Telecommunications Team Manager (SO2) Candidate Information Pack

Transcription

1 Telecommunications Team Manager (SO2) Candidate Information Pack

2 CONTENTS Section 1 Foreword 3 Page Section 2 Organisational Information 4 Section 3 The Role 6 Section 4 Job Description 7 Section 5 Person Specification 11 Section 6 Conditions of Appointment 13 Section 7 Guidance Notes for Applicants 15 Section 8 Additional Information 17 Section 9 Application Form Checklist 19 February 2016 Page 2 of 18

3 Section 1 Foreword Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Telecommunications Team Manager. The successful candidate will manage the Telecommunications workshop and a team of Communications Technicians for the maintenance and support of mission critical Command & Control, Mobilising and Communication Systems within Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). This area of communications is essential to ensure that all Fire Service resources are mobilised to incidents and that operational officers can communicate effectively both on and off the incident ground. This is an excellent opportunity for the right person to contribute to the strategic planning, development, management and support of NIFRS communications infrastructure in accordance with recognised standards and performance criteria. This role will support the delivery of organisational objectives, priorities and approved plans so as to directly enhance the safety and effectiveness of our people as they respond to operational incidents. If you feel you have the required skills and experience NIFRS would invite you to apply for this post. Michael Graham Assistant Chief Fire Officer Director of Operational Support February 2016 Page 3 of 18

4 Section 2 Organisational Information This information pack is designed to provide you with a brief overview of NIFRS s terms and conditions, along with information which should assist you in the completion of your application form. NIFRS protects and serves the entire population of Northern Ireland, an area of over 5,500 square miles and with a population of 1.8 million, providing them with a range of fire and rescue services. Under The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and The Fire and Rescue Services (Emergencies) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011, we respond to fires, road traffic collisions and other emergencies including chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents, search and rescue incidents, serious flooding and serious transport incidents. We provide a range of community engagement initiatives to help reduce risk and keep people safe from the dangers of fire and other types of incidents that we respond to. We have a dedicated 999 Regional Control Centre where all the fire 999 calls for Northern Ireland are answered and fire crews mobilised to respond. As an organisation we have a shared vision, a clear mission and values that underpin absolutely everything we do. Our Vision: Our Mission: Protecting Our Community. To deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community. Our Values: We are committed to: People - We value keeping our people safe and well trained; Leadership - We value leading by example; Teamwork - We value working together; Integrity - We value the utmost integrity in everything we do; Diversity - We value equality and fairness and we consider the needs of our staff and the community we serve; Communication - We value open and honest communication with our staff and with all our stakeholders; Partnership - We value working in partnership; and Pursuit of Excellence - We value continuous improvement at all levels of our organisation. February 2016 Page 4 of 18

5 Our Operational Structure We currently have 4 operational Area Commands Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western. Area Commanders, each responsible for one of the 4 Area Commands, manage operational activity on a day to day basis. Our 4 Area Commands are supported by 14 Districts, strategically placed across Northern Ireland and which create a community focus for NIFRS activities. District Commanders are responsible for the Fire Stations in their District. There are 68 Fire Stations across Northern Ireland each serving their local community. Our Headquarters and Regional Control Centre are based in Lisburn and our Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre is currently situated at Boucher Crescent in Belfast. NIFRS has with 917 Wholetime Firefighters who work together with 994 Community Firefighters to protect the local community. Further details in relation to Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are available on the NIFRS website: You can also follow NIFRS on Social Media - Facebook ( and Twitter (@nifrsofficial). February 2016 Page 5 of 18

6 Section 3 The Role The main purpose of the Telecommunications Team Manager role is; To manage a Telecommunications workshop and a team of Communications Technicians for the maintenance and support of mission critical Command & Control, Mobilising and Communication Systems within Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). To provide a systems management and administration service for NIFRS voice and data communication systems both fixed and mobile. To assist with the strategic planning, development, management and support of NIFRS communications infrastructure in accordance with recognised standards and recognised quality and performance criteria to meet organisational objectives, priorities and approved plans. To contribute as an integral member of the Telecommunications team to support the vision and mission of NIFRS as outlined below: Vision Protecting Our Community Mission To deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and well-being of our community Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification within this pack for full details of the requirements for this role. February 2016 Page 6 of 18

