Operative (Signalling Maintenance)

A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an Operative you'll 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 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.

As part of the application process for an Operative, all applicants are required to complete some pre-screening questions. These questions require time and concentration so please prepare for this accordingly, ensuring you read each question carefully before responding. Should you pass the pre-screening questions you will be also be invited to take part in online psychometric testing which should take approximately 45 minutes to complete, the results of these tests will be store and used for future applications for a period of 6 months.

Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the GTRM IMC25 contract

About the role (External)

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

Signalling & Telecoms. You'll be working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. With your willingness to learn, you'll develop a huge range of technical skills across a range of manual, electrical and digital equipment

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.

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., · 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.


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, Should you be successful in this role you 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