About this role
Position Description
We are looking for an experienced Civil Ducting and Trenching Construction & Assurance Specialist to provide technical leadership and construction assurance across the delivery of underground electricity infrastructure. The successful candidate will have significant civil construction experience, with strong expertise in ducting, trenching, reinstatement, quality assurance and contractor oversight in complex utility or infrastructure environments.
This is a new Band 6 specialist role in Networks Projects Delivery with responsibility for promoting consistent construction standards, resolving complex technical issues and strengthening assurance across civil ducting and trenching works from planning and design through construction, handover and close-out.
In support of ESB’s strategic objectives to decarbonise electricity and build resilient infrastructure, you will play a key role in assuring the safe, high-quality and efficient delivery of underground network infrastructure required to support Ireland’s energy transition.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as ESB’s technical specialist for civil ducting, trenching, joint bays, chambers, crossings, backfilling and reinstatement associated with underground electricity infrastructure.
- Develop, maintain and promote construction and assurance requirements, standard details, specifications, inspection plans and good practice for civil ducting and trenching works.
- Provide expert technical advice to project teams during design development, constructability reviews, procurement, construction, handover and close-out, including resolution of complex site issues and departures from standard.
- Plan and carry out risk-based site inspections, audits and surveillance of contractor works, confirming compliance with approved designs, specifications, safety requirements, quality plans and relevant legislation.
- Review contractor documentation, including method statements, inspection and test plans, material submissions, test results, as-built records, non-conformance reports and handover dossiers, and ensure issues are addressed to an acceptable standard.
- Lead lessons-learned and continuous-improvement initiatives, analyse recurring defects and construction risks, and support the development of contractor and internal capability through guidance, briefings and training.
- Build effective working relationships with project teams, designers, contractors, local authorities, road authorities and other stakeholders to support safe, consistent and timely project delivery.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Seven or more years’ relevant experience in civil construction, engineering, construction assurance or delivery of major utility or infrastructure works.
- Level 8 degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of underground ducting and trenching construction, including excavation support, utility interfaces, concrete and duct installation, backfilling, compaction, testing and permanent reinstatement.
- Demonstrated experience in construction quality assurance, site inspection, auditing, non-conformance management and review of contractor quality records.
- Sound knowledge of construction safety legislation and the roles and responsibilities of clients, designers, PSDP and PSCS.
- Strong communication, influencing, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear technical direction and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Full driving licence, access to a car and flexibility to travel to project sites nationwide.
Desirable
- Experience delivering underground cable, electricity network, telecoms, water, gas, transport or other linear infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of road-opening, traffic-management, utility-coordination and public-realm reinstatement requirements.
- Experience developing technical standards, specifications, inspection regimes or competency and training materials.
- Chartered status, or progress towards a relevant professional accreditation.
Location
This position will be based in the Sidings, Grand Canal, Dublin 2 or Eastgate Office, Cork. Travel to project sites nationwide will be an important part of this role.
Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.
Reporting To
Programme Coordination Manager
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
€72,000 to €84,500 per annum
Closing Date
26th November 2026
Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:
- Accountable and Ethical
- Collaborative
- Growing and Adaptive
- Proactive
- Respectful and Supportive
More information available on Our People Promise
Notes
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.