ICT Specialists (Executive Officer level) in Civil Service

gorkia25 · 29-10-2023 9:16pm

Congrats on your new position,@BobWind. Which competition you are on Cyber, software dev, or infrastructure? Thank you.

BobWind · 29-10-2023 9:31pm

Thank you! Don't want to celebrate too much until the clearance completes but I'm quietly hopeful 🤞🏼

It was the software dev competition.

DepecheCode · 03-11-2023 5:49pm

Does anyone know what the WFH policy is in the DSP? Got a consideration email for the software dev competition a few days ago but would require me moving to Dublin and looking at rent prices compared to the salary, it's not looking too feasible 😅

TaurenDruid · 03-11-2023 8:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121320970#Comment_121320970

According to the survey I ran back in July (https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058303919/civil-service-blended-working-survey#latest ), up to 4 days/week WFH are generally available in DSP. Note that that's "in general" - things might be different when you're a new starter, are doing training, etc. But it might be no harm at all giving their HR a call and asking to speak to an IT manager, so you can find out what the situation will be when you do start.

Yup, Dublin rent prices are crazy, but I'm aware of EOs who are WFH several days a week and commuting to Dublin by train once or twice a week - it's do-able and depending on the nature of the work, you might even be able to do some work on the train.

DepecheCode · 03-11-2023 8:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121321537#Comment_121321537

Very interesting! I've only just submitted my stuff for garda vetting etc so still probably a bit off yet but I'll definitely keep this in mind, if I can get away with only one or two days in office a week I could definitely get by without having to find a place to rent. Thanks!

Daith · 03-11-2023 9:43pm

It's kinda baffling to me why any software Dev role would require on site.

I mean maybe once a week or have a team day to be social, but if it's just for the sake of it, and Dublin crazy living prices, it would be annoying

TaurenDruid · 04-11-2023 12:26am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121321857#Comment_121321857

There's a whole range of civil service jobs - not just ICT - that can be done just as efficiently, if not more efficiently, from home. Two hours a day on average saved on a pointless commute. Yet you have a few government departments, local authorities and public bodies with no blended working allowed, while the majority allowing 2 or 3 days WFH. At least, officially - you also have places that have an "official" policy of X days WFH, but in practice, once you get the work done, nobody cares. There's just the occasional office day for actually useful face-to-face meetings, social catch up included, because WFH 5 days/week can be isolating.

catscratch · 16-11-2023 12:14pm

Hi everyone, anyone have an update on where they've reached on the panel? Last I checked they'd reached 47 but that was 3-odd weeks ago.

gorkia25 · 17-11-2023 11:59am

Hi, For which competition @catscratch ?

A month ago, when I checked for infrastructure they informed me that they had attained the 19th position.

Thank you

codingbish · 21-11-2023 4:28pm

Has anyone that has submitted their documents for the software developer competition started work yet?

gorkia25 · 29-11-2023 8:05pm

Hello everyone,

Is there any training provided when you begin the job in infrastructure? I have no prior experience in this field, and I'm feeling a bit anxious. Thank you for your assistance.

TaurenDruid · 30-11-2023 11:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121434473#Comment_121434473

Odd question, if you don't mind me saying... I mean, you shouldn't have been shortlisted for interview, or passed the interview, if you weren't capable of doing the job. In theory, anyway!

Every employer is going to be different on this one, to be honest, and it'll all depend on the actual role you end up in. When we look for people off the infrastructure panel, it's usually initially for helpdesk. You'd absolutely be expected to know the basics of things like Active Directory, setting up users accounts, dealing with tickets about Office applications, general troubleshooting, etc. Obviously there's on-the-job training for specific applications, enterprise apps and the like. Later, as we see your experience and ability, you'd be given more responsibility for specific apps, areas or projects, and that could involve short external courses.

Daith · 30-11-2023 12:01pm

You must have really sold the competencies!

gorkia25 · 30-11-2023 12:47pm

Thank you for your response. My experience is primarily derived from assignments, which may not directly equate to hands-on field experience. I applied for this job specifically because it is a graduate program that considers both essay-based and work experience. Having completed a level 8 degree in computer science, I am committed to learning quickly and adapting to the role. I appreciate your advice.

TaurenDruid · 30-11-2023 12:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121437016#Comment_121437016

Ah, gotcha. Yeah, you'll be fine. It's absolutely not a case of "here you go, now", and sink-or-swim.

pip1414 · 06-12-2023 9:23pm

Currently in clearance and it's taking so long! Thought everything was going to be order when they got the reference from my previous employer and would ask to contact my current employer this week, but have turned around today and asked to contact two of my other previous employers and get a character reference from when I volunteered somewhere two years ago. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Just really wanted everything sorted ASAP as Christmas is coming up

TaurenDruid · 07-12-2023 2:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121463668#Comment_121463668

Is this PAS, or the prospective employer?

It's frustrating from our end, too. I was on an interview board in the summer. People we passed and recommend are only now being offered roles, six months later! We've been carrying that vacancy since the spring!

DenJoe · 27-12-2023 9:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121463668#Comment_121463668

A new competition for Networks and Cyber Security (ICT Specialist) is underway. I withdraw in the late stages of the last contest due to the requirement for a reference from my current employer. Is this still the practice...requiring reference from a current employer?

TaurenDruid · 27-12-2023 12:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121539810#Comment_121539810

Yes.

DenJoe · 28-12-2023 2:44pm

Thank you @TaurenDruid

goodfella74 · 19-01-2024 1:44pm

Hi everyone, I had received an email on October 19th notifying me that i was under consideration for a position as Software Developer ICT Specialist (EO), Department of Education Dublin.

All documentation has been submitted as per guidelines, reference from my previous employer was submitted on 2nd January. Is there a rough timeline regarding such scenarios in view of getting a formal offer or otherwise?

gougeaway · 21-01-2024 12:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121638747#Comment_121638747

@goodfella74 it can take around 4 weeks after reference from current and previous employers are submitted until you are placed so it could be the first week of February.

goodfella74 · 22-01-2024 9:08pm

@gougeaway thank you for the information, it is much appreciated. Do you any any insight into the initial responsibilities in the Software Developer Executive Officer role?

pip1414 · 24-01-2024 9:02pm

Just looking for some advice - I got assigned back in December and given a start for the beginning of February. They still haven't issued a contract because they say they're waiting on confirmation of my line manager, but have assigned me a division. I'm starting to get really worried as from next Friday, I might be unemployed! I emailed today asking for an update and expressing my anxiety over the situation, but no reply so I really don't know what to do?!