Operative [Track Maintenance]- Derby Mercia House

Location: Derby Mercia House

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you are ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

Brief Description

You will 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, you will 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 have even considered a career in rail. We are focused on your transferable 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 Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.

About the role

Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you will become a specialist in Track: You will 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 will 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. You will 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 will often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

You matter to your team. The team depends on you. You are 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 will 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 will provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you are joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail. Today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Our operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You do not 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 will be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
• Communication: You will 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 will 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 will 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. Here is 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 will 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 will also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Commute times: You will also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you are applying for.

How to apply

Closing date: 16th May 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. Click apply now to apply. You must be available to attend an interview on either w/c 26th May or w/c 2nd June. If you are offered a role following an interview, you must be available to start w/c 28th July and available to attend training w/c 4th August.

What does our recruitment process look like? Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV. If your experience matches what we are looking for, you will be invited to an interview. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you are unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Some of our roles require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.