An understanding of strategy formulation process for the realisation of organisational goals and

objectives

Good knowledge of current and future planning issues facing Co. Westmeath

A strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services.

An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

An ability to demonstrate competence in the following areas – Identifying problems and

contributing to solutions, communicating effectively, and delivering quality work and services.

Good report writing skills and strong IT skills.

Good knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of local government functions, services,

and activities particularly in relation to planning and development.

An ability to deal effectively with conflicting demands.

An ability to work effectively under pressure and manage several programmes and projects at

any one time.

An ability to think laterally, maintaining a solution orientated mind-set in dealing with a wide

range of issues.

Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the

organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

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Assistant Planner

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Particulars of Post

1. Salary
The current salary scale for the post of Assistant Planner is €47,270 – €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.

You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the Council
reserves the right to deduct monies from your “wages” (for the purposes of the Payment of
Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of the amount of the
overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section 5(5).

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).

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Assistant Planner

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. Travel:
Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles motor car in the course
of their duties and shall drive a and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the
satisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily
incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates
in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence
Policy.

Westmeath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance 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.

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Assistant Planner

4. Safety & Welfare:
The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Westmeath County Council’s 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.

5. Training:
It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in
training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties
attaching to the post.

6. Probation:
When a person is not already a permanent officer of a local authority and is appointed to a
permanent office the following provisions shall apply, that is to say: -
(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such person

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

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

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

7. Annual leave:
The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for
annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the
Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

8. Employee Benefits:
Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:

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

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

Programme

9. Retirement:
New entrants who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme may retire at
65 but must retire at age 70.
Existing Public Servants appointed, if they became pensionable after March 2004, may retire
at 65 but must retire at age 70. Existing Public servants who became pensionable prior to
March 2004 may retire at 60 but must retire at age 70.

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Assistant Planner

10. Recruitment Process:
Shortlisting:

While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers
applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone,
Westmeath County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In this
respect, Westmeath County Council provide for the employment of a short-listing process to
select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear
to be the most suitable for the position based on the qualifications and relevant experience.
An expert board will examine the application forms against pre-determined criteria based on
the requirements of 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 the application form.

Competitive Interview:
Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf

of the local authority.
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 permanent or temporary vacancies arise.

11. Residence:
The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed

or within a reasonable distance thereof.

12. 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.

13. Acceptance of Offer of Employment:
The County Council 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

appointments within such period or such longer period as the County Council in its absolute
discretion may determine, the County Council shall not appoint them.

14. Closing Date
The completed application form, along with any certificates, must be EMAILED as one PDF
document to [email protected]. Please send using the subject line “Your Last Name,
First Name – Assistant Planner e.g. Bloggs, Joe – Assistant Planner ”

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

NB. 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
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Assistant Planner

ASSISTANT PLANNER KEY COMPETENCIES

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to
demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of
the following specific areas: -

At interview, candidates will be assessed under the following competencies using some/all the
indicators listed:

CORE COMPETENCIES

Planning Policy & Practice Delivering Results

Experience and knowledge of the practical

Contribute to delivery of high-quality

application of :-

service and customer care standards.

Irish Planning legislation and key relevant • Plan work and resources effectively.

European Directives, including associated • Identify problems and contribute to
procedures. solutions.

Planning issues relevant to Westmeath • Co-operate with decisions and

County Council and its wider region implements solutions

Historical, emerging, and topical planning • Research and formulate policy

trends & issues in Ireland

Report writing and communication of a

reasoned assessment or recommendation.

Health and safety legislation

Performance through People Personal Effectiveness

Resilience and personal well-being

Demonstrate ability to engage with staff Integrity and public service values

and work as part of a team.

Personal motivation and initiative

Demonstrate ability to resolve conflict
Understanding the structures and

situations.

Demonstrate ability to lead by example environment within which the Local

and show initiative. Authority sector operates

Excellent interpersonal skills. Personal vision for the future planning

Excellent verbal and written in Westmeath County Council

communication skills. Manage time and workload effectively

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Assistant Planner

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