Railway Operative (Various Locations)

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.

About the role (External)

Operatives 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 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 transferable skills meet the following:

• Team-working 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.

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'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.