Wastewater Operator/Operative (Treatment / Network) Waterford

The Assets Operations function is responsible for delivering service to customers, protecting the environment and complying with regulatory standards as well as managing the majority of operational expenditure. The Assets Operations scope is responsible for national and regional water and wastewater operational and maintenance strategy, policies, planning and standard operating procedures, ensuring value for money and service to customers is delivered.

The Water and Wastewater Operatives team is responsible for the regional supply of water and wastewater operational services through operating, inspecting, maintaining and repairing treatment and network assets.

The Wastewater Treatment Operator's scope will cover a specific geographic area and he/she will be responsible for operating the treatment processes at the assigned treatment plants and for carrying out routine maintenance activities at assets in specific areas, at various sites as required, and when required, in accordance with the schedule of tasks.

The Wastewater Network Operator's scope will cover a specific geographic area and he/she will be responsible for supporting the operation of the water and wastewater network to ensure consistent service for customers and for carrying out routine maintenance activities on network assets. The Wastewater Network Operator will engage in important dialogue with the customer and will resolve problems at the first opportunity where possible.

It will be necessary to work outside of normal working hours and appropriate overtime and standby rates will apply.

We are currently recruiting for Operators to fill current vacancies and we are also looking to place people on a panel for future vacancies. Applications for both roles above will be considered. Full job specifications are available below.

Please note that it will be necessary for you to be located within a reasonable distance from the assigned work/asset area in order to be able to respond without delay to out of hours requirements.

Please be advised that successful candidates will be placed on a salary band based on their skills and experience and the starting point for this role is set at a minimum of €36,640.

Uisce Éireann is a commercial entity.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and we have a strong strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunities employer and through our recruitment process, we encourage and welcome applications from individuals who are interested and suitably qualified regardless of gender, age, ethnic or national origin, membership of the travelling community, religion or belief, marital or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.

Within the Wastewater O&C Management team lies the responsibility for providing wastewater operational services on a national basis through operating, inspecting, maintaining and repairing wastewater assets (network/treatment).

The Wastewater Treatment Operator will be responsible to the Wastewater Treatment Operations Team Lead, his/her scope will cover a specific geographic area and he/she will be responsible for operating the treatment processes at the assigned treatment plants and for carrying out routine maintenance activities at assets in specific areas, at various sites as required, and when required, in accordance with the schedule of tasks.

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.

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.

• Supporting the operation of wastewater treatment processes, and carrying out routine maintenance activities across a varied plant asset base
• Operating and maintaining assigned assets including operating and adjusting assets, inspecting and monitoring assets, testing and calibrating equipment, maintaining assets, refilling tanks and so on.
• Operating the wastewater network including operating secondary treatment points on the network to deliver a consistent service to customers and carrying out routine maintenance
• Carrying out asset checks and inspections to ensure asset problems are identified and resolved promptly, raising work orders on Maximo when required. Using electronic equipment as assigned, such as handheld units, personal computers, Lone Working App as required
• Checking, recording and monitoring all necessary quality parameters
• Carrying out daily task checks and operational analysis as required and reporting results through appropriate systems.
• Responding to SCADA/ telemetry alerts in accordance with standards and procedures.
• Supporting the implementation of process improvement recommendations to enhance treatment performance or to achieve efficiency.
• Promptly recording relevant information relating to wastewater treatment and accurately reporting it using the technology systems provided.
• Reading meters as required
• Stocking material and chemicals to ensure replenishment when required.
• Providing support to the Customer Contact Centre regarding any customer queries/questions
• Maintaining critical stock with savings, tools and equipment on site.
• Ensuring all Mechanical, Electrical and Control Plant and Equipment are always in good condition and being responsible for their effective and efficient operation in accordance with all Technical Instructions and any Technical Instruction and/or Operating and Maintenance Manuals provided, and any additional instructions provided by the Line Manager.
• Taking samples of the wastewater, both before and after treatment, carrying out all necessary laboratory analyses as set out in the relevant Technical Manuals and recording all results obtained.
• Overseeing all maintenance and repair work carried out and ensuring it is completed correctly, efficiently and left in a finished and satisfactory condition.
• General maintenance of all assets, including expanding main networks, storm relief pipes, underground valve chambers, treatment plants and sites including all fencing, gates and buildings and ancillary facilities.
• Being present when new connections are made, if required.
• Maintaining the inside and outside of all treatment works, pumping stations and other buildings in good condition and in a clean and tidy state. In particular, all buildings will be kept in a clean condition without smudging due to the type and purpose of the Works.
• Supporting the operation of newly commissioned/ upgraded assets as required, including undertaking relevant training
• Participating in work outside of working hours and on-call work as required.
• Complying with work safety procedures and taking full part in any safety programme that may be implemented. Carrying out duties in a safe manner and using equipment or personal protective clothing on a daily basis as appropriate for the tasks
• Complying with duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, including;
• Adhering to Building Regulations including carrying out duties assigned under the Regulations, in accordance with Uisce Éireann policy
• Identifying hazards and conducting site risk assessments before work activities
• Implementing safe working procedures and standard operating procedures
• Undertaking all assigned health and safety training, including Safety Pass and, where appropriate, CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
• Using appropriate safety equipment and tools, including Personal Protective Equipment
• Seeking guidance from the Team Lead regarding conducting site risk assessments when required
• Maintaining site amenities
• Controlling and recording access to sites by other Uisce Éireann personnel and external visitors and service providers
• Collaborating at site level with other Uisce Éireann personnel and other service providers
• Recording all site material, including accidents, incidents and near misses
• Carrying out any specific actions for the Operations scope of responsibility
• Providing support to update the Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan
• Providing relevant information to the Safety File
• Locally updating and maintaining the Safety File and sending updates to the Uisce Éireann ECM system.
• Collaborating with all key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business
• Being responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across the EU and the supply chain, strengthening direct transport routes and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest standards in the industry.
• Supporting the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Uisce Éireann business information, and carry out essential services, in accordance with the NIS Directive (Network and Information Security) and any other relevant cybersecurity regulations.
• Other duties as required.
• Collaborating with key internal stakeholders across the EU business.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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
• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business.

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