Wastewater Operator (Network & Treatment)

Grade and Salary

G, €30,917 - €46,375

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

The 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 Wastewater Network Operator will be a key interface with the customer and will resolve issues first time where possible.

The 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.

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

We are currently recruiting for Operators in Kildare in the East Region 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 both 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 is advertisement will remain open until further notice.

*Please be advised that if successful you will be placed on the salary range based on your skills and experience. Please note the Market reference point (midpoint) of the range is generally the upper end of the offer where someone is deemed to be fully competent to take on the duties of the role, and leaves room for the employee to progress through the pay range as their experience develops further.

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 Wastewater O&M Management area is responsible for the national delivery of wastewater operational services through the operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of the wastewater network and treatment assets.

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

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the operation of the wastewater network in order to deliver consistent customer service and carry out routine maintenance activities on the network assets. Network activities will include assisting with sewer surveys as required; identifying location of heavy infiltration or storm water from road gullies, performing investigations and identifying interventions required on the network, clearing blockages and responding to alarms as required.

• Regularly check the chemical dosing measures at pumping stations and other odour control activities and support Wastewater Compliance and Sampling teams in operational sampling activity including new mains, burst repairs and failures and report on results of the analysis as required.

• Inform the customer about issues and resolutions, investigate and follow up on escalated customer complaints/local representative in order to support the delivery of a consistent customer service and manage the risk associated with public health and compliance.

• Support Customer teams including Key Account Managers and Customer Service with any customer issues/queries or where works impact customer service delivery in the area.

• Promptly record and accurately report relevant information in relation to the operation of water network using the technology systems provided including logging investigations and raising requests for follow on work orders and updating H&S records and inventory management where required.

• Adhere to all health and safety procedures and perform risk assessments (Safe System of Work Plan), use of PPE, and required duties under the Construction Regulations

• Operate Uisce Éireann vehicles and machinery in a responsible manner in line with all relevant Uisce Éireann vehicle, health, safety and security policies, ensuring stock levels in vehicles are sufficient to perform work where required

• May be required to responsibly operate a 3.5 tonne / 4.2 tonne vehicle

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business.

• Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.

• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.

• Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann’s Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of UÉ business information, and delivery of critical services, in accordance with the NIS Directive and any other relevant cybersecurity regulation.

• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Junior Certification or equivalent work experience

• Full, clean, class B driving licence. A clean driving licence is defined as meaning that the applicant has not been convicted of an offence under the Road Traffic Acts (other than an offence for which the penalty is the imposition of penalty points).

• Experience/understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture

• Previous labouring or construction experience is an advantage

• Knowledge of the wastewater network, infrastructure and operations is an advantage

• Sound knowledge and experience of all skills required for wastewater network infrastructure and operations preferred

• A basic awareness or understanding of wastewater networks and knowledge of wastewater network processes is an advantage

• Experience of using IT systems

• We aim high - strong problem solving skills

• We deliver for customers and communities - strong customer service skills

• We keep each other safe - with full training and risk assessment, the role holder must have the ability to work in an environment that is sometimes uncomfortable or potentially hazardous such as: working with hazardous chemicals; sewage; confined spaces; lone working; remote working; deep water; animals; vermin; noise; hand and arm vibration, etc. This involves successful completion of occupational health assessment confirming suitability to work in such environments

• Literacy skills

• Experience working within Water Services and/or other Utilities an advantage

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 Wastewater O&M Management area is responsible for the national delivery of wastewater operational services through the operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of the wastewater network and treatment assets.

Reporting to the Wastewater Treatment Operations Team Lead, the 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.

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 reporting 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

• Maintaining 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 shall be responsible for its effective and efficient operation in accordance with all and any Technical Instruction and/ or Operating and Maintenance Manuals provided, and such further instructions as may be given by the Line Manager.

• Take samples of the water/ wastewater, both before and after treatment, carry out all necessary laboratory analyses as set out in the relevant Technical Manuals and shall record all results obtained.

• Supervise all maintenance and repair work carried and shall ensure that 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 all fencing, gates and buildings and ancillary facilities.

• Be in attendance when new connections are being made if required.

• Maintain interiors and exteriors of all treatment works, pumping stations, and other building in good repair and in a clean and tidy condition. In particular, all buildings shall be kept in a spotlessly clean condition on account of the nature and purpose of the Works.

• Support in the operation of newly commissioned/upgraded assets as required including

undertaking of relevant training.

• Participate in out of hours and standby working as required.

• Ensure compliance with work safety procedures and fully participate in any safety programme that may be implemented. Undertake duties in a safe manner and use such personal protective safety equipment or clothing on a daily basis as is suitable for the tasks

• Perform duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, including;

• Adhere to Construction Regulations including undertaking of 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 the carrying out of site risk assessments

• Maintain site welfare facilities

• Control and record access to sites by other Uisce Éireann personnel and by external visitors and service providers

• Co-operate at site level with other Uisce Éireann personnel and with other service providers

• Record all site matters, including accidents, incidents and near misses

• Complete any corrective actions for 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.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business

• Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.

• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.

• Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann’s Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of UÉ business information, and delivery of critical services, in accordance with the NIS Directive and any other relevant cybersecurity regulation.

• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Secondary level education or equivalent work experience

• Experience of using IT systems and a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office e.g. Word & Excel

• We keep each other safe - experience and understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture

• We deliver for customers and communities - Striving for quality and ensuring consistent high standards of work

• 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. Additional Driving License categories an advantage. A clean driving licence is defined as meaning that the applicant has not been convicted of an offence under the Road Traffic Acts (other than an offence for which the penalty is the imposition of penalty points).

• We work better together - proven ability to create and develop good working relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals, coupled with the ability to gain commitment from others

• 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 the servicing and maintenance of instrumentation installed on plants to automatically monitor and control processes is desirable

• With full training and risk assessment, the role holder must have the ability to work in environments that may attract vermin, be noisy and require use of ear defence, require you to manage and handle hazardous chemicals with all of the necessary protective equipment, enter confined spaces where trained to do so.

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

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is xxx. Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.

*Please be advised that if successful you will be placed on the salary range based on your skills and experience. Please note the Market reference point (midpoint) of the range is generally the upper end of the offer where someone is deemed to be fully competent to take on the duties of the role, and leaves room for the employee to progress through the pay range as their experience develops further.

Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.

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