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- Tasks: Maintain railway assets outdoors, ensuring safe and efficient train operations.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport system.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £31k, full training, 30 days' leave, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a dynamic, outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your potential and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 31444 - 31444 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh, GB
Department Name: Scotland
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're 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're 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'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.
Brief Description
Get your career on track with a starting salary of £31k and no experience needed. A career in Off Track at Network Rail is one that pays. Whether you're a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required; here at Network Rail we're looking for potential. Life trackside is challenging, it's physical, you need determination, but the rewards are worth it.
Our Off Track Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to maintain drainage, fencing, vegetation and level crossings to help keep Britain's trains moving.
What does an Off Track Operative do?
Every single day our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track. Our Off Track Operatives support the maintenance and repair of the lineside assets. The maintenance of these assets is critical to the functioning of the railway by ensuring drainage systems are functioning correctly, signals and track remain clear of vegetation, lineside boundaries are secure and level crossings are in good condition.
Using a mix of new technology and manual inspection, Network Rail monitors railway assets around the clock. Maintenance teams are briefed at the start of each shift on the maintenance work to be completed. As this is an entry level role, Off Track Operatives support and learn from the Off Track Technicians. This will involve using discipline specific tools and plant to maintain lineside assets. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All Off Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Off Track Operatives can progress to Off Track Technicians.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we'll provide your roster 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.
What are we looking for?
- A full clean driving licence
- Problem solving skills
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork skills
- A strong safety ethic
- Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
- The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
- Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing, as part of our recruitment process and whilst you're working for us (it's a safety requirement)
What's in it for me?
- Competitive starting salary for Off Track Operatives with the potential to increase for Off Track Technicians
- A fresh start - you don't need to pay for expensive training courses or re-sit any exams, this is an entry level job and full training will be provided
- Development in a range of practical trades and skills to get you to the next career level; many maintenance workers progress to management roles
- Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail's leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years' service
- 75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
- 30 days' annual leave
- Extra earning potential: 35-hour week with overtime opportunities (there may be a requirement to work on call)
Don't meet every requirement? Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role.
How To Apply
Please click apply to submit your CV and complete the pre-screening questions. We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone. Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do; safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their personal commitment to safety in their application.
All applicants must complete and pass the pre-screening questions in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Grade: Maintenance Grade
Terms and Conditions: Standard Maintenance Contract
Salary: £31,444
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 13th February; late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
Operative Off Track in Edinburgh employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative Off Track in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, mission, and the role of Off Track Operatives. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teamwork, safety, and problem-solving. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills, even if they’re from different contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Network Rail family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative Off Track in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in an Off Track Operative. Make sure you understand the role and how your skills can fit in!
Show Your Potential: We’re all about potential here at Network Rail! Even if you don’t have experience, highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show your determination and willingness to learn. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Be Honest and Clear: When filling out the pre-screening questions, be straightforward and clear in your answers. This is your chance to show us who you are, so don’t hold back! Just be yourself and let your personality shine through.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what an Off Track Operative does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like maintaining drainage and ensuring safety at level crossings. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is crucial in this job, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Think about times when you’ve collaborated with others to solve problems or achieve a common goal. This will demonstrate that you can fit into their collaborative culture.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Network Rail places a strong emphasis on safety, so be prepared to talk about your understanding of safety protocols. Share any experiences where you prioritised safety in previous roles or situations, even if they were outside of work. This shows you take safety seriously.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the role involves varied shift patterns, express your willingness to work nights and weekends. You might want to mention any past experiences with flexible working hours, as this will reassure them that you’re adaptable and ready for the demands of the job.