Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Clare County Council / Comhairle Contae an Cholair provides a broad range of services across County Clare. The Council invites suitably qualified persons to apply for the position of Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

The Competition

Following the interview process, a panel will be formed for the post of Assistant Chief Fire Officer. The panel may be used for future vacancies and will remain in place for 12 months, extendable for an additional 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Job Description

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) is part of a multidisciplinary Emergency Services Directorate and reports to the Chief Fire Officer or an officer designated by the Chief Executive. The ACFO delivers key local authority services and undertakes duties assigned by the Chief Fire Officer.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Excellent knowledge of local policies and plans
• Leadership skills and experience, particularly working with teams
• Understanding of safety management duties in the workplace
• Good decision making and strong analytical skills
• Experience in design, supervision, document/record management or project management; financial management skills including procurement procedures
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Flexibility in working hours

Duties

Fire Prevention, may include:

• Processing fire safety certificate applications and using the Building Control Management System (BCMS)
• Advising design teams, building owners and occupiers on fire safety matters
• Carrying out inspections under the Fire Services Acts, Building Control Act and other relevant legislation and resolving fire safety deficiencies
• Carrying out inspections and risk assessments under the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972
• Delivering enforcement functions as an authorised officer under relevant legislation and representing the local authority in court where required
• Representing the Fire Authority on licence applications and before courts, providing expert opinion where appropriate
• Leading special projects to deliver national schemes and policies in fire prevention and safety remediation
• Educating the community on fire safety through campaigns and public talks
• Additional work as directed, including outside normal working hours

Building Control, may include:

• Assessment of commencement notices and other applications through the BCMS
• Assessment of disability access certificates
• Inspection of buildings and works for compliance with Building Regulations
• Representing the Fire Authority before courts in enforcement proceedings
• Providing advice on compliance with Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations
• Conducting dangerous structure and place inspections and managing associated files
• Market surveillance under the Construction Product Regulations
• BER surveillance and enforcement

Fire Service Operations, may include:

• Managing and supporting operational staff of Clare County Fire & Rescue Service
• Communicating staffing and industrial relations concerns and implementing agreements and national policy
• Managing fire stations as assets, including buildings, facilities, systems and equipment
• Managing the fire service fleet and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and safety
• Organising and attending training, including on station drills and national courses
• Co ordinating and assisting in managing the Safety Management system
• Developing and updating Pre Incident Plans and planning for new or emerging risks
• Participating in the Senior Fire Officers roster, attending incidents and training as required

Health, Safety and Welfare, may include:

• Managing the occupational health and safety management system, maintaining ISO 45001:2018 accreditation
• Implementing a continuous improvement programme for occupational health, safety and welfare
• Carrying out risk assessments of equipment, training and work activities
• Supporting staff welfare and ensuring compliance with related policy

Emergency Preparedness, may include:

• Improving and implementing the Major Emergency Plan in line with national frameworks
• Organising participation in local, regional and national MEM training and exercises
• Engaging with stakeholders for emergency planning, including principal response agencies
• Collaborating on control of major accident hazards (COMAH) and dangerous substances regulations
• Assisting in emergency preparedness learning and development for staff and stakeholders
• Assisting in development of emergency communication strategies and plans

Qualifications for the Post

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates must be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of being able to render regular and efficient service.

3. Educational and Professional Requirements

(a) Hold, in the National Framework of Qualifications:

• • a Level 8 degree in engineering, architecture, or a related building construction discipline
• • a professional qualification equivalent to one of the foregoing, awarded by the relevant professional body
• • a Level 8 degree in a science or technology discipline (physics, chemistry, environmental or computer science, ICT, or a fire related discipline such as fire safety, emergency management or emergency services)
• • a Level 8 degree together with a Level 9 qualification in a fire related discipline (fire safety, emergency management or emergency services)

4. Knowledge and Experience

• • Satisfactory knowledge of at least one of: principles of fire safety, technological and industrial processes, or telecommunications and information technology
• • At least five years of satisfactory relevant experience, including adequate experience in at least one of the areas above
• • High standard of training in at least one of the areas above; new entrants to the fire service must complete basic firefighter training and the Breathing Apparatus Initial Wearers Course before the probationary period expires
• • Competence to perform the duties of the office and possess the appropriate qualities

5. Personal Statements

Failure to upload proof of essential educational qualifications will make the applicant ineligible for this competition.

Non Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and a translation document for overseas qualifications.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be fully inclusive and determined in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. The salary scale will be applied at the employee's point of appointment and may be adjusted in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.

Annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. The council's holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

Working Hours

The effective working week is five days, 35 hours. The position may require flexibility outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends.

Age and Eligibility

Each candidate must be under 70 years old on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms unless they are new entrants as defined by the Public Service Superannuation Act 2004.

Citizenship Requirements

• Citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) - member states of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• Citizen of the United Kingdom (UK)
• Citizen of Switzerland under the EU Switzerland free movement agreement
• Non EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK or Swiss citizen and holds a stamp 4 visa
• 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 with a stamp 4 visa
• Non EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is an EEA, UK or Swiss citizen and holds a stamp 4 visa

Benefits and Conditions

Outside employment is prohibited; the position is full time and does not allow private practice that interferes with official duties.