The Water/Wastewater Network Maintenance & Repair Senior Operative plays a key role in the safe, efficient and hygienic operation of water and wastewater network infrastructure. The role involves leading and supporting teams in the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance activities, ensuring a consistent, high-quality service to customers while maintaining strong health, safety and environmental standards.
This position provides on-the-ground leadership and supervision, responding to incidents, managing works on the network, and supporting customer service delivery across the region.
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Carry out and supervise maintenance and repair activities on water and wastewater network infrastructure in a safe and hygienic manner, including repairs to bursts and leaks, water mains and services, fittings replacement, water meters and customer boundary boxes
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Clean service reservoirs, replace valves and hydrants, and undertake testing following repairs to pipes and pumps
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Respond promptly to alarms, incidents and emergencies on the water network, providing emergency cover as required
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Assist with sewer surveys, identify sources of infiltration or storm water ingress, investigate network issues and determine required interventions
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Clear blockages and respond to network alarms as required
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Supervise works relating to mains rehabilitation, main laying, connections and meter installations, in line with skills and experience
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Ensure regular checking of chemical dosing systems at pumping stations and support odour control activities
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Support compliance and sampling teams with operational sampling activities, including new mains, burst repairs and failures, and report results as required
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Direct and oversee maintenance and repair of non-domestic water meters, including site investigations and meter replacement, liaising with metering services where necessary
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Lead teams in communicating with customers regarding issues and resolutions, investigate escalated complaints and engage with local representatives to support consistent customer service and manage public health and compliance risks
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Support customer service teams, including key account managers, where operational works impact customer service delivery
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Ensure accurate recording and reporting of network operations using provided technology systems, including logging investigations, raising follow-on work requests, updating health and safety records, and managing inventory
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Monitor works undertaken, manage material requisitions and ensure all incidents are fully and accurately recorded
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Ensure full compliance with health and safety procedures, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, use of PPE and duties under construction regulations
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Ensure vehicles, plant and machinery are operated responsibly and in line with all relevant safety, security and operational policies
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Ensure adherence to task schedules, standard operating procedures and timely close-out of work orders, supporting the development and rollout of procedures where required
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Work closely with contractors and third parties, issuing permits to work and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements
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Engage with internal and external stakeholders including landowners, colleagues and contractors
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Track and monitor team activities, update timesheets, support attendance management and performance evaluation, and assist line management with reporting as required
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Drive efficiency and quality of works through regular inspection and identification of training needs within teams
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Provide cover and support to other operations teams as required
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as assigned by line management
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Secondary level education or equivalent relevant work experience
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Minimum of two years' experience in a similar or related role
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Previous experience supervising or leading teams within a strong health and safety culture (water or wastewater networks experience is an advantage)
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Knowledge and understanding of water and/or wastewater network infrastructure and operations
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Demonstrable skills in maintenance and repair of water and wastewater networks
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Full, clean and valid Irish Category B driving licence (additional categories an advantage)
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Experience using IT systems for operational reporting and record keeping
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Strong problem-solving and customer service skills
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Good literacy skills
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Ability, following training and risk assessment, to work in potentially hazardous or challenging environments, including confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, sewage, deep water, lone or remote working, noise and vibration
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Experience working within water services or other utility environments is an advantage