7 Section 4 Job Description Ref No: N058/03/2016 Date: 09 February 2016 Dept: Section: Job Title: Grade: Reports to: Operational Support Operational Communications Telecommunications Team Manager SO2 Station Commander Operational Communications Summary of responsibilities and personal duties: 1. To manage a team of Communications Technicians for the maintenance and support of mission critical Command & Control, Mobilising and Communication Systems within Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. These systems include the following: Command & Control mobilising and communications systems; Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure for voice and data communications; Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS); RCC ancillary equipment resource display, video wall, CCTV, voice recorder, fall-back telephone and radio systems, etc; GD92 communications equipment - alerter transmitter system, printers, display screens, Public Address, etc.; Fixed and portable radio equipment including appliance installations, battery management, etc; Wide area paging system; Mobile Data Systems; Back-up power systems; Command Support Unit systems; and NIFRS telephone systems and associated facilities including fax, mobile phones, etc. 2. To provide a systems management and administration service for NIFRS communication systems, both fixed and mobile. February 2016 Page 7 of 18

8 3. To undertake, where necessary, programming and testing of NIFRS communications systems. 4. To provide and maintain a suite of standards for installation, testing and maintenance. 5. To support the installation, tailoring and configuration of all communications equipment including integration with current and future systems. 6. To evaluate capacity and workload of communications systems to determine need for expansion or enhancement; to advise the Station Commander/ Assistant Group Commander of all outcomes. 7. To undertake at a system level ongoing monitoring and preventative maintenance of all systems to ensure non-interruption of service, stability of communication systems and total availability to meet operational needs; to update and maintain all relevant technical documentation relating to system management and administration. 8. To attend Service Review meetings with Service Level Providers and provide business and technical input to assessment of service including recommendations for improved maintenance and renewal. 9. To manage a Communications Workshop within NIFRS for scheduled preventative maintenance activities and repair of defective communication equipment. 10. To ensure that all routine maintenance and equipment test schedules are carried out as planned and documented accordingly; to report any shortfall in test procedures and routines and implement corrective action. 11. To undertake all fault and troubleshooting activities including fault reporting, fault recording, and monitoring the progress of fault resolution; advising the Duty Communication Officer of all faults that directly impact on the efficient operations of NIFRS communications and mobilising; creating an effective focal point for escalated support calls; and maintaining audit records for all system faults. 12. To liaise with all stakeholders in relation to issues involving improper system use; to manage all specialist requirements in relation to communications equipment and identify any training needs. 13. To exercise quality control on the provision of all documentation, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date and meets operational requirements, management requirements, user requirements and NIFRS defined standards. February 2016 Page 8 of 18

9 14. To assist with the strategic planning, development, management and support of a critical Communications infrastructure in accordance with recognised standards and recognised quality and performance criteria to meet organisational objectives, priorities and approved plans. 15. Provision of specialist assistance to the Station Commander/Assistant Group Commander (Communications) on communications equipment supply, specifications for procurement, installation, testing and maintenance including technical advice on safety and compliance standards. 16. Provision of proactive research to evaluate new and emerging technologies, trends and developments and technical proposals and solutions; documenting these research results; liaising with all relevant stakeholders including customers, senior management, suppliers, other Fire & Rescue Services and other Emergency Services. 17. Assisting with the procurement and commissioning of communication systems in line with NIFRS policies and procedures to include Investment Appraisal, Tender and Quotation Specifications, evaluation and award of major and minor contracts. 18. Liaising with suppliers in relation to tender and quotation responses, site demonstrations, contractual negotiation and services, service level agreements and technical and support issues. 19. Managing communication equipment testing to ensure that optimum performance is achieved, that equipment is safe for use, is fit for purpose, meets all relevant specifications and is compliant with NIFRS requirements. 20. Managing the development and maintenance of communication support procedures, tools, documentation and training material. 21. Collating and submitting to the Station Commander/Assistant Group Commander Communications budgetary quotations for new service and repair work. 22. Monitoring staff performance to ensure staff are competent to undertake their designated tasks; to provide a diverse range of staff development and training services in the field of communications including activities such as training needs analysis; planning, delivering coaching and mentoring. 23. Maintaining own personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the post; to undertake appropriate training and development activities as required, including courses provided outside of Northern Ireland. February 2016 Page 9 of 18

10 24. Maintaining safe working practices for self and others in accordance with NIFRS Health and Safety guidelines. 25. Managing the attendance of staff within the established procedures to meet any attendance targets set by the Service. General responsibilities 26. To participate as directed in the NIFRS recruitment and selection procedures. 27. To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the NIFRS. 28. To be responsible for promoting, upholding and implementing all NIFRS policies, plans and procedures and those relating to legal requirements such as equality, health and safety, data protection and freedom of information, etc. 29. To undertake any other duties which may be assigned to meet organisational need and the change agenda and which are reasonably regarded as within the nature of the duties, responsibilities and grade of the post as defined. Applicants Should Note: This job description is subject to review in light of ongoing change within NIFRS and it is therefore not intended to be an exhaustive description of the duties of the post. Other duties appropriate to the grade may be assigned to the post holder to meet organisational need and the change agenda. February 2016 Page 10 of 18

