Hydro Team Member - General Operative and Bank Ranger, Ardnacrusha

Position description

The Ardnacrusha scheme is a landmark in Ireland’s cultural heritage as well as ESB’s largest river hydropower station operating to the highest levels of safety and reliability.

Ardnacrusha Power Station is fed by a 12.5km long Headrace Canal which transports water from Parteen Basin. The canal is created by Category A Earthen Embankment Structures impounding the water in the canal. Category A Structures are those whose breach could result in loss of life. Parteen Basin is a manmade basin on the Shannon created by 4km of Category A Earthen Embankment Structures either side of the basin.

The Hydro Team Member will be required to work across all functional areas within the stations including maintenance, operations, technical services, civil works, supervision and contractor management.  The successful candidate will be required to work to the level of their competence to carry out their duties. They will be required to work autonomously, be flexible and be a self-starter, providing support to other teams and projects as required. 

The successful candidate will carry out General Maintenance and Bank Ranging duties at Ardnacrusha Station and grounds as required and directed by the manager. Bank Ranging is an essential surveillance and measurement activity carried out 7 days a week on the Category A Earthen Embankments and Concrete Dams at Ardnacrusha and associated grounds. Working times and days while Bank Ranging are rostered and may vary based on business needs. 

It is envisaged following an initial training period the successful candidate will carry out work as directed by the business and may eventually progress to a full-time bank ranging role.   

A key component of the role is reading water levels and measuring spring flows, therefore the successful candidate must possess a high level of accuracy in these areas. 

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role include but may not be limited to:

• Measuring springs, recording levels and monitoring approximately 20km of earthen embankment and concrete dams which are required to be walked daily over undulating terrain
• Delivery of work across all areas of the station, including maintenance, operations, civil works, technical and support functions.
• The successful candidate will be required to work as part of a team who are rostered to carry out bank ranging seven days a week.
• When not rostered on Bank Ranging the successful candidate will carry out General Civil and Station activities these include but are not limited to;
• Maintaining springs, culverts, syphons, gullies and relief holes around the Grounds
• Strimming and Vegetation clearance
• Maintaining Instruments and Gauges
• General Civil Maintenance Activities e.g. concreting works, repairing property and equipment, waste management etc.
• Assisting trades, Mechanical Fitters and Electricians as required
• Water control gates, screens, rakes and navigation locks operation as required 
• Water checks, Statutory checks of equipment
• MEWP/Crane operation/Forklift, Rigging & Slinging
• Stores Management and driving/deliveries/collections
• Act as Work Controller as requested for works

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 1-3 years' relevant experience
• Full B driver's license
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Awareness

• Applicants must be proficient in the use of computer systems
• Applicants should be aware that Bank Ranging involves a high degree of walking during all weather conditions and must be comfortable to carry out same
• Excellent communication skills
• Be capable of working as part of a flexible team
• Hold a full valid driving license

Desirable

• Experience in industrial plants and /or construction or building maintenance works
• Relevant CSCS tickets and qualifications
• Awareness of Electrical Generation Safety Rules

Location

This position will be based in Ardnacrusha Generating Station, Castlebanks, Limerick, Co Clare, V94 VR0K.

Reporting To

Reporting to Civil works, Mechanical and Electrical Supervisor as nominated.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Career development through mentoring and training 
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€33,590 - €40,204 per annum 

Closing Date

12th June 2026