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Carbon Sustainability Technical Lead

Uisce Éireann Irish Water Ireland Added on Jul 17, 2026
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As the Carbon Sustainability Technical Lead, you will drive the development and implementation of advanced carbon reduction standards and tools across Ireland’s national water utility. You will serve as the technical authority on greenhouse gas emissions, translating high-level corporate objectives into practical guidance and metrics that influence long-term infrastructure and operational decisions.

This role is critical because the water industry is both energy-intensive and highly sensitive to climate change. By embedding carbon-conscious decision-making into every facet of the national water and wastewater network, you directly contribute to Ireland’s national decarbonization targets while protecting vital natural resources for future generations. Your technical leadership ensures that sustainability is not just a reporting requirement but a operational reality.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical understanding of carbon accounting and life cycle assessment, paired with the persuasive ability to move cross-functional teams toward a common environmental goal in a regulated utility environment.

FAQ de l’offre

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission centers on developing and embedding carbon sustainability standards across the entire Uisce Éireann network. You will be responsible for creating technical guidance and tools that allow various departments to assess and reduce their carbon impact during both project planning and daily operations. Beyond standard-setting, you will manage compliance with evolving environmental regulations and lead specific technical initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions. This involves monitoring performance against corporate carbon objectives and providing the data-driven insights necessary for senior leadership to make informed sustainability investments.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this position, you will gain unparalleled exposure to large-scale utility decarbonization, learning how to implement carbon reduction strategies within a complex, highly regulated national infrastructure. You will likely deepen your expertise in sector-specific carbon accounting methodologies and European climate legislation. Furthermore, the role offers the chance to engage with cutting-edge water technologies and innovative carbon-capture or energy-efficiency solutions. You will be at the forefront of the industry's transition to a net-zero future, gaining high-level project management and strategic planning skills.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in carbon management or environmental engineering, specifically within heavy industry, utilities, or large-scale construction. A strong technical foundation in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and carbon footprinting methodologies is essential for establishing credible standards. Soft skills are equally important; you need to be a collaborative influencer capable of translating complex carbon data into actionable advice for non-sustainability experts. A relevant degree in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability is expected, along with a track record of implementing organizational change.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, focus your application on your technical implementation history rather than just theoretical knowledge. Demonstrate specific instances where you developed a tool or standard that successfully changed how an organization managed its carbon output or energy use. Highlight your familiarity with the Irish environmental landscape and sectoral challenges facing the water industry. Explicitly mention your experience with regulatory compliance and how you bridge the gap between high-level policy and technical operational requirements.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses intensely on the decarbonization of infrastructure and operational energy use. Given the nature of water services, this likely includes addressing fugitive emissions from wastewater treatment processes and the embedded carbon in large-scale civil engineering projects. You will also be a key figure in Scope 1, 2, and 3 reporting, ensuring that the utility's climate actions are transparent, measurable, and aligned with national climate action plans and biodiversity protection goals.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A major challenge will be integrating carbon priorities into existing engineering and operational workflows that may traditionally prioritize cost and immediate safety over long-term sustainability. Balancing these competing interests requires resilience and clear communication. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly changing climate regulations and data requirements at both the national and EU level will require constant vigilance. Ensuring data accuracy across a vast, nationwide network of facilities is also a significant technical hurdle.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might involve a mix of technical analysis and stakeholder consultation. You could start by reviewing data from a carbon footprinting tool, followed by a meeting with the infrastructure team to discuss carbon reduction targets for a new wastewater plant. In the afternoon, you might work on drafting technical training materials for regional staff or preparing a progress report for external regulators. The role is dynamic, shifting between desk-based technical development and cross-functional project management.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

As a national lead in a vital utility, this role provides a high-visibility platform to become a recognized expert in industrial carbon strategy. Success here could lead to senior leadership positions within the EHS or Sustainability directorates. The technical complexity of the work also prepares you for international consultancy or policy roles in the broader water and energy sectors. Uisce Éireann's scale means your work has a direct, measurable impact on national-level climate statistics.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with Internal Engineering and Operations teams to ensure technical standards are understood and applied. You will also work closely with the Asset Management and Procurement departments to address supply chain and construction carbon. External stakeholders include environmental regulators, government departments responsible for climate action, and external sustainability consultants. These relationships are vital for maintaining compliance and keeping the utility aligned with wider industrial best practices.

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