GNI166 Pipeline Protection Engineer

Gas Networks Ireland; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Equal opportunities employer

Job summary

Gas Networks Ireland is hiring for a Pipeline Protection Engineer to safeguard transmission pipelines and distribution mains. You will liaise with developers, local authorities and contractors, providing technical guidance on protection measures and safe practices.

You will report to the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer and help drive process safety improvements while maintaining accurate records and contributing to monthly and annual safety reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience in safety management and risk assessment.
• Ability to engage with local authorities and developers.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison for third party developments near transmission pipelines and distribution mains.
• Provide technical guidance on pipeline protection and safe working practices.
• Coordinate with authorities, contractors and landowners to assess impacts.
• Prepare and issue reports and maintain records for governance and safety.

Skills

Safety management

Risk assessment

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

GIS

DBYD Online

Job description

**Hybrid role** **Cork or Dublin Location** **Permanent**

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3 billion, 14,781km national gas network, supplying reliable energy to more than 720,000 homes and businesses. The network delivers more than 30% of the country’s total energy and 40% of its electricity generation.

We are dedicated to achieving net zero and advancing the energy transition through integrated planning and collaboration with the energy industry. To realise our vision and to be at the heart of Ireland’s energy future, we are committed to transforming our network to achieve net zero carbon emissions onboarding biomethane and green hydrogen.

We have a proud legacy, and our values guide how we work every day - drawing on our experience, doing what’s right for each other and our communities, and staying energised for the change ahead.

When you join Gas Networks Ireland, you become part of an organisation that invests in its people. We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing in a workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.

If your application is successful, your starting salary will be determined within the pay range based on your skills and experience. The market reference point (midpoint) of the range typically represents the higher end of the initial offer and reflects a level at which an individual is considered fully proficient in the role. This structure also allows scope for ongoing salary progression as the employee continues to gain experience and develop in the position.

The Role:

The Health, Safety and Quality (HSQ) function at Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for providing governance, assurance and oversight in relation to health and safety, quality management and regulatory compliance across the organisation. HSQ also manages the coordination of third-party development enquiries to support the safe operation and protection of the gas network.

Reporting to the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer, the Pipeline Protection Engineer plays a key role in protecting Gas Networks Ireland's transmission pipelines and strategic distribution mains by managing relationships with developers, contractors, local authorities and other external stakeholders. The role serves as the primary day-to-day point of contact for third-party enquiries and development activities in the vicinity of these critical assets, ensuring that risks are appropriately assessed and managed.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, the successful candidate will provide technical guidance and support on development proposals, facilitate effective stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the continuous improvement of pipeline protection processes and controls. The role will also support the development and implementation of Process Safety initiatives across the business, assisting the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer in driving improvements.

A proactive and collaborative approach to health and safety is essential, with a strong focus on influencing, coaching and supporting colleagues and external stakeholders while promoting a positive and sustainable safety culture throughout the organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact for third-party enquiries relating to developments in the vicinity of Transmission Pipelines and Distribution Strategic Mains, engaging with stakeholders such as local authorities, developers, consultants, contractors, utilities, landowners and farmers.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including Local Authorities, National Roads Authority, Railway Procurement Agency, Fire Services, electrical infrastructure operators and other relevant organisations.
• Assess proposed developments and coordinate engagement with the Transmission Enquiries Review Group to evaluate potential impacts on the safety, integrity and operation of the transmission pipeline network.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to third parties on requirements, controls and safe working practices associated with development activities near Gas Networks Ireland assets.
• Approve and issue pipeline mapping, drawings, asset information and relevant Codes of Practice using available systems and technologies, including GIS and Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) Online.
• Identify, specify and coordinate appropriate pipeline protection measures, including construction supervision and surveillance activities where required.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the management, tracking and reporting of third-party development enquiries and activities near Transmission Pipelines and Distribution Strategic Mains.
• Maintain accurate records and databases of all third-party enquiries, referrals and development activities to ensure effective monitoring, governance and reporting.
• Prepare and issue monthly, quarterly and annual reports on third-party activities, including contributions to Safety Case reporting requirements for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
• Liaise closely with GNI Inspectors, Operations, the Agricultural Liaison Officer and the Distribution DBYD Team to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to third-party engagement and pipeline protection across Gas Networks Ireland.
• Support and coordinate quality assurance reviews of Non Routine Operations (NROs) and other pipeline protection activities as required.
• Manage assigned corrective and preventive actions through to closure, ensuring timely implementation, effective resolution and appropriate verification of outcomes.
• Provide regular updates to the Senior Pipeline Safety Engineer, highlighting progress, emerging risks, issues and recommended mitigations.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement initiatives, safety campaigns and awareness programmes to promote safe development practices and improve understanding of pipeline and wayleave requirements.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of policies, procedures and guidance relating to third-party development and pipeline protection.
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 3-5 years relevant engineering experience with a working knowledge of Transmission and/or Distribution natural gas processes, operating practices and construction techniques is desirable.
• Knowledge of safety management and risk assessment principles.
• Proven ability to create and develop good working relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals, coupled with the ability to gain commitment from others.
• Excellent communication skills to work with internal and external stakeholder through all communication mediums.
• Proven track record with dealing with complex issues, proactively and in a timely fashion, along with the ability to communicate complex information to others.
• Ability to set own high standards of performance and delivering desired results.
• A good understanding of business operations and the commercial viability and impact of technical / professional decisions on the performance of the organization.

Gas Networks Ireland is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. Through our ibelong framework, we work to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute.

We welcome applications from all suitably experienced candidates, regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or disability.

We also value diverse career journeys and warmly welcome candidates returning to the workforce or bringing non-linear experience, including transferable skills gained through life and professional pathways.

If you require any reasonable accommodations at any stage, please contact us at [e-mail] and we will support you to ensure a positive and equitable candidate experience.

We offer hybrid working arrangements to help you balance work and life, and to support you in bringing your best to the organisation.

Gas Networks Ireland will only hold your data for as long as necessary. By providing a CV, you are agreeing for Gas Networks Ireland to process this information about you. If you have any queries about how Gas Networks Ireland processes your data, see our Privacy Notice or email [e-mail]