Technical Assistant

Purpose of the post

• Ensure that the people of Gwynedd are at the heart of everything we do.
• Develop personal ability in technical matters, mainly preparing illustrated plans and documents using various software packages.
• Undertake a leadership role in developing the Unit's staff and subordinate staff (Technicians) technical skills.
• Be part of a flexible project team and assist engineering and technical staff on projects.
• Assist in ensuring that YGC operates commercially and adapts itself to compete effectively.
• Commit fully to addressing the client's needs.
• If required, assist the Engineers Representative with their duties and building projects.
• To fulfil the requirements of health and safety and environment legislation.
• Assist the need for financial management as part of the project.

Responsibility for functions

• Identify and retain the latest information about current best practice in terms of designing matters, technical standards and developments (including current technology), and professional and statutory responsibilities (including e.g. those under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Building Act 1984, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Habitats Regulations 1994 and relevant Regulations e.g. CDM) and their application to the work and functions being carried out.
• Manage junior staff.
• Delegate on behalf of the manager in his/her absence.
• Ensure that YGC meets with the Council’s requirements.
• Ensure that all time-sheets and staff approvals are completed in accordance with YGC procedures.
• The post-holder will be expected to comply with Health and Safety requirements and to co-operate with YGC's Health and Safety representative.
• Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management standards and guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.

Main duties

• Develop and maintain a professional relationship with clients.
• Assist engineering and technical staff to complete projects including a variety of technical and administrative duties within the design office commensurate with the training, experience and competency of the post holder.
• Complete Highway Infrastructure Inspection Assessments and maintenance work.
• Supervise the financial, administrative and technical management of building work, research, assessment or maintenance works undertaken on behalf of the Client.
• Ensure that projects comply with health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations.
• Act as an inspector for work on building sites as necessary, and complete delegated responsibilities and duties appropriately.
• Operate and manage computer systems and software. Assist in developing software systems in YGC.
• Contact other services, statutory undertakers, other authorities, external organisations, and individuals involved with all aspects of the work.
• Report to Senior Staff, and receive information from them regularly and as required to ensure that the work progresses as expected.
• Supervise and lead the work and development of secondary staff.
• Other relevant administrative and professional duties, and commensurate to the authority of the post.
• Responsibility for self-development.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Operate within the Council’s policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
• Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
• Commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions in accordance with the Carbon Management Plan, and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council’s Carbon Footprint.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty which corresponds to the salary level and responsibility level of the job.
• Responsibility to report any concern or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused.

Special circumstances

• Manage own expenditure on projects.
• Able to work under pressure.
• It will be necessary to work outside office hours when Public Inquiries, consultations, exhibitions, Council meetings etc. are held.

Requirements

Personal attributes

• Essential: Ability to work as part of a team.
• Essential: Ability to work under pressure and adapt to business needs.
• Essential: Ability to motivate younger staff.
• Essential: Ability to represent and promote YGC as a business.
• Desirable: Ability to train / develop staff members.

Qualifications and relevant training

• Essential: Relevant degree in Ecology / the Environment.
• Desirable: Previous Ecological / AHA (EIA) Training.
• Desirable: Professional qualification in environmental field.

Relevant experience

• Essential: Understanding of Ecological and Environmental matters in the construction field.
• Desirable: Experience of working within European and National environmental legislation.
• Desirable: Working in Environmental Consultancy or Planning.
• Desirable: Experience assisting in financial management within projects.
• Desirable: Experience on assisting with project delivery.
• Desirable: Experience dealing with clients and stakeholders.

Skills and specialist knowledge

• Essential: Information on environmental matters.
• Essential: Knowledge of technical standards.
• Essential: Knowledgeable about health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Essential: Experience working as part of a team.
• Essential: Strong IT skills.
• Desirable: Practical ability of AutoCAD and GIS.
• Desirable: Ability to identify priorities within work programmes.
• Desirable: Knowledge of CDM duties and responsibilities.
• Desirable: Knowledgeable about the NEC4 Suite of Contracts, especially the ECC, ECSC and/or the PSCL.

Language requirements

• Listening and Speaking - Foundation: Able to maintain a simple conversation through the medium of Welsh and English in the everyday context of the post, using specific vocabulary that arises regularly, in order to present information.
• Reading and Understanding - Foundation: Read and understand simple messages and information leaflets associated with the post through the medium of Welsh and English, and understand short and simple reports on familiar subjects.
• Writing - Foundation: Able to complete simple forms and compose a letter or short e-mail through the medium of Welsh and English by using a number of familiar phrases in order to convey a simple message.