Renewables Control Centre Operator

Position description

Renewable Operations is a division within ESB Generation and Trading with responsibility for the management of the Operation and Maintenance of ESB’s renewable assets portfolio. The portfolio currently consists of Onshore Wind and Distributed Generation (DG) assets - Battery Energy Storage Systems, Flexible Gas Plant, Solar and a Synchronous Condenser. The further development of the portfolio will include the expansion of these assets including other technologies such as Hydrogen. 

As part of delivery of the Net Zero by 2040 Strategy, ESB will generate 70% of our electricity generation from renewable assets by 2030. This will involve an increase to +5,000MW of renewable generation, offshore wind, onshore wind and solar. Also expanding renewable enabling flexible generation assets including battery energy storage systems, flexible gas plant and grid support devices such as synchronous condensers.  

A team of Operational Controllers (OCs) monitors, coordinates and controls the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and technical performance of the renewable assets from the Renewable Operations Centre (ROC). The ROC acts as a communications hub for the sites and activities surrounding them – e.g. Wind Turbine Safety Rules, Interface point for System Operator, Trading Coordination, Testing and Commissioning, Emergency Response and monitoring activities and personnel onsite or initiating site response as required. The ROC also plays a key role in supporting the management of both the technical and commercial performance of the assets.

The ROC is staffed on a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week basis by a team of OCs. This role will initially be day-based; however, the successful candidate will be expected to develop towards joining the ROC shift rota when a suitable shift position becomes available and required competencies and mandates are achieved.

This role is initially intended as a day-based Operational Controller development position. The successful candidate will initially support ROC operations during normal working hours while undertaking training, building operational experience, and working towards the required competencies and mandates. The successful candidate will also be scheduled to cover shifts (outside of weekday shifts) if required in line with business needs.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role will include but are not limited to the following:

• Act as Operational Controller as defined in ESB's Wind Turbine Safety Rules. Training will be given to the successful candidate to obtain this accreditation.
• Release Wind Turbines to service technicians and others for maintenance and other routine activities.
• Manage calls, respond or escalate site incidents or emergencies, and initiate site response as required.
• Monitor the health of generation or electrical assets and initiate corrective actions when faults occur by contacting regional site managers or service providers.
• For the relevant generation technology, execute and monitor start-up, shut-down, and operation of assets in accordance with relevant licenses, legislation, site procedures, and best practice standards.
• Investigate and identify reasons for unexpected plant outages or any other events impacting asset availability using multiple control room SCADA or IT systems.
• Monitor equipment, perform first-level diagnosis of equipment problems, and report abnormal conditions for corrective action using the work management system. This system is also used to log work performed and track critical tasks.
• Monitor and analyse plant performance. Check this against availability and asset yield targets. Preparation of monthly operational reports for each site.
• Control access to the sites in line with the operational protocols or local management procedure. Supervise and audit the implementation of ESB policies for contractor access and ESB lone working procedures.
• Manage/monitor inductions using the online induction system and assist with any queries or difficulties that users may have.
• Monitor integrated weather forecasts and advise of approaching lightning, high wind, or other adverse weather conditions.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures and coordinate emergency response in the event of an incident at a site.
• Develop and/or review control room procedure documents.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis of asset performance to support other operational or asset management activities (e.g., liquidated damages or incentive claims, business interruption insurance claims, plant condition assessment, etc.).
• Manage asset shutdown schedules for activities such as wind turbine noise monitoring.
• Effective communication with stakeholders such as EirGrid, ESB Networks, or ESB Trading.
• Occasional site audits.
• Participation in selected commissioning activities.
• Carry out project work or ad-hoc activities as directed.
• Maintain competencies as specified to meet role requirements.

Experience and Qualifications

The successful candidate will have:

• A Technical Engineering Qualification (preferably Mechanical/Electrical) or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to assimilate ESB's Wind Turbine Safety Rules.
• Self-motivated, capable of working alone or as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to progress onto the ROC shift rota in the future, subject to business needs, availability of a shift position, and achievement of required competencies and mandates.
• Flexible and service motivated.
• Strong data analysis, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in standard MS Office package.

Desirable

• Equivalent work experience with plant operations and/or Wind Renewable operations.
• Experience using SCADA and IT systems will be a distinct advantage.
• Operations experience in the power generation or process industry.
• Practical background of analysing and applying process and control information to respond appropriately to plant operational conditions.

Location

The successful candidate will be based at ESB Renewables Operations Control Centre, Generation and Trading Offices in Dublin 2. Occasional travel to ESB backup control centre may be required along with occasional travel to generation sites in ROI and UK during the course of their work.

Reporting To

Reporting to the ROC Team Leader or their designated appointee. 

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

€41,525 - €48,852 per annum

Closing Date

20th August 2026

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise

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

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of employment.