Wastewater Operator (Treatment / Network) - Donegal (Dunfanaghy-Gweedore-Dungloe-Glenties),

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 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.   

We are currently recruiting for Operators to fill current vacancies and are also looking to add to a panel for future vacancies. Applications will be considered for vacancies 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.

*Please note, 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.

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.

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

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
 

• Support the operation of the 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 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 wastewater 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 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

1. 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 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 

• Wastewater 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 in order to be able to respond to out of hours requirements in a timely manner.

*Please note, 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.

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. 

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

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.

• Represent Uisce Éireann in the field as the first responder. Advise customers on Uisce Éireann policies and codes of practice
• Perform wastewater infrastructure investigation and identify interventions on the network escalating as required to the Wastewater Network Operations Team Lead
• Operate valves in accordance with controlled valve procedure, in order to avoid adverse impacts on the network.
• Responsible for responding to alarms and carrying out investigations to deliver a consistent customer service 
• Support and participate in incident and emergency response as necessary, ensuring all health and safety standards are met 

• Promptly record and accurately report relevant information in relation to the operation of the wastewater 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.

• Perform reactive investigations and raise work order requests for resolution, escalating to the Wastewater Network Team Lead when necessary and providing adequate information for responding to customers

• 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

• Responsible for undertaking administrative tasks, including the completion of timesheets, work orders, raising of purchase requests, H&S records and inventory management using the technology systems provided

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders as required. For example:

  • Landowners
  • Local Authorities
  • Relevant IW personnel 
  • Third parties/contractors
• Responsible for issuing of permits to work/access/transfers to all relevant contractors within their area remit and ensure they follow all health and safety procedures
• Responsible for monitoring readings from online monitors on the wastewater network 
• Ensure that any damage caused to an asset, by a third party or otherwise, is captured and declared to the Wastewater Network Operations Team Lead when required
• Support in the undertaking of capital works on the network 
• Support in the operation of newly commissioned/upgraded assets as required by undertaking appropriate training and / or undertaking additional tasks
• Participate in out of hours and standby working as required 
• Responsible for operating and maintaining Uisce Éireann vehicles and machinery, as required, in a responsible manner in line with all relevant Uisce Éireann vehicle, health, safety and security policies. Where the use of an Uisce Éireann vehicle is required, the following responsibilities will apply: 
  • Reporting of road traffic accidents and near misses involving Uisce Éireann vehicles 
  • Completing all required vehicle checks as set out by Uisce Éireann policies 
  • Recording and reporting any vehicle defects to the Wastewater Network Operations Team Lead 
  • Ensure all health and safety procedures are adhered to including performing risk assessments, use of PPE etc.

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

• Responsible for carrying out any other duties deemed necessary and / or required, which the Wastewater Network Operations Team Lead may reasonably request

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 

• 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
• Experience/understanding of working within a strong health & safety culture
• Previous labouring or construction experience 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
• 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

   

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

*Please note, 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.