Wastewater Operator/Operative (Network, Network Maintenance & Repair, or Treatment) – South Kerry

Uisce Éireann · South West

We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

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 behaviours define how we interact, communicate, and succeed together. These values and behaviours apply to each one of us, across every role, location, and level.

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. With a strong, values-driven workforce, we ensure Uisce Éireann can continue advancing Ireland’s water services and meeting the needs of the communities we serve for generations to come.

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 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 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 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 South Kerry 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.

*Successful external candidates will be offered a salary within the advertised range based on an assessment of their relevant skills, qualifications, experience and readiness to undertake the responsibilities of the role, with the starting position for this role being the minimum of €36,640.

Internal candidates will be considered in line with the application of Uisce Éireann's Pay Model and associated pay policies.

The salary range is designed to recognise that successful candidates may join the organisation at different stages in their career, while also providing scope for future salary progression as capability and experience develop.

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.

Wastewater Treatment Operator

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

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

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.
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.
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
We work better together - 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
We keep each other safe - experience and understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture
Good basic knowledge of water and wastewater systems and practices is desirable
We aim high - 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. 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)
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.

Wastewater Network Operator

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 waste water 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 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, Other activities may included operating valves, service reservoirs, pipeline fittings, identifying bursts including operating secondary treatment points on the network to deliver a consistent customer service and carrying out routine maintenance activities on the water network assets (e.g. maintenance of valves, pumping stations, flushing mains etc.
Regularly check the 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 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 Irish Water vehicles and machinery in a responsible manner in line with all relevant Irish Water vehicle, health, safety and security policies, ensuring stock levels in vehicles are sufficient to perform work where required
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 regulations
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. 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). Additional Driving License categories an advantage
We keep each other safe - 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 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 & Communities - strong customer service skills
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

Wastewater Network Maintenance & Repair Operative

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 the water and wastewater network infrastructure in a safe and hygienic manner including repairs of bursts and leaks, water mains and services and associated fittings replacements, water meters and customer boundary box, cleaning of service reservoirs, replacing valves and hydrants, and undertake tests following repairs to pipes and pumps. Other activities may included 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 which may need to be lifted and unblocked, Pumping station overflows in order to deliver consistent customer service. Respond to alarms, provide emergency cover and resolve issues and incidents on water network infrastructure assets.
Maintain and repair non-domestic water meters, including undertaking site investigations and removing and replacing meters, liaising with the Metering Services team as appropriate.
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
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
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.
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. 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). Additional Driving License categories an advantage
We keep each other safe - 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 all skills required for maintenance and repair of the water network preferable
A basic awareness or understanding of water networks and knowledge of water network processes is an advantage
Working knowledge of maintenance and repair of water meters preferable
Experience of using IT systems
We aim high - strong problem-solving skills
We Deliver for Customers & Communities - strong customer service skills
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 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.

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