Civil Defence is a statutory volunteer based organisation. It currently has approximately 2,500 volunteer members. There is a Civil Defence Unit in each local authority area. The Department of Defence, through its Civil Defence Branch, is responsible for the overall policy direction of Civil Defence, while operational responsibility lies with the Local Authority. Waterford City & County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Waterford City & County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This panel will exist for one year and may be extended for a further period of one year at the discretion of the Chief Executive.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Assistant Civil Defence Officer, who is an employee of the local authority, is responsible for assisting the Civil Defence Officer in the day-to-day management of the Civil Defence Unit.
Qualifications
Post of Assistant Civil Defence Officer
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has declared that the qualifications for the position of Assistant Civil Defence Officer shall be as set out hereunder.
Character
Candidates shall be of good character
Health
Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Education, Experience, Etc.;
Each candidate shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: -
possess a good standard of administrative experience including in the use of IT,
possess a good general standard of education,
possess a full, clean Class B driving licence, and
experience in the supervision and development of staff/volunteers.
Experience in Civil Defence or in other volunteer based emergency organisations is desirable.
REQUIREMENTS:
In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Assistant Civil Defence Officer, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies:
Knowledge, Experience and Skills: The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Knowledge and understanding of the role of Civil Defence.
Experience of managing and supervising volunteers.
Relevant administrative and IT experience including the use of Microsoft applications and responsibility for managing a budget and record keeping.
Strong organisational and leadership skills.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Duties and Responsibilities The duties of the Assistant Civil Defence Officer are as follows:
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in the preparation and submission in a timely manner and in consultation with local authority management, of the three-year Civil Defence plan as required under Section 8 of the Civil Defence Act, 2023.
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in co-ordinating the arrangements necessary for the implementation of the Civil Defence plan,
To represent Civil Defence on local emergency planning structures and to promote good relations with key personnel in the Principal Response Agencies where directed to do so by the Civil Defence Officer,
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in providing support to the Principal Response Agencies in emergency and non-emergency situations in accordance with both the 2015 White Paper on Defence and the Framework for Major Emergency Management,
Where resources permit, to provide support for community, charitable and local authority events, where directed to do so by the Civil Defence Officer,
To implement/comply with policies, circulars and guidelines as set out by the Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence in consultation with their Civil Defence Officer,
To liaise with the Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence on behalf of the local authority and to attend meetings for that purpose,
To attend training provided by the Department of Defence and the local authority,
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in arranging for the recruitment, organisation and management of Civil Defence volunteers, and to ensure the Civil Defence Act 2023 (Code of Practice) Regulations 2023 is followed in all dealings with volunteers
To assistand support both the Civil Defence Officer and Local Instructors in organising and ensuring Civil Defence volunteers are appropriately trained (including monitoring minimum training standards and recertifications), facilitate progression of training for volunteers, including completing an annual training needs analysis,
To assist and support both the Civil Defence Officer and the Team Leaders in the management and organisation of duties, and supporting safety/risk assessments
To support the Civil Defence Officer in the day to day financial management of the unit in compliance with Local Authority financial procedures.
To follow instructions issued by the Department of Defence in relation to the processing of the annual operational grant and any other grants that are provided,
To follow instructions issued by the local authority/Department of Defence for the purchase, care, maintenance, issue and control of Civil Defence uniforms, vehicles and equipment,
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in maintaining adequate records, including ongoing and prompt updating of the Volunteer and Equipment Management System (VEMS) in the manner required and any other reporting requirements as may arise,
To assist the Civil Defence Officer in promoting Civil Defence in the local authority area,
Such other Civil Defence duties appropriate to the office as the Chief Executive of the local authority and/or Department of Defence may assign, including emergency duties and duties in relation to the area of any other local authority.