Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has unveiled a recruitment drive for Civil Engineering Assistants (Professional and Technical Officers), roles that play a key part in managing, maintaining and improving infrastructure across the north.

The competition will create a number of permanent, full-time posts based at various locations. Positions sit within the Department for Infrastructure's Transport and Road Asset Management Group and the Rivers Operations and Development Directorates.

Civil Engineering Assistants undertake duties including project design, site surveys, preparing engineering drawings and contract documents, supervising construction and maintenance works, traffic management, and managing infrastructure assets. They also support the Department's response to adverse weather and flooding.

Announcing the competition, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "Our Civil Engineering Professional and Technical Officers deliver an important role to communities across the north. Their work supports the maintenance and improvement of our flood defence and transport networks. They help protect homes and businesses from flooding, ensure that people can move around safely and efficiently, and maintain and operate the infrastructure that underpins public services, economic growth and daily life. These roles are central to our work to deliver safer, stronger, more sustainable and more resilient infrastructure. The posts available offer varied and rewarding careers, providing the opportunity to make a real difference through the delivery of essential public services and lasting benefits for local communities. If are looking for a career with genuine public purpose, where you can help shape the future and improve people's daily lives, I would strongly encourage you to apply." Commenting on the campaign, David Porter, Head of Profession for Civil Engineering in the NI Civil Service, said: "Civil Engineering Assistants are a vital part of our workforce. Their knowledge, skills and experience support the design, construction, inspection, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure that people and communities rely upon every day. This is important and varied work. Civil Engineering Assistants help us maintain our roads, manage our infrastructure assets, improve resilience and support measures that protect communities from flooding. Their contribution can be seen across Northern Ireland, from the roads people travel on, to the drainage infrastructure that protects communities, all of which supports the economy. These roles provide an excellent opportunity to join experienced engineering teams, develop valuable skills and build a rewarding career in civil engineering. The Department also provides a wide range of training and development opportunities to all its staff, supporting technical staff who wish to work towards attaining their professional qualification."

Expressions of interest open on 7 September 2026 and close at 12 noon on 16 September 2026. Further details on the roles and how to submit an expression of interest are available via the Northern Ireland Civil Service recruitment website.

The salary range for the posts is £33,542 to £34,231, currently under review, with starting salary at the minimum of the scale.

Media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office. For out of hours media enquiries (18:00–08:00 Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays), the Executive Information Service duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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