01 Mar, 2023
CRU Gas Safety Inspector
£65,233 - £94,986 yearly
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities
- Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
Engineer
Engineering
Job Description
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies for the benefit of all customers.
The CRU operates within a policy and statutory framework set by Government and has responsibility for the economic regulation of energy and water, energy safety and consumer protection.
Energy Safety Regulation
The CRU is an evolving and expanding organisation with a current staff complement of 122 which is due to increase to 196 over the next three years. Much of this growth arises as CRU adapts to meet the challenges of the transformation of the energy and water sectors to align with a net-zero carbon and a digital future.
In relation to our safety role, this manifests itself, for example, with the introduction of traditional, lower carbon fuels into new sectors (e.g. compressed natural gas in transport). In addition, there are broad ambitions for the development of offshore renewables at scale and the Government is preparing a national Hydrogen Strategy. Consideration will need to be given to how Ireland addresses the safety risks associated with these new and emerging sectors, and CRU’s role in that.
The CRU is constantly evolving its safety regulatory framework. Most recently the operation and development of the safety supervisory schemes for gas and electricity have transferred to a new safety supervisory body.
The CRU has played a key role in the investigation of the tragic incident at Creeslough in Donegal in 2022. The Energy Safety team is working to determine what the CRU can do to ensure we avoid such an incident in the future.
Three teams make up the Energy Safety Division::
- Safety Supervisory Body(SSB) team: The Safe Electric scheme for electrical contractors and RGI scheme for gas installers are operated by a third-party safety supervisory body (SSB) on behalf of the CRU. The team ensures the SSB is meeting its contractual obligations and that its approach is effective and consistent to meet the evolving needs of the industry through performance management as well as audits and inspections. The team revises Criteria Documents which set out detailed scheme rules and requirements and engages with a wide variety of stakeholders, chairing a Promotion and Public Awareness group. Technical inspectors on the team investigate suspected illegal gas and electrical works and the CRU takes enforcement action including prosecutions.
- Gas safety framework: The team oversees safety regulation of natural gas (transmission network, distribution network, supply and shipping) and LPG distribution network undertakings. This is done through the development of energy safety policy and input into legislative amendments, safety case assessments, audits and inspections, investigation of gas incidents, enforcement, safety performance reporting and review.
- Petroleum safety team: Regulates upstream (offshore and onshore) petroleum exploration and extraction activities in Ireland. The CRU’s responsibility is to provide effective safety regulatory oversight and reduce the risk and potential consequences of major accidents onshore and offshore to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable (ALARP). This is done through safety case assessments, issuing safety permits, and monitoring compliance through an audit and inspection regime.
Role Description
The Energy Safety Division consists of approximately 25 staff, 9 of whom are inspectors/technical specialists. A vacancy has arisen for a Safety Inspector - Gas within the Energy Safety Division, with an initial posting to the Safety Supervisory Body Team. The CRU are inviting applications for this permanent position, from qualified, experienced individuals to play a key role in energy safety.
The Safety Inspector will work with the Operations and Contract Manager (Electricity and Gas Safety Regulation), other Inspectors/Specialists, Safety Analysts and where appropriate, external technical consultants, in the discharge of their role.
While the successful candidate will be posted to the Safety Supervisory Body Team, the individual will also contribute to the wider Energy Safety Division and organisation as required.
Responsibilities
The Safety Inspector – Gas’s specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Carrying out audits and inspections of the Safety Supervisory Body operating the RGI scheme and their inspectors, the compilation of associated reports of inspection findings and closing findings;
- Undertaking enforcement investigations in respect of suspected illegal gas works;
- Recommending enforcement action in accordance with CRU processes and managing follow up actions;
- Providing input into CRU policies/guidelines/procedures as required;
- Liaising with relevant national and international bodies as appropriate, including other regulatory bodies;
- Participating in technical committees under the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
- Contributing to the overall delivery of the CRU’s strategic plan
- Peer reviewing of documents, as requested
- Providing expert technical advice to the Commission, Senior Management Team and wider organisation on relevant regulatory or technical issues, and
- Mentoring and coaching staff (e.g. on audits, inspections and investigations).
How to Apply
For information on the application process and the full job description, please click here to access the information booklet. Please note, the information is available both in Irish and English.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26th March (to be received not later than 5pm).
RSM is an equal opportunity employer
CRU is an equal opportunity employer
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26th March (to be received not later than 5pm).
RSM is an equal opportunity employer
CRU is an equal opportunity employer
Apply Now
Apply Now
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator. The CRU was originally established as the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in 1999. The CER changed its name to the CRU in 2017 to better reflect the expanded powers and functions of the organisation.
The CRU has a wide range of economic, customer protection and safety responsibilities in energy and water.
The CRU’s mission is to protect the public interest in Water, Energy and Energy Safety. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business, by ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies at a reasonable cost.
The sectors we regulate underpin Irish economic competitiveness, investment and growth, while also contributing to our international obligations to address climate change.
The CRU is committed to playing our role to help deliver a secure, low carbon future at least cost. The CRU is guided by four strategic priorities for the period 2019-2021. These priorities will sit alongside the core activities we undertake, to protect the public interest and that we:
- Deliver sustainable low-carbon solutions with well-regulated markets and networks
- Ensure compliance and accountability through best regulatory practice
- Develop effective communications to support customers and the regulatory process
- Foster and maintain a high-performance culture and organisation to achieve our vision