Operative Track Maintenance

You'll help keep our nation moving every single day. A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an operative you'll work outdoors in a small team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.

Our operative community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you've even considered a career in rail. We're focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network.

And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

About the role (External)

Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you'll become a specialist in Track Inspections.

Track: You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the track network, (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role as you'll be working with rails, sleepers and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures.

Our operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day, or night. You'll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit, across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you'll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You're the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you'll support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you're joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and team leads, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Our operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don't necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:

• Teamworking Our maintenance teams depend on each other, and you'll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.


• Communication You'll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.


• Proactive planning Being punctual, having the van and equipment ready and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.


• Working under pressure Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you'll need to remain calm under pressure.


• Following rules and instructions It is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.


• Willingness to learn You'll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.


It matters that this is the right role for you

Here's some additional information which might help you.

Shifts Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.

· Outdoor working - Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.

· Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.

· Driving - As an operative you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.

· Commute times – You'll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you're applying for.

We Value Your Growth:

Commitment to self-improvement and ongoing learning is crucial in this role. We provide comprehensive training to enhance both technical and soft skills. Whether you're transitioning from another industry or starting your career journey, our structured training programs will equip you with the necessary skills and confidence for a rewarding career in rail. As today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and team leaders, we offer a clear career path for advancement.

Your Essential Skills:

While rail experience is not mandatory, we look for the following qualities in our operatives:

Teamwork: Ability to collaborate closely with the team to ensure safe and efficient work delivery.

Communication: Strong communication skills to work effectively and safely.

Proactive Planning: Punctuality, preparation, and anticipation of team needs are essential.

Working Under Pressure: Capacity to remain calm and composed in challenging outdoor environments.

Adherence to Rules: Understanding and respect for safety rules, with the confidence to address unsafe situations.

Willingness to Learn: Dedication to continuous skill development and staying updated on industry standards.

Additional Information:

Shifts: Operatives work on rotating shift patterns, including days, nights, and weekends.

Outdoor Working: Comfortable working in various weather conditions.

Safety Requirements: Employment offers are contingent upon drug and alcohol testing, medical assessments, and BPSS pre-employment checks, including hearing and eyesight examinations.

Driving: A valid driving license (Category B) is required to operate Network Rail vehicles.

Commute: You must reside within a 60-minute commute of the desired location., All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

Our colleagues are encouraged to work flexibly as we know that busy lives don't always fit around a traditional working pattern, if you need flexibility to complete your role just let us know and we will do our upmost to help you to invest in your career with us while balancing other aspects of your life.