Rail Technician (Hexham)

A critical part of the work we do is the daily up keep of the rail network. As a technician you'll work outdoors in a team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.

Our Technician 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)

echnicians can specialise in one for the following disciplines.

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.

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.

Offtrack: You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage, and ancillary structures.

Overhead lines: Working with high voltage systems you'll ensure our railway has the power to run the trains. Working at height is routine, and you'll use various types of specialist tools and equipment to measure, adjust, repair, and modify cables and wires that keeps Britain's railway running.

Our Technicians work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You could 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 highspeed., A natural team player, you'll also be able to lead the team when asked by the team leader. You'll use your skills to deliver work safely and will check the team has the right competencies to meet our strict safety standards. You'll also be a role model for safe working behaviours and be confident to challenge any potential risks to safety, so that everyone gets home safe every day., Our Technicians play a vital 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:

Leadership – You're able to lead, motivate and direct a team for safe and efficient work delivery.

Effective communicator – You'll need strong communication skills and be able to deliver clear instructions to the team and other colleagues.

Technical skills –You'll have knowledge and experience of inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques in the discipline that you are applying for.

Safety – You consistently role model safe behaviours, can arrange and implement safe systems of work, and are confident to challenge if you think a situation is unsafe.

Problem solver – You'll be persistent in finding safe and effective solutions. You'll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures and instructions. To issues you find out in your working environment.

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.

Relevant qualification – You'll ideally hold an NVQ Level 1 or 2 linked to the discipline you are applying for. Or you have achieved an equivalent level of relevant experience.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

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

Outdoor working - Our technicians 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 a technician you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.