Every week, Back To Work Connect spotlights Irish companies that offer the most support to returnees so you can find your perfect back-to-work fit.
This week, we’re profiling Uisce Éireann/Irish Water.
If sustainability, community impact, and an inclusive culture matter to you, then Uisce Éireann may be the perfect place to restart your career.
Company background
As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering secure, safe and sustainable water services to the people of Ireland.
From providing high-quality drinking water to every tap, to ensuring wastewater is treated and safely returned to the environment, Uisce Éireann plays a vital role in protecting our water systems for future generations.
With over 3,000 employees nationwide — and plans to grow to 5,000 — Uisce Éireann is undergoing a major transformation programme to meet the needs of a growing population and to support Ireland’s social and economic growth.
Guided by strong values — delivering for our customers, working better together, doing the right thing, aiming high, and keeping each other safe — Uisce Éireann is committed to empowering employees to make a positive impact in communities across Ireland.
Uisce Éireann: A great place for returnees
Uisce Éireann has initiatives in place that support employees returning to work after time away, including:
Induction, Onboarding and Buddy Programme: A phased onboarding approach ensures new joiners aren’t overloaded. In Operations, returners are paired with a buddy for extra support.
Learning and Development: A strong learning ethos, with CPD opportunities, self-paced digital learning, and access to further education.
Technical Skills and Training: On-the-job training and role-based training plans support hands-on learning and skill building.
Flexible Working: A hybrid model, flexible start and finish times, and a pilot of new flexible arrangements launching in 2026.
Employee Wellbeing: Initiatives such as Time To Talk, Mental Health First Aiders, and Employee Forums to support staff in a fast-paced work environment.
DEI Programme: The ibelong programme includes five Employee Resource Groups (Women’s, Family, Rainbow, Ethnicity & Cultural, and Ability Networks).
Internal Mobility: Opportunities to progress, expand skills, and explore new roles across the organisation.
What to expect
So, what does a typical working day look like at Uisce Éireann?
Whether office-based or in frontline water services, no two days are alike. Employees collaborate across teams, problem-solve, and engage with stakeholders. You’ll be supported by standard work practices and encouraged to suggest improvements that benefit customers and communities.
Modern offices provide amenities that enhance the working day, fostering both productivity and collaboration.
What employees love about working at Uisce Éireann
The people. Employees say they value working with like-minded, passionate colleagues who are committed to doing the right thing and making a real difference.
They highlight four things in particular:
- Making a Difference: Delivering essential, sustainable services to communities.
- Supportive Culture: A collaborative workplace that values every voice.
- Room to Grow: Opportunities to learn, develop, and progress are built into every role.
- Security with Innovation: Stability of an essential service, combined with forward-thinking innovation.
Careers at Uisce Éireann
As Uisce Éireann continues to expand, roles are available across a wide range of areas, including:
- Engineering (large-scale projects in supply, sustainability, and innovation)
- Scientific and lab-based roles
- Project Management
- Finance
- IT and Digital Transformation (including AI)
- Customer Service and Operations
- Health, Safety & Environment
- HR, Legal, Communications, Regulatory
The organisation looks for curious, collaborative individuals with a growth mindset, teamwork spirit, and passion for continuous learning.
Interested in a career at Uisce Éireann?
If you’d like to know more about the roles Uisce Éireann is currently hiring for, check out our returner-friendly jobs board. HERE
For more information and supports on creating a Returner Friendly recruitment process reach out to our team at info@backtoworkconnect.ie
Keep up to date with the latest Returner Friendly employers, upskilling & retraining opportunities by joining our platform HERE
Sign up for our newsletter & job alert today and never miss the ideal opportunity again ! Sign up HERE
