Civils Operatives jobs in Ireland

We have an exciting opportunity for a number of Civil Ground Operatives within EP&R projects based between Kilkenny, Carlow & Portlaoise.

Here in Suir Engineering we are a leading international provider of innovative Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Solutions. Our core sectors are Energy, Power and Renewables, Pharma, Food & Beverage, and Data Centres. We provide best in class contracting solutions with inhouse, flexible resources capable of delivering a personable and consistent service to our customers. Over the past 40 years we have delivered projects for Irish and multinational clients across the globe. We are currently expanding significantly, and are delivering large scale projects across Ireland, the U.K, Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

A Civil Ground Operative supports the safe delivery of groundworks, excavation, and utilityrelated civil works across ESB projects. The role involves working around live electrical infrastructure, completing trenching, ducting, reinstatement, and general civils tasks while maintaining strict safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Groundworks execution - Carry out trenching, duct installation, backfilling, and reinstatement to ESB specifications.
• Utility excavation - Perform controlled excavation around live electrical cables, ducts, chambers, and other buried services.
• Service locating - Assist with service detection using CAT & Genny and follow permittodig procedures.
• Site safety - Maintain safe working zones, barriers, signage, and comply with all ESB safety rules.
• Material handling - Load, move, and place aggregates, ducting, chambers, and other civils materials.
• Plant support - Work alongside machine operators (360 excavators, minidiggers) ensuring safe digging practices.
• Quality compliance - Ensure all works meet ESB standards, including duct alignment, depth, bedding, and reinstatement.
• Environmental controls - Follow wastemanagement, spillprevention, and environmental protection procedures.
• Team collaboration - Work closely with supervisors, plant operators, and utility technicians to deliver works efficiently.
• Record keeping - Support site documentation such as daily records, photos, and asbuilt information.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience in civil groundworks, utilities, or electrical infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of safe digging practices, HSA regulations, and ESB Networks safety rules.
• Ability to read basic utility drawings, trench details, and ducting layouts.
• Competence using CAT & Genny, trench shoring, and hand tools.
• Strong awareness of liveservice hazards and safe working distances.
• Good physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Full Safe Pass and Manual Handling (mandatory).
• Additional desirable certifications:
• CSCS Location of Underground Services
• CSCS Signing, Lighting & Guarding
• Excavator or Dumper tickets

In return from Suir Engineering

21 days annual leave

Employee Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programme

SEO Rates, Lodge plus CWPS Pension, Sick pay and Life Assurance contributions

Educational Assistance and upskilling opportunities

Our way of working

Our way of working is called the Suir Way, designed to help us on a journey of continuous improvement.

Our people are empowered to make changes to ensure a quality install through effective ways of working.

Our people have a voice and feel empowered.

We have an inbuilt culture of innovation, learning and continuous improvement.

Value is delivered every step of the journey. Our efficient processes deliver value.

We have a standard, consistent and fully integrated health, safety, environment, and quality system within the business.

Suir Engineering are an equal opportunities employer, we value our greatest asset .... our People.