11 Experience and Qualifications Essential Section 5 Person Specification Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date for application that they meet the following essential criteria: 1. Hold a HND in Telecommunications or a related discipline or equivalent. 2. Have at least 3 years recent* experience of supporting telecommunications systems *recent will normally mean within the last 5 years 3. Have at least 3 years experience of co-ordinating and organising the work of a team of people. 4. Can demonstrate: (a) Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with a successful track record in developing and maintaining productive working relationships; (b) Excellent planning and organisational skills and the ability to work under the pressure of multiple deadlines. 5. Demonstrate experience of using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word and internet and systems in a work environment.. 6. Possess a full, current UK driving licence or have access to a form of transport which enables them to fulfil the full requirements of the job Desirable 1. A proven track record of working in a large, multi-site organisation comparable to NIFRS.** **NIFRS employs circa 2,200 staff, has 75 sites (including 68 stations) and a revenue budget of circa 70m. February 2016 Page 11 of 18

12 Section 6 Conditions of Appointment This is an indication of the conditions of appointment and is not intended to be exhaustive. Full conditions of service are contained within the National Joint Council for Local Government Services National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service. 1 Pay The salary range is 27, to 29, per annum. The normal expectation is that the successful applicant will commence on is 27, per annum. 2 Increments Increments are normally payable from 1 April in each year, subject to satisfactory service. 3 Hours Currently 36¼ hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. A Flexible Working Hours Scheme is in operation. In view of the level of this appointment, the postholder will be required to work in such a way as to fulfil the obligations of the post. 4 Annual Leave Details of Annual Leave entitlement, based on a 5-day week, are as follows: (a) Annual Leave (b) Officers with 5 or more years service in Local Government (c) Officers with 10 or more years service in Local Government 23 days; 28 days; 31 days. Annual leave may only be taken as it accrues during the first 6 months of service. February 2016 Page 12 of 18

13 5 Pension Under current pensions legislation, NIFRS employees automatically join the Northern Ireland Local Government Superannuation Scheme. Upon joining the Scheme, NILGOSC will issue you with a members guide. Further information in relation to the Scheme can be found on the NILGOSC website. At present the employee contribution for the first point of the scale is 6.5% and is in line with the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Pension Scheme and will be deducted at source. 6 Probation Appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period of 6 months from the date of appointment. 7 Location The role is based at NIFRS Headquarters, 1 Seymour Street, Lisburn, BT27 4SX. 8 Period of Notice The appointment may be terminated by the employee giving 1 month s notice in writing, terminating on the last day of a calendar month. The period of notice to be given to the employee will be as recommended for Local Government Officers. 9 Canvassing Canvassing, in any form, oral or written, direct or indirect, will, if proven, lead to disqualification. 10 Pre-Employment Checks Appointment is subject to; (i) (ii) A satisfactory medical examination. Receipt of satisfactory references. References will only be sought as part of a pre-employment check prior to appointment. References will be taken up from both referees named on the application form, one of which must be a current employer or, if not currently employed, the most recent employer who would have knowledge of the successful candidate in a working environment. Candidates must be specific when providing address/contact details for referees. February 2016 Page 13 of 18

14 Section 7 Guidance Notes for Applicants 1. Please read the candidate information pack before completing your application form. 2. We will not accept CVs, letters, additional pages or any other supplementary material in place of or in addition to completed application forms. 3. We do not accept applications via You must complete all sections of the application form before your application can be considered. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 5. You must sign your application form prior to submission. Application forms without a signature will not be accepted and will result in disqualification. 6. All applications must be received by the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted. 7. Ensure that the correct postage is applied as NIFRS will not pay excess postage and as such any application forms with insufficient postage will not be accepted. 8. The space available on the application form is the same for all applicants and must not be altered. 9. You must complete the application form in either typescript font size 12 or legible block capitals using black ink. If typing, you must do so directly into the form. Please do not copy and paste from another document. 10. Candidates must not reformat application forms. The form has been locked to restrict editing. 11. Information in support of your application will not be accepted after the closing date for receipt of applications. 12. Do not use abbreviations or complex technical detail. 13. You must provide evidence in the relevant section of the application form that you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications. 14. You must provide sufficient information for your application to be assessed bearing in mind the criteria for the post. Care should be taken to ensure that details are full, accurate and relevant to the post requirements. You must ensure that the information provided clearly demonstrates how you February 2016 Page 14 of 18

