Civil Groundworks Technician – Live Cable & ESB Sites

Suir Engineering Ltd; Portlaoise; On-site; EUR 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

21 days annual leave

Wellbeing programme

Pension scheme

Educational support

Job summary

Suir Engineering is seeking Civil Ground Operatives to support ESB projects across Kilkenny, Carlow and Portlaoise. You will work on trenching, ducting, and reinstatement, operating around live electrical infrastructure and following strict safety standards.

The role requires experience in civil groundworks, safe digging practices, and ability to read drawings. CSCS and Safe Pass are preferred, with opportunities for upskilling and career progression within a growing team.

Qualifications

• 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 live-service hazards and safe working distances.
• Full Safe Pass and Manual Handling (mandatory).
• Desirable certifications: CSCS Location of Underground Services; CSCS Signing, Lighting & Guarding; Excavator or Dumper tickets.

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 permit-to-dig 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, mini-diggers) ensuring safe digging practices.
• Quality compliance - Ensure all works meet ESB standards, including duct alignment, depth, bedding, and reinstatement.
• Environmental controls - Follow waste-management, spill-prevention, 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 as-built information.

Skills

Groundworks

Utilities

Electrical safety

Cat & Genny

Reading drawings

Hand tools

Safe Pass

Manual Handling

CSCS

Underground services

Excavator tickets

Job description

Suir Engineering is seeking Civil Ground Operatives to support ESB projects across Kilkenny, Carlow and Portlaoise. You will work on trenching, ducting, and reinstatement, operating around live electrical infrastructure and following strict safety standards.

The role requires experience in civil groundworks, safe digging practices, and ability to read drawings. CSCS and Safe Pass are preferred, with opportunities for upskilling and career progression within a growing team.