Operative [Track Maintenance]

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be, and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway. Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria. This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably.

About The Role

Play a vital role in keeping the country moving. We are looking to recruit an Operative within the Track team based out of our depot in Carlisle. Maintaining the rail network is a key part of what we do every day. As a railway Operative, you'll work outdoors as part of a close-knit team, carrying out essential maintenance on the tracks to ensure trains run safely and reliably for both passengers and freight. Our operatives come from all walks of life—this could be your first time considering a role in the rail industry. We value transferable skills and the right attitude above all. If you can bring those, we'll provide the training you need to work safely and confidently out on the network.

There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract. Track maintenance offers a dynamic and diverse role based on mechanical engineering skills. There is variety in tasks, from walking the tracks to finding faults to taking the track apart and putting it back together, all within a limited timeframe to ensure trains can begin running as scheduled once the work is completed. This ensures that no two days are the same.

Responsibilities

• Track inspection – walking the tracks to find faults and fix them before they become an issue
• Track maintenance – attending faults identified by the track recording vehicles and carrying out manual repairs
• Support OTM's – provide support to on-track machines such as tampers and stoneblowers

Skills

We value individuals with transferable skills, a willingness to learn, and a desire to develop new skills. This includes people who have experience with:

• General labouring skills, such as using petrol-powered machinery
• Mechanical problem-solving, for example car mechanics or metal working
• Basic IT knowledge, such as using an iPad

Whether you're new to the field or bringing experience from another technical discipline, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement within Network Rail.

Experience And Skills

• Teamworking – Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work, and you will play an important role within the team. Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.
• Communication – A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.
• 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 have knowledge of track inspection, faulting, maintenance, and renewal techniques to follow daily work instructions. Being familiar with maintenance standards and procedures would be advantageous.
• Technical skills – You must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be advantageous, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, which will help you excel in the role.

Additional Information

• Shifts – Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
• Outdoor working – Our operatives work outside in all weathers, 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.

Pay

Salary: £32,639 plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates).

Benefits

• Pro-rata annual leave entitlement
• My Benefits – our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including childcare vouchers, healthcare offers, cycle-to-work, healthcare club discounted membership, and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• 75% discount on leisure travel
• A choice of contributory pension schemes
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community