Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Gas Distribution Worker- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- 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.
Working Life
Gas distribution workers are involved in three main areas: network maintenance, network development and emergency services. They have a wide range of duties within these main areas. They usually work as part of a team, with one of them qualified as a team leader.
In network maintenance, gas distribution workers may work on a transmission and distribution plant. They help to monitor, service and repair all the equipment and structures used to transport gas, for example, pressure reduction equipment, gas conditioning units, storage vessels, pipes, instruments and meters. Maintenance work includes making and breaking joints, lifting, cleaning and replacing components and carrying out routine site inspections, checking for any faults in equipment. They also install and maintain gas pressure control equipment.
In network development, distribution workers may lay, connect, disconnect and test pipes. They also repair pipes and joints, and install equipment to control the pressure of gas. They are responsible for connecting new properties to the district system.
Distribution workers respond to emergencies. They must respond very quickly, visiting customers' premises to diagnose faults and to make the area safe.
In all their activities, distribution workers may use mobile and mechanical equipment, including lifting equipment, pneumatic equipment and mini excavators. This industry is closely governed by legislations.
Gas distribution workers may have some driving duties, especially if they are part of an emergency service. They have to be prepared to work outside in bad weather.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
- Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
- Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
- Start and shut down plant equipment.
- Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
- Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
- Clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using hand tools, or request that repair and maintenance work be performed.
- Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
- Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
- Read logsheets to determine product demand and disposition, or to detect malfunctions.
Qualities - Gas Distribution Worker
You should enjoy solving problems and have good technical and manual skills.
The ability to work as part of a team is very important and you will need good communication skills to work with managers, team leaders, site managers and members of the general public. You will need basic number skills to check meters and instruments. You should be able to read technical instructions and follow drawings. You should be polite and friendly when dealing with the public and you must remain calm in emergencies.
You must be able to follow safety procedures and have a responsible attitude.
In some jobs, a full, clean driving licence may be essential.
Interests - Gas Distribution Worker
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
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.
Entry / Progression - Gas Distribution Worker
Bord Gais often run various courses in gas distribution. Entry pathways into this career in supply, chain, transport, and logistics are varied.
Specific Skill Certs:
SafePass, Manual Handling, Hazchem (ADR), CPC for Van delivery, Rigid/Artic truck licenses Search FET Courses
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: logistics, supply, delivery driver.
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: logistics and distribution, supply chain operations, transport.
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: Supply Chain Associate and Management.
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: logistics, supply chain management.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Gas Distribution Worker
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €47k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Payscale / Indeed/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Gas Distribution Worker
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Bus and coach drivers; Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs; Train and tram drivers; Marine and waterways transport operatives; Air transport operatives; Rail transport operatives; Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was negative for this occupation, with little change in employment levels since 2020. Most are employed as taxi drivers and bus and coach drivers; although employment levels remained unchanged for taxi drivers between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was a fall in the number of persons employed as bus and coach drivers. At 43%, the share aged 55 years and older far exceeded the national average and may lead to an increase in replacement demand across the roles in the coming years. Issues with recruiting taxi drivers that occurred with the reopening of the economy post-COVID-19 appears to have eased somewhat; the data does not point to any evidence of shortages.
In a statement to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Transport and Communications, the National Transport Authority noted issues with retaining and recruiting bus drivers in a time of full employment. There have been advertising campaigns (e.g. Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann) to recruit new bus drivers. As a result of issues with recruitment, a quota for 1,500 new permits for bus and coach drivers was added in December 2022 which has yet to be reflected in the data. The Skills for Growth data also indicates issues with filling vacancies for bus drivers (including for those with good communication skills). Despite the negative employment growth for this occupation overall, skills shortages have emerged for bus and coach drivers.
Useful Contacts - Gas Distribution Worker
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Bord Gais
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Supply Chain Management Institute (IPICS)
