Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

The role of Clerical Officer can be in any one of the Government’s Departments or Agencies, where you will have the opportunity to carry out tasks that will make a difference to Irish society. The Clerical Officer grade is a great starting point to build a career in the public sector, providing you the opportunity to work collaboratively and build experience across a broad range of tasks.

The role of a Clerical Officer is fast paced and dynamic, with a diverse range of projects you can contribute to. As there is no requirement to have a degree or work experience, there are plenty of learning and development opportunities available.

Some of the daily tasks you may carry out in the role are:

• General administrative work.
• Supporting line-managers and colleagues.
• Working as part of a team to deliver services.
• Taking part in marketing and communications activities.
• Communicating and assisting with the public/customers.
• Providing the highest quality standards in customer service.
• Using Information Technology on a daily basis.
• Checking all work thoroughly to ensure it is completed to a high standard.
• Carrying out routine accounts and finance work.
• Approaching work in a careful and methodical manner, displaying accuracy at all times.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate.

One of the main benefits of this role is the career progression and learning and development opportunities. If you are doing well in your role, you will typically have the chance to apply for promotion to a higher grade, as well as participate in courses to improve your skillset. You may also have the opportunity to move laterally to a department you have a particular interest in.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
• Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
• Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
• Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
• Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
• Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
• Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
• Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
• Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
• Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.

Further Information

• Clerical assistant- from: GradIreland
• Local Government Revenues Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Recruitment of Clerical Officers takes place through the Public Appointments Service.    

The minimum entry requirement is Leaving Certificate level. There are also a range of competencies which successful candidates are expected to meet. Additional education and experience, such as working in an office or a relevant PLC qualification, can be advantageous in meeting these competency requirements.

The Civil Service strongly encourages its staff to further their education and improve their qualifications. A scheme providing for the refund of fees for third level courses is in place and paid study leave is allowed for staff attending such courses. On-the-job training also plays an important role in enabling employees to maximise their potential.  

Steps to applying:

1. Apply online at Publicjobs.ie before closing date;
2. Online Assessment Questionnaire;
3. Interview.

A career within Management and Administration in the HSE

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €24k - €42k

Salary will be based on Public Appointments service- Civil service scale. Scales will depend on date of entry to Civil service. 

Data Source(s):
Gov.ie/ PAS/ Forsa 2022

Last Updated: April, 2022

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: National government administrative occupations, Local government administrative occupations, Officers of non-governmental organisations.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

The numbers employed dipped in 2023, but with 3,200 additional persons employed in 2024 employment returned to 2021 levels. This occupation had the lowest share of females employed across the administrative occupations, although still above the national average.

Job opportunities are expected to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the higher than average share of older workers. Upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
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