Operative Track Maintenance

About Network Rail

Are you looking to join an organisation where you do meaningful work every day? As an Operative youll be starting a rewarding career with Network Rail.

Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our countrys economic prosperity.

We're undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First were a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users; that is easy to engage with and is an efficient and dependable partner; a company people are proud to work for; instinctively recognised as an industry leader.

Were an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions. Everyone matters is our diversity strategy. By 2024 we will be an even more open, diverse and inclusive organisation that is better at reflecting the communities that we serve. By putting our passengers first, our strategy will help us to provide a more accessible and more inclusive experience for you.
Brief Description

Youll 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 youll work 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 youve even considered a career in rail. Were 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 specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role youll become a specialist in Track: Youll 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 youll 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. Youll 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 youll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. Youre 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 youll 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 youre joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Todays operatives are tomorrows Technicians and Team Leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Your skills matter

Our Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You dont 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 youll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
• Communication - youll 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 youll 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 - youll 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.

Heres 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 youll 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 youll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Commute times Youll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that youre applying for.

Essential Criteria

Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital

Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends

A team player

Keen to develop new skills

Good communication skills, both in person and in writing