Engineer (Operations) – Ref: ESOP/001049

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:Temporary Engineer - Operations (1 yr Fixed Term Contract)

Reporting to:Regional Manager

Base:Waterways Ireland Headquarters, Enniskillen

Operational Area:Erne System

Salary Scale: £29,317 - £31,446

Summary of Job

The Engineer (Operations) will form part of the operational management team in the Northern Regionand will have responsibilities for the design, programming, direction and supervision of the maintenance and development of the Erne inland waterway system.The successful applicant will be required to manage operational staff and consultants / contractors working on Waterways Ireland property for implementation of new or refurbishment projects. The Engineer will also be required tocoordinate with user groups for facilitation of events, and to work in partnership with stakeholders tomanage and develop the waterway for increased recreational use.

Key Activities

Operational Management

  • Plan and programme waterway maintenance activities
  • Lead, manage and direct the Erne Opstechnical and administration staff and also the operational team undertaking maintenance and construction site works
  • Liaise with consultants and contractors planning and undertaking works on the waterway, to ensure protection and enhancement of the waterwayassets
  • Undertake inspections, site surveys, studies and evaluations for possible works projects, and draw up associated reports
  • Prepare and co-ordinate initial designs, planning submissions, designs for tender, tender documents, tender appraisals and project reviews as required to manage the works programme in accordance with statutory requirements and Waterways Ireland's policies and procedures
  • Manage and report on progress of maintenance andconstruction programmes /projects to ensure delivery on time, budget and quality
  • Review and make submissions to planning applicationsthat could impact on the navigation, Waterways Ireland’sinterests/assets and/or property
  • Liaise with volunteer groups, event organisers or otherwaterway user groups to facilitate increased community involvement andenhanced recreational use of the waterway
  • Communicate verbally and in writing with neighbouring residents and groups, or their representatives, regarding management and maintenance issues associated with the navigation and the waterway infrastructure
  • Work with third party groups and authorities in development of waterway infrastructure, including leveraging of funding or other resources for enhancement of the waterway and associated amenities
  • Manage use of the navigation and relevant landsby all users, including implementing Waterways Ireland Byelaws as an Authorised Officer
  • Be part of emergency response procedures for incidents that may occur on the waterway within or outside of work hours and normally be able to attend at such emergency call outs within 1-1.5 hours
  • Produce for management written section reports as and when required.

Health and Safety

  • Undertake the role and associated responsibilities as a Safety Supervisor in the Waterways Ireland safety management system
  • Possess an awareness of the health, safety and welfare legislation relevant to maintenance & construction works, and apply these as appropriate
  • Contribute to and comply with Waterways Ireland’s Safety, Health and Welfare Policy including Safety Statement and other procedures, including undertaking safety inspections, risk assessments, identifying remedial works,preparing method statements, public risk assessments and delivering toolbox talks.

Environmental

  • Liaise with environmental bodies to ensure that environmental requirements are agreed
  • Take account of environmental legislation, directives and issues in all maintenance and construction works

Strategic

  • Assist with Waterways Ireland’s policies, strategies and standards; contributing to the creation of a shared aim for the Body and promoting business culture and values
  • Provide information to allow financial and progress reports for projects under your control to be drawn up

People

  • Comply at all times with the regulations, policies and standards of Waterways Ireland
  • Create, maintain and enhance productive working relationships internal and external to Waterways Ireland
  • Seek assistance from other members of staff when required including liaising with other disciplines and units within Waterways Ireland as appropriate
  • Liaise with the relevant statutory authorities including the local authorities
  • Liaise with residents, volunteer groups, community and local organisations, user groups and clubs, operational licencees, event organisers, political representatives and any other external parties as required to ensure a high standard of customer service

Other

  • Deal with any matter as requested by the Chief Executive
  • Assist with queries forwarded to Waterways Ireland
  • Represent Waterways Ireland at meetings/functions both during and outside normal working hours
  • Undertake training as required

The above list is not exhaustive and you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of your role.

The organisation operates within a changing environment and you will be required to be flexible and adapt to these changes and to develop your role as a result going forward.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility and essential criteria in their application form.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Possess a Degree in Civil or Structural Engineeringor an equivalent qualification.
  • Hold a current driving licence and /or possess access to a form of transport which will permit travel throughout the island of Ireland and ensure that the person can supervise works spread over a wide area.

Essential Criteria

  • Possess knowledge and experience of the key issues involved in the field of Civil/Structural Engineering, in particular relating to construction projects in a water-based environment
  • Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
  • Possess knowledge and experience of health, safety and welfare issues associated with construction and maintenance works
  • Have experience and ability in the use of IT based engineering equipment/engineering design tools
  • Possess excellent project management and problem solving skills

Desirable Short-listing Criteria

  • Have experience of managing staff in a civil engineering/ construction site environment.
  • Have experience of working in operations and maintenance activities in the civil engineering/ construction sector.
  • Possess an understanding of the environmental issues involved in the maintenance and development of waterways
  • Possess an understanding of the issues involved in working in two jurisdictions

A panel of suitable applicants will be held for 12 months should any further vacancies arise at this grade.

Shortlisting Process

A shortlist of candidates for interviews will be prepared on the basis of information contained in the application form. It is essential that all applicants demonstrate on their application form how and the extent to which they satisfy each of the Essential and Desirable criteria specified. In the event of a large volume of applicants, testing may also be used to form a shortlist. Candidates will be notified should this be required.

A Panel will be drawn up from the successful applicants and will be held for a 12 month period.

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