Assistant Parks and Landscape Officer

Overview

South Dublin County Council is seeking an Assistant Parks and Landscape Officer within the Public Realm Service of the Climate Action Department. The Public Realm Service manages parks and open spaces, plans and delivers recreational facilities, contributes to the design and management of the urban public realm, biodiversity protection, climate action, and the use of natural drainage systems, with a focus on improving aesthetic and visual quality and supporting corporate objectives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, develop and manage public parks, open spaces and the public realm as part of a team.
• Carry out public realm service tasks across areas such as Planning, Designs and Drawings, Construction, Operations and Maintenance.
• Work under the direction of the Senior Parks Superintendent/Senior Engineer and the Director of Service; may be assigned to any service area within the Local Authority at an analogous level.
• Work in a flexible location within the South Dublin administrative area as required; 35 hours per week; blended working arrangements may be available after onboarding.
• Participate in public realm projects, including maintenance and operation programmes, natural resources management (arboriculture, biodiversity), and reporting on progress and outcomes.
• Prepare designs, proposals, plans, reports and studies for public realm projects; assess planning and wayleave applications and related queries.
• Coordinate with other Council Departments; engage with area committees, community groups and residents; assist with procurement documents for supplies, services and capital projects.
• Contribute to county-wide functions within the Public Realm section and undertake such other duties as reasonably assigned.

QualificationsEssential education, training, experience

• Hold a qualification in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Natural or Environmental Science (level 8 or higher on the NFQ).
• At least two years of satisfactory experience in planning, design, development and management of parks, open spaces, green infrastructure or related fields.
• Good communication skills, ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

Desirable education, training, experience

• Knowledge of parks design principles; public realm, landscape and urban design; technical design and presentation skills for parks/open spaces/projects; knowledge of legislation, policies and regulations for public realm operations; understanding of current recreational trends and facility needs; IT proficiency; strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders; knowledge of public procurement processes; awareness of Health and Safety regulations.
• Current unendorsed full driving licence (Category A1, A and/or B) may be required.

Other Requirements

• Must have the right to work in Ireland and meet visa/citizenship requirements where applicable; Critical Skills Occupations or Non-Critical Skills Occupations as specified by government policy.
• Health: candidates must be in a state of health to render regular and efficient service.
• Probation: a probationary period applies (typically one year; extension at the Chief Executive's discretion).
• Blended Working: option to work remotely up to two days per week after six months of continuous employment, subject to operational requirements.
• Residence: residents of the district or nearby areas preferred; outside employment restrictions apply.
• Superannuation: details on PRSI and pension schemes apply; new entrants enter the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
• Garda Vetting will be sought prior to appointment.

Salary and Contract

Office is full-time, permanent and pensionable. Salary scales range approximately from €47,270 to €73,335, with progression as defined by applicable circulars and terms.

Recruitment Process

• Selection will be by competition based on interview; interviews may be in person or via Microsoft Teams.
• South Dublin County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates and to form a panel for vacancies for up to one year.
• Applicants must provide full and accurate information; shortlisted candidates may be asked to give examples of demonstration of competencies.
• References and medical examinations may be required; Garda Vetting will be completed prior to appointment.
• Equality: South Dublin County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify.

Note: This description reflects the role and its requirements as of the posting date. The final duties and location may be adjusted in accordance with Council needs.

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