Construction Engineer

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3bn, 14,725km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world.

Almost 725,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.

The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy, including 40% of all heating and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation.

Gas Networks Ireland is aiming to deliver a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045. Its “Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network” envisions transforming the existing gas network into two separate systems carrying 100% renewable gas, one dedicated to biomethane and the other to green hydrogen, with the potential to carry approximately 30% biomethane and 70% green hydrogen, as well as offering significant long term energy export opportunities.

Gas Networks Ireland is now seeking to appoint a Construction Engineer Leinster.

The Role:

The Asset Delivery function within Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for the end to end planning, designing and delivery of GNI’s portfolio of asset development programmes. Encompassing the three pillars of Project Delivery Management, Design Delivery and Project Services; the Asset Delivery function brings together all the technical and project support capabilities needed to take high-level projects and programmes from the Portfolio Office and translate these through from detailed design and project planning, to construction delivery and handover to Asset Operations. 

Reporting to the Senior Project Delivery Engineer (NSWC / DX Pipelines), the Construction Engineer (NSWC / DX Pipelines) will be responsible for overseeing the construction delivery elements of specific NSWC and DX pipeline projects issued to Asset Delivery by the Portfolio Office. Acting as the primary point of contact for escalations at Gate 3 relating to such work within his/her region.

The Construction Engineer will act as a point of consultation for internal stakeholders across the Connections Coordination, Design Delivery and Project Services teams; to assist with the successful development and delivery of projects.

The Construction Engineer within Asset Delivery is responsible for overseeing the onsite execution of works.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Planning and overseeing distribution project work conducted on site as required.
• Supervision of works on site and completion of site inspections sheets and audits as required to Distribution OPM.
• Out of hours supervision on site on Construction On-Call rota of 1 in 6 weeks approximately, with payment in line with on call policy and time in lieu granted for out of hours worked.
• Managing project and construction activities to ensure delivery on time, within scope and budget.
• Taking accountability for project activities to ensure completion in line with GNI Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental requirements.
• Ensure contractors comply with their requirements as PSCS requesting improvement, documenting, and escalating to Senior Engineer where required.
• Promoting an improved HSQE culture within the team and with our business partners.
• Perform role as site supervisor and/or originator for NRO activities where required.
• Review project related contractor documentation as required to ensure compliance with legislation, standards, and specifications.
• Liaise with design around construction issues as required, across the full life cycle of the project.
• Liaison with the contractor to ensure that the Design Deviation Process is followed, and where a deviation is required ensuring works are not allowed proceed until the deviation is submitted and approved.
• Examining the feasibility of projects in conjunction with the design department, as part of the EAC Guidelines.
• Undertaking construction approval reviews at Gate 2 as required.
• Address issues raised to deliver improvements in Contractor KPI’s.
• Liaising with Local Authority representatives and other local utility personnel.
• Acting as escalation point for the contractor, resolving any issues as they arise.
• Liaising with internal departments including connections coordination team and external stakeholders to progress projects from conception to completion as required, in relation to construction related issues.
• Escalating any reoccurring issues, risks or issues that cannot be resolved to the Senior Project Delivery Engineer.
• Managing relationships with contractors at the project level, on a day-to-day basis and associated cost controls.
• Approving contractor payments in compliance with EAC guidelines and contract documentation.
• Ensuring that all relevant Asset Data documentation is returned to GNI prior to payment, E.g., as-laids, test certs etc.
• Producing monthly reports on progress of construction projects with strong focus on costs.
• Attending meetings to report on projects as required.
• Ensuring NSWC contract is carried out in accordance with the rates and specifications.
• Ensuring continuous improvement in all areas of project and construction management.
• Audit works to ensure cross functional requirements are delivered with key focus on safety and quality.
• Performing other duties as assigned from time to time

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Relevant third level 8 degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years work experience in the natural gas or similar industry.
• Experience of managing Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality performance on site of Construction Contractors.
• Strong report writing and document preparation skills.
• Full, clean drivers’ licence, and own car for travel to construction sites. Expenses paid in accordance with Motor Travel rates per Dept of Public Expenditure and Reform.
• A strong team player and have a demonstrated ability to bring teams together.
• A clear communication style and will be able to influence others effectively.
• Comfortable with change and have a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvements and efficiency.
• Have demonstrated a commitment to developing new skills in yourself and others.
• You are results focused and have a track record of getting results working with others.
• Comfortable with making and taking appropriate decisions.
• Are committed to providing excellent customer service and have a track record of delivering excellence working with others.
• Have excellent analytical skills and be able to identify and analyse problems and potential improvements and propose and implement solutions.

Applications, including current Curriculum Vitae, should be emailed to the following address stating the job title and reference number in the subject line of your email: recruit@gasnetworks.ie

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is 14th of November 2024.

Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.

Gas Networks Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.

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