Operator/Operative (Treatment, Network, Network Maintenance & Repair)

Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.

We are passionate about empowering our people, enabling them to make a positive impact on communities across Ireland. We are guided by a shared vision and purpose, grounded in values that define who we are and shape how we work, where we deliver for customers and communities, we work better together, we do the right thing, we aim high, and we keep each other safe.

Our goal is to attract and develop skilled and talented people from diverse backgrounds, who bring a dynamic range of expertise and insights to our work.

The Role:

The Asset Operations function forms the cornerstone of service delivery to customers, protecting the environment and meeting regulatory standards as well as managing the majority of operational expenditure. The Asset Operations function has responsibility for operational and maintenance strategy, policies, planning and standard operating procedures for Water and Wastewater operations both nationally and regionally, ensuring that value for money and customer service is delivered.

The Water and Wastewater Operations team is responsible for the regional delivery of water and wastewater operational services through the operation, inspection, maintenance & repair of the treatment and network assets.

The Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator will have a remit over a geographical area and is responsible for the operation of treatment processes on the assigned treatment plants and carrying out routine maintenance activities on assets for an area, across a variety of sites as and when requested, in accordance with the task schedule.

The Water/Wastewater Network Operator has a remit over a geographical area and is responsible for supporting the operation of the water and wastewater network in order to deliver consistent customer service and carry out routine maintenance activities on the network asset base. The Water/Wastewater Network Operator will be a key interface with the customer and will resolve issues first time where possible.

The Water/Wastewater Network Maintenance & Repair Operative has an area remit and is responsible for supporting the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance and repair activities across the water and wastewater network infrastructure in a safe manner.

Out of hours working will be required and appropriate overtime and standby rates will apply.

We are currently recruiting for Operators/Operatives in Waterford to fill current vacancies and are also looking to add to a panel for future vacancies. Applications will be considered for vacancies that arise in the next 12 months and all applications will be considered for the three roles above. Full job descriptions are provided below.

Please note that there will be a requirement to be located within a reasonable distance from the assigned work area/asset in order to be able to respond to out of hours requirements in a timely manner.

This advertisement will remain open until further notice.

Please be advised that successful candidates will be placed on the salary band based on their skills and experience with the starting position for this role being the minimum of €36,640.

Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator

The Role:

The Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator shall provide appropriate cover for other Treatment Operators at any of the assigned Treatment Plants or assets as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the operation of the water and wastewater treatment processes, and carry out routine maintenance activities across a varied plant asset base.
• Operate and maintain assigned assets as required including controlling and adjusting assets, inspecting and monitoring assets, testing and calibrating equipment, maintaining assets, replenishing consumables etc.
• Operate the water and wastewater network including operating secondary treatment points on the network to deliver a consistent customer service and carrying out routine maintenance activities.
• Conduct asset checks and inspections to ensure early identification and resolution of asset problems, raising work orders on Maximo where required. Use electronic equipment as assigned, such as handheld units, PCs, Lone Working App as required.
• Check, record and monitor all necessary quality parameters.
• Conduct daily indicative operational checks and analysis as required and report results through appropriate systems.
• Respond to SCADA/telemetry alerts in accordance with standards and procedures.
• Support the implementation of process optimisation recommendations to improve treatment performance or to deliver efficiencies.
• Promptly record and accurately report relevant information in relation to water treatment using the technology systems provided.
• Meter reading as required.
• Maintain stocks of materials and chemicals, ensuring reorder when necessary.
• Support Customer Contact Centre with any customer issues/queries.
• Maintain onsite critical spare stocks, tools and equipment.
• Ensure that all Mechanical, Electrical and Control Plant and Equipment is in good condition at all times and is operated in accordance with Technical Instructions, Operating and Maintenance Manuals, and instructions from the Line Manager.
• Take samples of water/wastewater, both before and after treatment, carry out necessary laboratory analyses as set out in relevant Technical Manuals and record results.
• Supervise maintenance and repair work and ensure it is executed properly, efficiently and left in a completed and satisfactory condition.
• General maintenance of all sewers, including rising mains, storm overflows, pump chambers, treatment plants and sites, including fencing, gates, buildings and ancillary facilities.
• Be in attendance when new connections are being made if required.
• Maintain interiors and exteriors of treatment works, pumping stations and other buildings in good repair and in a clean and tidy condition.
• Support operation of newly commissioned/upgraded assets as required, including relevant training.
• Participate in out of hours and standby working as required.
• Ensure compliance with work safety procedures and fully participate in safety programmes. Undertake duties safely and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Perform duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, including:
• Adhere to Construction Regulations and duties assigned under the Regulations, as per Uisce Éireann policy.
• Identify hazards and conduct site risk assessments in advance of work activities.
• Apply safe work procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Undertake all assigned health and safety training, including Safe Pass and, where relevant, Certified Construction Skills.
• Use appropriate safety equipment and tools, including Personal Protective Equipment.
• Where necessary, seek guidance from Team Lead on site risk assessments.
• Maintain site welfare facilities.
• Control and record access to sites by Uisce Éireann personnel, external visitors and service providers.
• Co-operate at site level with Uisce Éireann personnel and other service providers.
• Record all site matters, including accidents, incidents and near misses.
• Complete corrective actions for the Operational area of responsibility.
• Provide support in updating the Construction Stage Safety & Health Plan.
• Provide relevant information for the Safety File.
• Update and maintain the Safety File locally and send updates to Uisce Éireann’s ECM system.
• Carry out any other duties deemed necessary and/or required which your line manager may reasonably request.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Secondary level education or equivalent work experience.
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of using IT systems and a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, e.g. Word & Excel.
• Experience and understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture.
• Good basic knowledge of water and wastewater systems and practices is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and drive to resolve issues promptly using initiative.
• Strong literacy skills.
• Full, clean and valid Irish category B driving licence is minimum requirement.
• Certification in Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations preferred.
• Water Services Training Group qualification preferred.
• Plumbing or Electrical skills or training desirable.
• Experience working within Water Industry and/or other Utilities preferred.
• Experience of working with automated control systems such as SCADA is desirable.
• Experience of working with control systems and servicing and maintenance of instrumentation installed on plants to automatically monitor and control processes is desirable.
• With full training and risk assessment, ability to work in environments that may attract vermin, be noisy and require ear defence, require handling hazardous chemicals with necessary protective equipment, and entering confined spaces where trained to do so.

Water/Wastewater Network Operator

The Role:

The Water/Wastewater Network Operator has a remit over a geographical area and is responsible for supporting the operation of the water and wastewater network in order to deliver consistent customer service and carry out routine maintenance activities on the network asset base. The Water/Wastewater Network Operator will be a key interface with the customer and will resolve issues first time where possible.

Out of hours working will be required and appropriate overtime and standby rates will apply.

While it is our intention to have roles streamed either water or wastewater consistently across the country in the future, initially there may be a requirement to work in water and wastewater depending on the requirements of your location.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the operation of the water and wastewater network to deliver consistent customer service and carry out routine maintenance activities on network assets. Activities include assisting with sewer surveys; identifying heavy infiltration or storm water; investigations and interventions; clearing blockages; responding to alarms; operating valves, service reservoirs and pipeline fittings; identifying bursts; operating secondary treatment points; and routine maintenance of water network assets such as valves, pumping stations and flushing mains.
• Regularly check chemical dosing measures at pumping stations and other odour control activities and support Water & Wastewater Compliance and Sampling teams in operational sampling activity, including new mains, burst repairs and failures.
• Inform customers about issues and resolutions, investigate and follow up on escalated customer complaints/local representative issues and support consistent customer service and public health compliance.
• Support Customer teams including Key Account Managers and Customer Service with customer issues/queries or where works impact customer service delivery.
• Promptly record and accurately report relevant information in relation to operation of the water network using technology systems, including logging investigations, raising follow-on work orders, and updating H&S records and inventory management.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, perform risk assessments (Safe System of Work Plan), use PPE and undertake required duties under the Construction Regulations.
• Operate Uisce Éireann vehicles and machinery responsibly in line with relevant vehicle, health, safety and security policies, ensuring stock levels are sufficient.
• May be required to responsibly operate a 3.5 tonne / 4.2 tonne vehicle.
• Carry out any other duties deemed necessary and/or required which your line manager may reasonably request.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Secondary level education or equivalent work experience.
• Full, clean and valid Irish category B driving licence is minimum requirement. Additional Driving Licence categories are an advantage.
• Experience/understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture.
• Knowledge of the wastewater network, infrastructure and operations is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge and experience of skills required for wastewater network infrastructure and operations preferred.
• Basic awareness or understanding of wastewater networks and processes is an advantage.
• Experience of using IT systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• With full training and risk assessment, ability to work in environments that may be uncomfortable or potentially hazardous, including hazardous chemicals, sewage, confined spaces, lone working, remote working, deep water, animals, vermin, noise and hand and arm vibration. This involves successful completion of an occupational health assessment confirming suitability to work in such environments.
• Literacy skills.
• Experience working within Water Services and/or other Utilities is an advantage.

