Senior Technical Inspector

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business, ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies for the benefit of all customers.

Our Values are at the core of everything that we do.

About the Job

We are currently seeking a Senior Technical Inspector with significant experience related to gas transmission and/or distribution design, construction, commissioning and maintenance for our Energy Safety Division.

The CRU has a key role in protecting public safety and the prevention of major accidents in Ireland’s energy sector. This includes safety regulation of:

• Gas (networks, supply, storage, use and liquefied petroleum gas distribution);
• Petroleum (upstream (onshore and offshore) exploration and production of hydrocarbons); and;
• Gas installers and electrical contractors.

Our public safety remit also includes ensuring electrical contractors and gas installers operate to relevant national standards to protect life and property as well as promoting customer awareness of safety.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Energy Safety Division consists of 25 staff, 9 of whom are inspectors/technical specialists. A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Technical Inspector within the Energy Safety Division.

The CRU are inviting applications for this 4-year fixed-term contract basis position (with a view to permanent appointment), from qualified, experienced individuals to play a key role.

This role will report to the Head of Infrastructure – Energy Safety who is responsible for safety regulation of the following sectors:

Under the CRU’s Gas Safety Framework:

• natural gas transmission and distribution network including biomethane injection;
• LPG distribution networks;
• Shipper and suppliers including CNG suppliers;
• ongoing investigations;

Under the CRU’s Petroleum Safety Framework

• offshore and onshore designated petroleum activities including well work, production and decommissioning

The Senior Technical Inspector will manage/ co-manage Safety Analysts/Administrative Officers and work with other Inspectors/Specialists, Managers, Safety Analysts, Administrative Officers and where appropriate, external technical consultants, in the discharge of their role.

While the successful candidate will initially be posted to the Energy Safety Infrastructure sector, the individual will also contribute to the wider Energy Safety Division and organisation as requirements dictate.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Inspector specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing safety case compliance assurance programs to meet Gas Safety Framework requirements;
• Carrying out and reporting on inspections and audits on the natural gas and LPG network(s) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations;
• Carrying out and reporting on incident investigations and making recommendations for improvements to regulatory frameworks;
• Providing judgement as to whether an operator is in compliance with the Gas Safety Framework;
• Recommending regulatory enforcement action in accordance with CRU processes and managing follow up actions;
• Managing and supporting direct reports in terms of coaching, mentoring, along with skills transfer and development;
• Carrying out appraisals for each direct report through CRU annual appraisal process;
• Providing input into CRU policies/guidelines/procedures as required;
• Liaising with relevant national and international bodies as appropriate, including other regulatory bodies – e.g. the Health and Safety Authority;
• Participating in technical committees under the National Standards Authority of Ireland;
• Contributing to the overall delivery of the CRU’s strategy;
• Peer reviewing of documents, as requested;
• Advising and supporting the Commission, Senior Management Team and wider organisation on relevant regulatory or technical issues, and;
• Carrying out such other functions as may be required from time to time to support the Energy Safety Division and fulfil the business objectives of the CRU.

The above list is not exhaustive. While the successful candidate will be assigned to a particular team within the CRU, they will also be expected to contribute to the work of the wider Division/CRU as requirements dictate.

The CRU may establish a shortlist of suitable candidates for potential future positions that may arise within the organisation.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have on or before the closing date for applications the following:

Desirable Requirements

Experience of participating in technical working groups

Salary

*Starting salary of €88,952

Salary scale: €88,952 - €116,142

• *Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale.
• The rate of remuneration may be adjusted in line with Government pay policy.
• Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.
• Salary increments will be awarded annually, subject to satisfactory performance.