Operations Branch Officer - Irish Naval Service

Cpl Group; Cork; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Naval Service Allowance

Overseas service allowance (Startingat

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

The Naval Service is recruiting Direct Entry Operations Branch Officers to lead ship operations, safety, and mission execution—from navigation to command—with clear paths to higher rank.

Applicants must be Irish citizens, meet medical and security standards, be under 50 by year-end, and will undergo competency interviews, medical exams, and Garda vetting at Haulbowline Cork. Salary includes base pay, allowances, and overseas service supplements.

Qualifications

• Must meet medical, physical, and security clearance standards.
• Age under 50 years on 31 December of the year of application.
• Citizenship: Irish citizen or legally entitled to work in Ireland.
• Qualifications (or national equivalent): Department of Transport Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1/2/3 or recognised Naval Watchkeeping Certificate or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall running and operational readiness of a Naval Service vessel.
• Bridge Watchkeeping and overseeing safe navigation.
• Monitor maritime traffic and ensure safety of ship and crew.
• Lead boarding teams during fishery protection, anti-smuggling, and drug interdiction operations.
• Progression to Commanding Officer for domestic and international missions.

Education

Department of Transport Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1, 2, or 3 with watchkeeping experience

Naval Watchkeeping Certificate

Job description

Join the Naval Service as a Direct Entry Operations Branch Officer

Please note: Interviews will take place onsite at the Naval Base, Haulbowline Island, Cork.

We are now recruiting qualified candidates to join as Direct Entry Operations Branch Officers. In this leadership role, you'll play a central part in ship operations, safety, and mission execution - from navigation to command - from navigation to command, If you're ready for a career with purpose, challenge, and variety,

About the Role:

• As an Operations Branch Officer, you are responsible for the overall running and operational readiness of a Naval Service vessel
• Duties include Bridge Watchkeeping, overseeing safe navigation, monitoring maritime traffic, and ensuring the safety of the ship and crew
• You will lead boarding teams during fishery protection, anti-smuggling, and drug interdiction operations, playing a key leadership role in maritime enforcement
• Over time, Operations Officers may progress to Commanding Officer status, responsible for leading a ship and its crew on domestic and international missions
• This role offers continuous opportunities for leadership development, advanced training, and progression in rank and responsibility

Requirements:

• Citizenship: Irish citizen or legally entitled to work in Ireland
• Character & Fitness: Must meet medical, physical, and security clearance standards
• Age: Under 50 years on 31 December in the year of application
• Qualifications (or national equivalent):

Department of Transport Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1, 2, or 3 with watchkeeping experience OR a recognised Naval Watchkeeping Certificate OR a qualification deemed equivalent by the Minister for Defence

Recruitment Process:

Recruitment Process: Includes a competency-based interview, medical exam, and Garda vetting

Location: All assessments conducted at the Naval Base, Haulbowline Island, Cork

Salary & Benefits:

• Basic salary: €57,955 with annual increments
• Naval Service Allowance: €20,570
• Additional allowances for overseas service: Starting at €15,000