Water/Wastewater Network Maintenance & Repair (M&R) Operative

The Role:

The Water/Wastewater Network M&R Operative has an area remit and is responsible for supporting the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance and repair activities across the water and wastewater network infrastructure in a safe manner.

Out of hours working will be required and appropriate overtime and standby rates will apply.

We are looking to stand up a national panel for all current and future vacancies. It is envisioned this panel will remain open for approximately 12 months.

While it is our intention to have roles streamed either water or wastewater consistently across the country in the future, initially there may be a requirement to work in water and wastewater depending on the requirements of your location.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support planned and reactive maintenance and repair activities across water and wastewater network infrastructure in a safe and hygienic manner, including repairs of bursts and leaks, water mains and services and associated fittings, water meters and customer boundary boxes, cleaning service reservoirs, replacing valves and hydrants, and undertaking tests following repairs to pipes and pumps. Other activities may include repairs of burst and collapsed pipes and/or clearing blocked/choked sewers, pumping station repairs, sewer flooding including CCTV surveys, pumping station alarms and blockages, and pumping station overflows. Respond to alarms, provide emergency cover and resolve issues and incidents on water network infrastructure assets.
• Maintain and repair non-domestic water meters, including site investigations and removing and replacing meters, liaising with the Metering Services team as appropriate.
• Inform customers about issues and resolutions, investigate and follow up on escalated customer complaints/local representative issues and support consistent customer service and public health compliance.
• Support Customer teams including Key Account Managers and Customer Service with customer issues/queries or where works impact customer service delivery.
• Promptly record and accurately report relevant information in relation to operation of the water network using technology systems, including logging investigations, raising follow-on work orders and updating H&S records and inventory management.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, perform risk assessments (Safe System of Work Plan), use PPE and undertake required duties under the Construction Regulations.
• Operate Uisce Éireann vehicles and machinery responsibly in line with relevant vehicle, health, safety and security policies, ensuring stock levels are sufficient.
• May be required to responsibly operate a 3.5 tonne / 4.2 tonne vehicle. Possible requirement to operate a HGV vactor unit (20 tonne +) from depot to facilitate tankering, if required.
• Carry out any other duties deemed necessary and/or required which your line manager may reasonably request.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Secondary level education or equivalent work experience.
• Full, clean and valid Irish category B driving licence is minimum requirement. Additional Driving Licence categories are an advantage.
• Experience/understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture.
• Previous maintenance experience, such as working in a construction/roadworks environment, is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge and experience of skills required for maintenance and repair of the water network preferred.
• Basic awareness or understanding of water networks and processes is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of maintenance and repair of water meters preferred.
• Experience of using IT systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• With full training and risk assessment, ability to work in environments that may be uncomfortable or potentially hazardous, including hazardous chemicals, sewage, confined spaces, lone working, remote working, deep water, animals, vermin, noise and hand and arm vibration. This involves successful completion of an occupational health assessment confirming suitability to work in such environments.
• Literacy skills.
• Experience working within Water Services and/or other Utilities is an advantage.

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