Overview of the Department
The Marine Engineering Division (MED) of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is organised on a regional basis with staff based in the Departments Engineering Offices at Clonakilty, Dublin, Tralee, Galway and Ballyshannon; and in the Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros An Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.
Job Specification
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
General Operatives will be required to carry out maintenance and construction and/or related works at the ports including piers, slipways, ladders, bollards and other port infrastructure. The General Operative will also assist in ensuring that harbour property, piers and structures are maintained as safe and clean areas. The duties will also involve assisting with vessels berthing and landing fish, the movement of vessels to/from the Departments boatyard (where boatyard facilities are provided) and the provision of quayside service to vessels when required.
General Operatives may also be required to carry out maintenance and repairs to other piers, slipways in other locations outside of the Fishery Harbour Centres from time to time, as directed by the Departments Marine Engineering Division.
The following is a list of the duties, which the holder of the post will be expected to undertake:
- Carrying out maintenance and repairs and construction related work within the Fishery Harbour Centre
- Carrying out maintenance and repairs to piers, slipways in other locations outside of the Fishery Harbour Centres from time to time, as directed by the Departments Marine Engineering Division.
- Ensuring the safe keeping of all plant, tools, equipment and materials in your charge, or in use by others on site within your supervision
- Co-operating with the Department with regard to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work and comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation. Undertake, where required, the duties of deputy Designated Person in Charge of Safety for site works
- Driving vehicles and machinery as required for the performance of harbour duties
- Ensuring that harbour property, piers and structures are maintained as safe and clean working areas
- Assisting in the berthing of vessels for the landing of fish as well as other types of vessels, when required and the collection of harbour dues
- Assisting in the provision of quayside service to vessels as required
- Assist with the movement of vessels to and from the Departments boatyard (where boatyard facilities are provided)
- Participate in training courses as required
- Such other duties, of an appropriate nature, which may be allocated by the Engineer and harbour master
The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of duties which may be entrusted to the General Operative from time to time. The person appointed is required to be flexible in the position, willing to undertake other work outside the foregoing and will be required to work outside normal working hours in accordance with the operational demand of the Fishery Harbour Centres.
Reporting Relationship
The General Operative will report to the Harbour Master (line manager) and will be responsible for works directed by the Foreman at the FHC.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
The appointed person must be capable of interacting effectively with customers of the Department and the general public, be trustworthy, reliable and courteous and be able to maintain equanimity under demanding circumstances.
They must also have on or before the closing date of this competition;
- A minimum of 3 years of general construction experience, for example concrete/steel works, footpath laying and first/second fix general maintenance works.
- A minimum of 1 year working in a marine environment.
- A current full driving licence, minimum category B (at date of offer)
- A current SOLAS Safe Pass registration card or equivalent OR where a current safe pass card is not available, proof of successful completion of the Safe Pass Course or equivalent to be provided within a reasonable timeframe prior to date of appointment of successful candidate (timeframe to be agreed with the Department).
- Knowledge of Health and Safety principles and practice in the marine environment
- Fully capable on entry to discharge the duties of the position
Currently Valid Training Certificates in at least one of the following:
- Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
- Chainsaw Safe Handling and Maintenance
- Managing Safety in Construction
Relevant documentary evidence must be submitted with the application form. Candidates will be asked to provide originals of all documentary evidence should they be called to interview.
Desirable Requirements
It is desirable but not essential that the candidate is Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Trained by a SOLAS (www.solas.ie ) Approved Training Organisation in construction related plant or construction related activities with appropriate valid CSCS cards. For example, CSCS SLG, CSCS Excavator, CSCS Location of Underground Services, CSCS Teleporter, CSCS Dumper, CSCS Slinger/ Signaller.
Competencies
Applicants should have all the attributes required of a General Operative and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to-date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of General Operative as identified above and in the following competency framework.
1. Experience and Knowledge of Marine Environment
2. Team working, Interpersonal and Communication skills
3. Construction and Maintenance skills
4. Health and Safety
Application and Selection Process
Only Online Applications can be made and should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.
All sections of the form must be fully completed online and in full.
Closing Date
Your application must be submitted online no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 12th August 2026.
All queries relating to this recruitment campaign should be directed to [email protected] with the subject heading General Operative Grade 3 Castletownbere