15 meet the criteria as failure to do so will result in your application not being shortlisted. 15. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the relevant section provided. Each criterion is assessed individually and must therefore be completed in full i.e. you must not rely on information included in a previous section for another criterion. 16. Applicants relying on qualifications regarded as equivalent are responsible for providing evidence as to how qualifications meet the required standard. If equivalence is not immediately clear, no enquiries will be made by NIFRS and your application may not proceed as a result. 17. NIFRS reserve the right to use both the essential and desirable criteria for shortlisting purposes. 18. Communication with candidate during some stages of the selection process may be via , therefore please ensure you provide a valid address and ensure you check your junk mail folder for communication. 19. Please print and sign your completed application form on single sided pages prior to submission. 20. You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing as soon as possible following each stage of the selection process February 2016 Page 15 of 18

16 Section 8 Additional Information Reasonable Adjustments If you require any assistance/reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability, please give details in the relevant section of the monitoring form on your application form. Details of any disability are only used for this purpose and do not form any part of the selection process. If you would like to speak to someone about reasonable adjustments, please contact the HR Manager Equality, Inclusion and Legal on Tel: Equality Monitoring NIFRS is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants, regardless of gender, marital status, disability, age, religious affiliation, political opinion, ethnic origin, dependants or sexual orientation. NIFRS selects those suitable for employment and advancement solely on the basis of merit. In order to comply with legislative requirements, you must complete the Equality Monitoring Form. This also allows us to monitor the effectiveness of our policy of equal opportunities in employment and effectiveness of our recruitment advertising. Please note, this form is regarded as part of your application and failure to complete and return it will result in your application being rejected. Assessment & Interview Documentation All candidates invited to attend for assessment must bring along the required documentation to satisfy the eligibility criteria and documentation checks for the prevention of illegal working. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate they are entitled to work in the UK. If the individual is unable to produce the relevant documents, or the documents are not satisfactory, the offer of employment may be withdrawn. Candidates are also required to produce original documents to verify their identity, one of which must be photographic identification. Further details regarding acceptable documentation will be issued with invitations. February 2016 Page 16 of 18

17 Changes in Personal Circumstances Please ensure that you inform us immediately of any changes in personal circumstances. If you decide at any point during the recruitment process to withdraw your application, please inform us as soon as possible. Appeals Please note that candidates cannot appeal any stage of the selection process. Professional membership/qualification Checks The HR Resourcing Unit will carry out checks to confirm professional membership and any qualifications which are listed as essential in the Person Specification. Proof of qualifications and/or professional membership will be carried out at the interview stage. Applicants relying on qualifications regarded as equivalent are responsible for providing evidence as to how their qualifications meet the required standard. If equivalence is not immediately clear to the Selecting Officers, no enquiries will be made by NIFRS and the candidate's application may not proceed as a result. Criminal Convictions Prior to appointment candidates will be asked to declare any criminal convictions. It is essential that you state all offences, including motoring offences, even if they happened a long time ago. Any criminal conviction may never be regarded as spent and must be disclosed when applying for a post within NIFRS. Please note that disclosure of a conviction does not necessarily debar any applicant from obtaining employment. Return of Application Forms Application forms must be completed and returned, in hard copy in the envelope provided or using the label provided, to the Equality Unit, Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, 1 Seymour Street, Lisburn, BT27 4SX by no later than 3.00 pm on Friday 18 March Late applications will not be accepted. February 2016 Page 17 of 18

18 Section 9 Application Form Checklist Please use the checklist below to help ensure that you have completed your form in full and are ready to submit your application. Have you Read the Important Guidance Notes for Applicants on pages of this information pack? Provided full details on relevant qualifications, professional membership, ie, subjects, grades, dates, membership number Clearly demonstrated how you meet all criteria requirements? Provided full up-to-date details of 2 relevant referees? Listed current/previous employment details since leaving education, including details of posts held, exact dates (dd/mm/yy), and a brief summary of main duties? Explained any gaps in employment and listed reasons for leaving previous employment? Read and signed/agreed to the Personal Declaration? Remember, failure to provide complete and accurate information may lead to a withdrawal of employment/offer of employment if this is subsequently discovered. Completed your Equality Monitoring Form? By gathering this information from all applicants it will help us continue to implement positive action programmes, to remove barriers to equality and promote concepts of diversity and equality of opportunity. The job description and person specification will help you prepare for the selection process. Applicants should be aware that NIFRS aim to hold interviews in April In addition, candidates may be asked to complete assessments and/or psychometric tests prior to interview. If you have any queries or would like further information, please refer to the Careers Section of the NIFRS website at or contact the HR Manager, Resourcing and Employee Services on We look forward to receiving your application. February 2016 Page 18 of 18