Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
• Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
• Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
• Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
• Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.
• Design pumping systems, pumping stations, pipelines, force mains, or sewers for the collection of wastewater.
• Design water distribution systems for potable or non-potable water.
• Conduct water quality studies to identify and characterise water pollutant sources.
• Analyse and recommend chemical, biological, or other wastewater treatment methods to prepare water for industrial or domestic use.
• Identify design alternatives for the development of new water resources.

Further Information

• Water engineer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are various pathways into a career in water & hydro engineering.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing technician skills, engineering operations, quality management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, engineer technology, renewable energy tech.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, engineer technology, electrical, sustainable energy engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: environmental engineering, energy systems engineering, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• Engineers Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer (Private or State), location, experience, duties, shift pattern, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Morgan McKinley/ LGMA/ Forsa/ Gov.ie

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers, Electrical engineers, Electronics engineers, Engineering professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment levels grew strongly between 2023 and 2024 (by 6,300 persons), resulting in above average annual employment growth over the five-year period. Almost half were employed in the professional activities sector with a further quarter employed in industry. At 29%, the share of non-Irish citizens was above average which is borne out in the employment permit data, with over 1,300 new permits issued in 2024 primarily for electrical, mechanical, automation and project engineers.

Skills for Growth data highlighted issues in the utilities and manufacturing sectors, particularly relating to mechanical, electrical and lead instrumentation engineers; with automation, mechanical and electrical engineers also identified as roles which were difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. Experience (usually at least 2 years) was a key demand along with technical (biomedical, electrical/power engineering, life sciences etc.), finance, leadership, and digital (including data analysis and AI) skills.

These skills play a critical role in Ireland’s industrial sector, particularly in the life sciences, and in the transition to a digital and green economy. As such, demand is likely to persist for these roles. Although the supply of skills from the education and training system appears strong, the recent employment growth and the demand for specific skills and experience means that skills shortages are persisting.

Skills shortage:

Engineers (mechanical, electrical, automation)

• Irish Water Safety

  • The Long Walk, Galway
  • (091) 564400 / Lo-Call: 1890 420 202
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here