Hydro Team Member, Civil Technical Services - Ardnacrusha

Position Description

Ardnacrusha has the distinction of being ESB’s first hydro station. It is also Ireland’s largest river hydroelectric scheme and operates on a purpose-built canal connected to the Shannon. The station was a ground-breaking development in 1929 and, at that time, the 86 MW capacity was enough to meet the 96% of the electricity demand of the whole country.  

Ardnacrusha Hydro Station is fed by a 12.5km long Headrace Canal which transports water from the Parteen Basin. The canal is created by Category A Earthen Embankment Dams and the 31m high Concrete Dam at the station.  Parteen Basin is a man-made basin on the Shannon created by 4km of Category A Earthen Embankment Dams either side of the basin.  Monitoring and maintaining the dams and civil infrastructure is the key focus of the Civil Engineering team.

The Civil Technical Services Team Member will work as part of the Civil Engineering team based in Ardnacrusha Station.  The Team Members are required to work across all the areas within the station and the lands throughout the Shannon scheme from Ardnacrusha to Lock Allen in Leitrim and other locations as required. Duties include civil works, technical services, operations & maintenance, supervision, and contractor management.  This role is a great opportunity to contribute to the landmark Ardnacrusha scheme, bringing and developing engineering expertise as part of a strong Civil Engineering team. 

The successful candidate should be a motivated team player with good problem-solving skills. They will be supported to work autonomously, to be flexible and to provide support to other teams and projects as required.  Out-of-hours support will be a feature of the role. 

Excellent communication skills are required and the ability to support and work effectively with staff at all levels within and outside of the organisation is essential. The successful candidate will receive training as required.    

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities include the following:  

• Provision of technical services to the Civil Engineering Manager and the team. 
• Ensuring that dam instrumentation readings are taken, validated, and reviewing as scheduled and escalating as required. 
• Providing expertise and support to other personnel carrying out instrumentation readings throughout the Shannon and Lee schemes. 
• Interpreting and Monitoring Dam Behaviour
• Managing Civil and Dam Safety Projects and completing reports on works and Civil Inspections
• Creating specifications, tendering and procurement for projects  
• Assuring Environmental Compliance of Civil Works activities
• Managing standard operating procedures, risk assessments and method statements for works 
• Managing the station drawing register, work management system, records and reports 
• Carrying out Topographical Surveying and providing AutoCAD or similar services as required 
• Becoming fully competent to act as a Work Controller under the safety rules and provide permitting and supervision as required  
• Stakeholder liaison or other duties as required which may be assigned to you, from time to time, by your line manager.  

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• 3 years’ experience in civil engineering, construction, surveying or equivalent.
• The candidate must have a qualification at NFQ Level 7 or above in Civil, Construction, Surveying or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience. 
• Attention to detail, good written and verbal communication skills, including report and specification writing.
• Working knowledge of PCs and use of programmes such as MS Office etc.
• Use of Survey equipment in addition to proficiency in the use of AutoCAD, or similar drafting programmes.
• Full clean driving license.

Desirable

• Experience in Dams / Dams Monitoring  
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of work, permitting and isolating processes 
• Experience in safety/ quality/environmental and site management of contractors 
• Knowledge or experience of engineering/ document management systems 
• As call-outs will be a feature of this, residing close to Ardnacrusha is desirable

Location

The successful candidate will be based at Ardnacrusha Hydro Station and provide a service to both the Shannon and Lee Stations. The person will be expected to work in all locations as required. 

Reporting To

The successful candidate will report to the Civil Engineering Manager, Ardnacrusha Station. 

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Progressive, hybrid working model
• 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

€48,100 - €56,600 per annum

Closing Date

2nd January 2025

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.