ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Retained Firefighter for Kilkenny City,
Retained Firefighter for Castlecomer,
Retained Firefighter for Freshford,
Retained Firefighter for Callan,
Retained Firefighter for Thomastown,
Retained Firefighter for Urlingford
Retained Firefighter for Graiguenamanagh Fire Brigade
PLEASE NOTE:
· FAILURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS I.E. QUALIFICATIONS, I.D. ETC., AT SUBMISSION STAGE WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN AN INVALID APPLICATION.
· APPLICANTS SHOULD SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT THEIR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION.
· APPLICANTS WITH NON-IRISH QUALIFICATIONS CAN AVAIL OF THE ON-LINE RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDED BY QUALITY AND QUALIFICATIONS IRELAND (QQI) AND MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF SAME WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS.
· FAILURE TO FULLY COMPLETE EACH QUESTION ON THE APPLICATION FORM MAY DEEM YOUR APPLICATION INVALID (ANSWERS WHICH REDIRECT TO OTHER RESPONSES ARE NOT PERMITTED).
Qualifications:
CHARACTER:
Each applicant must be of good character.
AGE:
Each applicant must be not less than 18 years and not more than 55 years on the closing date for receipt of application forms.
EDUCATION:
Each applicant must have obtained a good standard of general education.
HEALTH:
Each applicant must be free from any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold the office, and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
DRIVERS LICENCE:
Each applicant must Hold a category "B" Driving licence free from endorsement
Conditions of employment
- The employment is part-time. The initial employment will be for a probationary period of one year (and may be extended if required).
- The normal retirement age for Retained Firefighters remains at 55 years with an extended optional period to age 60 years. Such firefighters have the option to continue working for a defined limited period subject to compulsory medical assessment measured against agreed standards. Any significant change in a firefighter’s medical condition during the extended period must be notified to the employer.
- Before appointment as a Firefighter, a recruit shall attend and successfully complete the three-week Firefighter Skills Training Course. Recruit Firefighters will be required to undergo and successfully complete the following recruit training programmes during their probationary period:
a) A three-week Recruits Firefighter Skills Course (including manual handling), ans
b) A two-week Breathing Apparatus Wearers' Course
c) A one-week Breathing Apparatus Compartment Fire Behaviour Course
d) Attain a HGV "C" Driving Licence
e) Any other course that the County Council may consider necessary.
- The Firefighters must attend other relevant courses run by the Fire Authority or the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
- Training fees will be paid at the current hourly rate for Firefighters during training. This hourly rate is currently €23.75.
- Failure to successfully complete the above courses or obtain the Class C licence will result in the termination of the Firefighters' employment.
- Some or all of the above courses will be held at a training facility, which may or may not be situated locally.
- From the date of commencement as a recruit Firefighter, there shall be a period of 12 months during which the recruit Firefighter shall be on probation. During this time the recruit Firefighter shall be continually assessed to determine his/her suitability for continued employment. Such period of 12 months may be extended at the absolute discretion of the County Council. The recruit shall not become an operational Firefighter at the end of the period of probation unless the County Council is satisfied that the Firefighter has been satisfactory in all respects.
- A Firefighter shall be paid at the appropriate approved national rates of Fire and Drill Fees and Retainer Fees and in accordance with any national agreements for retained Firefighters. Payment of fees is currently made quarterly but will be moving to fortnightly payment during 2024.