Marine Foreperson (Grade 1)- Howth

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 Department’s Engineering Offices at Clonakilty, Dublin, Tralee, Galway and Ballyshannon; and in the six State owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros An Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.

Vacancies

The Department has one vacancy for the role of Marine Foreperson (Grade 1) in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre (FHC). The Foreperson will also, from time to time, be expected to work at other sites for which the Department has responsibility.

Job Specification

The Marine Foreperson shall work under the direction of the Department’s Marine Engineering Division and will report to the Harbour Master at the Fishery Harbour Centre and may be required to carry out construction, maintenance and repairs to harbour infrastructure, such as piers, slipways, etc. as directed by the Department’s Marine Engineering Division.

The Marine Foreperson will assist the Harbour Master at the Fishery Harbour Centre to ensure that harbour property, piers and structures are maintained as safe and clean areas. Their work will also involve the supervision of vessels berthing and landing fish, the movement of vessels to/from the Department’s boatyard and the provision of quayside service to vessels when required.

The following is a list of the duties, which the holder of the post will be expected to undertake:

• To provide reasonable assistance to the Harbour Master, as required, in the Harbour Master’s day to day operation of the Fishery Harbour Centre.

• Carrying out marine construction work, maintenance and repairs within the Fishery Harbour Centre

• Carrying out maintenance and repairs to piers, slipways, or other marine structures either inside or outside of the Fishery Harbour Centre, as directed by the Department’s Marine Engineering Division

• In cooperation with the Harbour Master, organising and supervising the activities of the Department’s Industrial Staff, including ensuring training & induction are managed and the management of staffing activities such as overtime, leave and PMDS (performance management).

• Providing inspections of all hire plant and machinery before use on site, and to ensure the safekeeping of all plant, tools, equipment and materials in your charge, or in use by others on site within your supervision

• Ensuring that all activities carried out by contractors and Department Industrial Staff are in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and providing the duties of the Department’s Designated Person in Charge of Safety for site works

• Ensure proper record keeping of safety documents, staff hours, receipts, dockets and liaison with Engineers and Harbour Master

• To drive vehicles and machinery as required for the performance of harbour duties

• To ensure that harbour property, piers and structures are maintained as safe and clean working areas

• To supervise vessels berthing and landing and to service vessels when required

• To assist in the docking/undocking of vessels within the Department’s boat repair facility

• Attend and participate in health and safety meetings and training provided by the Department, as required.

• Attend and participate in local Harbour Management meetings, as required

• Such other duties, of an appropriate nature, which may be allocated by the Minister or his assistants

The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of duties which may be entrusted to the Marine Foreperson from time to time. The person appointed is required to be flexible in the position and willing to undertake other work outside the foregoing.

Person Specification

Candidates must also have on or before the closing date of 17th October 2025:

• Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years general construction experience, concrete/steel works, footpath laying and first/second fix works.

• Experience and knowledge of marine construction related activities

• Knowledge of the marine environment and harbour facilities

• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills. Applicants wishing to be considered for appointment to this role must be capable of communicating effectively and demonstrate that they possess the requisite verbal skills.

• Experience of taking responsibility for challenging tasks and for the delivery of such tasks to a high standard

• A good knowledge of Health and Safety

• Fully capable on entry to discharge the duties of the position

• A current Class B Driving Licence (at date of offer)

By the date of job 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 a SOLAS 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)

Competencies

Applicants should have all the attributes required of Marine Foreperson (Grade 1) 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 Marine Foreperson (Grade 1) as identified in the following competency framework.

1. Construction and maintenance experience in marine construction works

2. Experience and Knowledge of Marine Environment

3. Team working, Interpersonal and Communication skills

4. Delivery of Results

5. Health and Safety

How to Apply

Only Online Applications can be made and should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.

Note: As outlined above, if you do not meet the Essential Requirements listed under Section 3, your application will receive no further consideration.

Closing Date Your application must be submitted no later than 12.00 noon on 17th October 2025.

All queries relating to this recruitment campaign should be directed to [email protected] with the subject heading “Marine Foreperson Howth.”

Application acknowledgements:

All applications received will be acknowledged within 5 working days of the competition closing date. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within the 5 working days or for any queries relating to this competition, please contact by email: [email protected].

Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.