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To apply, you will need the following:
Five GCSEs (Grades A–C), including English Language and Maths (or equivalent qualification).
What You'll Bring
Strong communication, organisation, and teamwork skills.
Confidence using IT systems and digital tools.
A customer-focused mindset and commitment to public service.
Opportunities across Northern Ireland.
This recruitment competition will be used to fill current and future vacancies that may arise across Eastern and Western Regions during the lifetime of the competition.
Locations include Antrim Parkgate, Armagh, Ballymena, Banbridge, Comber, Cushendall, Downpatrick, Dromore, Glenavy, Larne, Lisburn, Lurgan, Moygashel, Newcastle, Newry, Newtownards, Portadown and Tamnamore in the Eastern Region.
Western Region locations include Ballinamallard Yard, Ballykelly, Brookeborough, Castlederg, Coleraine, Coleraine Town West, Derry/L’Derry City, Derrykeighan, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin, Drumquin, Eglinton, Finvoy, Irvinestown, Kesh, Kilrea, Letterbreen, Limavady, Moneymore, Omagh, Stewartstown, Tamlaght and Victoria Bridge.
Important: applicants must have a permanent residence within 20 miles travelling distance by public road of at least one advertised post location. This requirement supports DfI Rivers Operations' ability to respond effectively to flooding emergencies
Join the Department for Infrastructure and put your practical skills to work maintaining watercourses and helping manage flood risk across Northern Ireland.
Work outdoors. Use your skills. Protect communities. Build a secure career.
Looking for a practical, hands-on role where the work you do can make a real difference?
As an Industrial River Worker, you’ll join DfI Rivers Operations, helping to maintain Northern Ireland’s watercourses and supporting work that reduces the risk to life and property from flooding.
You’ll work as part of an operational team carrying out a varied range of outdoor maintenance and construction activities. From clearing watercourses and cutting vegetation to fencing, pipe laying and concreting, this is a role where no two days have to look the same.
You’ll also play an important part in DfI Rivers’ response to flood emergencies, including responding to calls outside normal working hours when required. Full training will be provided where necessary.
Ready for a hands-on role that helps protect communities across Northern Ireland?
Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.
Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.
Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.
The Selection Process
Applications will first be assessed against the eligibility criteria.
Relevant or equivalent qualifications will be considered.
Eligibility
Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.
Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.
Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.
Who better to tell you about a job than the people already working there!
Industrial 1,
Closed for applications
River Worker
Assistant
The deadline for expressions of interest is 12 noon on Friday, 16th October 2026.
Ready to get to work?
Put your practical experience to use in a role that helps maintain Northern Ireland's watercourses, manage flood risk and protect local communities.
Join DfI Rivers Operations as an Industrial River Worker.
Department of Finance (Land & Property Services)
Managing land registration, valuation, and property tax.
Department for Communities
Supporting benefits, pensions, housing, and employment services.
Department of Education
Ensuring teachers are paid and pensions are managed accurately.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Supporting sustainable farming, climate goals, and rural communities.
About the Role
Depending on operational requirements, your work could include:
Get out there and make a difference.
As part of DfI Rivers Operations, you’ll contribute to the maintenance of Northern Ireland’s watercourses and flood-risk infrastructure, helping the Department manage flood risk now and into the future.
It’s an opportunity to put your existing practical experience to work while developing new skills through training and gaining the benefits and career opportunities that come with working for the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
This is a practical role for people who enjoy hands-on work and want to see the impact of what they do.
Watercourse Maintenance
Carry out maintenance of open and culverted watercourses, including removing debris from watercourses and grilles.
Grounds & Vegetation
Undertake practical outdoor work including bush and grass cutting to help maintain watercourses and surrounding areas.
Construction & Maintenance
Get involved in fencing, pipe laying, concreting and assisting with minor construction works.
Health & Safety
Follow and implement health & safety measures required for the work, under the direction of Area Engineers & supervisors.
Flood Emergency Response
Help DfI Rivers respond to flooding emergencies when required, including work outside normal working hours.
Driving & Working Across NI
Drive Departmental vehicles in Northern Ireland as part of your day-to-day duties.
Build your career with NICS.
Competitive Pay
£494.18 gross per week*
*currently under review
Attractive pension
An attractive pension package providing a range of valuable benefits.
Generous annual leave
25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years' service, plus currently 12 public and privilege holidays.
Paid Out-of-Hours Work
Work undertaken outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends recieves the appropriate payment and allowances.
Career Development
Develop your skills and explore opportunities across a wide variety of Civil Service roles and professions.
Training & Development
Training will be provided where necessary to help you develop your skills, efficiency and flexibility within the role.