Job Title:
Mechanical Engineering Technician Grade I
Employer:
Office of Public Works
County:
Meath
Closing Date:
3pm, Thursday, 8th January 2026
Starting Salary:
€53,996
About the Employer:
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead agency in coordinating flood risk management policy and the flood relief capital programme in Ireland. Flood Risk Management (FRM) Services is the Business Unit in the OPW tasked with discharging this responsibility.
The primary functions of the flood risk management programme are to develop and deliver appropriate work programmes and measures; to maintain an effective programme of maintenance of river courses drained and flood defence schemes constructed under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995; and to advise the Government on flood risk management and flood risk management policy.
The OPW now requires additional staff at Mechanical Engineering Technician Grade I level to support the flood risk management programme.
Mechanical Engineering Field Services
The Mechanical Engineering Field Services (M.E.F.S.) Section is a division of FRM Services and is responsible for providing professional services and advice dealing with the selection, utilisation, replacement and maintenance of plant, transport and fixed installations.
M.E.F.S. manage the mechanical assets and requirements of the FRM Services' Arterial Drainage Maintenance and Construction Services Section. They also provide professional services and advice for OPW business units and other Government Departments as requested within the constraints of the resources provided.
About the Role:
Reporting to an Engineer Grade II or III (Mechanical) or other delegated officer within the M.E.F.S, the Mechanical Engineering Technician Grade I will be involved in fleet operations and maintenance of OPW's vehicles, plant and machinery. When required, they will also manage and supervise staff including operational staff.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The key duties and responsibilities of the role may include:
• Using asset management software for fleet and plant asset management;
• Monitoring and contributing to fleet management and data analysis;
• Preparing and managing the Statutory Inspection Programme;
• Developing and implementing of Plant Maintenance Systems;
• Preparing Service Schedules for plant and equipment;
• Organising, directing and supervising M.E.F.S operations including:
o Liaising with the Mechanical Foreperson to plan works;
o Preparing and allocating job cards to craftspeople;
o Analysing task duration;
o Analysing rates of "first time fix";
o Developing and implementing corrective actions to improve workflows and workshop efficiency;
• Developing Project Risk Assessments or Safe System of Work Plans, identifying hazards and subsequent mitigation measures, to be implemented;
• Developing method statements to accurately outline how projects will proceed and evolve, and clearly communicate the contents to relevant staff;
• Liaising with Mechanical Forepersons to ensure the optimum utilisation of available mechanical plant and equipment, resources, and staff, with the overall objective of efficient, successful completion of projects;
• Maintaining, developing and implementing management and internal work systems that comply with the provisions of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and any standards that may succeed them or be introduced;
• Attending and contributing at periodic operations and programming meetings;
• Liaising with Consultants and the General Public;
• Managing Contractors and external service providers;
• Proactively developing improvements to systems;
• Engaging with, and leading the implementation of new systems and technology;
• Partaking in training programmes as required to up-skill and develop staff skills in the section;
• Implementing Accord Dangereux Routier (ADR) regulations;
• Assisting with the delivery of the government's Climate Action Plan 2025;
• Managing and recording the disposal of Fleet/Plant assets.
About You:
Candidates must have on or before Thursday, 8th January 2026:
1. A qualification at minimum Level 7 (Ordinary Degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering or Automotive Technology and Management or Automotive Technology.
Please note that a qualification in "Automotive Management" will not be considered as an alternative entry qualification to those listed above.
and have 2. A minimum of two years' relevant post qualification engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Fleet Management
• Planned Preventative Maintenance
• Statutory Inspections
• Automotive Workshop Management
1. The ability to supervise staff in an operational environment.
2. The ability to tackle problems of a technical and/or management nature with a practical approach.
3. The ability to work independently, capable of operating under own initiative and ability to motivate and support others.
4. The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines with attention to detail.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across the organisation and within teams.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. A commitment to achieving quality results and ensuring all tasks are completed to a very high standard.
8. Good Information Technology (IT) skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
9. A commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) including keeping updated and fully informed on developments in relevant areas.
10. A current full driving licence (Category B), valid in Ireland and have access to a car.
The Closing Date for this competition is Thursday, 8th of January at 3pm.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.