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- Tasks: As an Operative, you'll maintain and repair the land alongside the railway tracks.
- Company: Network Rail connects people and goods safely across the UK, making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, varied shifts, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a diverse team that values safety and teamwork while working in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
- Other info: Must live within a 60-minute radius of Birmingham and be prepared for varied weather conditions.
The predicted salary is between 18800 - 26300 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Operative role at Network Rail
Join to apply for the Operative role at Network Rail
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We\’re an organisation where people matter. When you\’re part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
Location
Birmingham, GB
Department Name
BV SM(OT) Saltley Direct (856216) G1
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We\’re an organisation where people matter. When you\’re part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
We\’re continuing to build a more diverse and inclusive organisation which is representative of the passengers we serve. To do this, it\’s essential we become a more open, diverse, and inclusive organisation, harnessing the skills and expertise of all our people, and attracting the best talent to help us have a safe, accessible railway for everyone. We\’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!
Brief Description
We are Central route. We are the Heart of Britain\’s Railway. More than a million people rely on us every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.
We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street – the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway – connecting England, Scotland, and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.
Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.
About The Role (External)
Every single day our rail network carries thousands of passenger trains and freight trains across our miles of track but there are times when vegetation, drainage and neighbouring land can cause delays.
As an Operative for Off-Track, you\’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient.
Our Off-Track teams cover three main work types…
Vegetation Management- All aspects of tree work including climbing and felling, maintaining flail strip using various equipment; on track plant with flail and side cutter, brush cutter, hedge cutter and chainsaw and, managing areas of biodiversity, SSSIs and wildlife habitats.
Drainage- Work involving all on track drainage systems which we use “on track plant” to maintain including jetter and suckers. Also, Off Track drainage i.e. ditches, culverts keeping these clear of vegetation and often using a mini digger.
Fencing- Maintaining our boundaries with neighbouring land, emergency fencing jobs i.e. animal incursions and renewal of fencing sites.
As this is an entry level role, Operatives support and learn from Technicians and Team Leaders. This can involve fetching, carrying, and using Off track maintenance tools which can be heavy. Teamwork is a huge part of the job as well as being safety focused because you will often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed. All Off-Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and machinery safely.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, elements of Off-Track work is done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we\’ll provide your roster in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time. You will also need to be prepared to work in all weather conditions, at all times of the year.
Please note you but will be required to live in a 60-minute radius from the location stated on this advert.
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/ be…
- Able to work as part of team.
- Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
- Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
- Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.
It would be desirable for you to have:
- Working experience within arboratory or carpentry or a similar type of environment
Experience using chainsaws, hedge cutters, pole saw
How To Apply (External)
Salary: £31,444
Closing date: 10th July 2025. – Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply.
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\’re looking for, you\’ll be invited to an interview.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you\’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
- Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
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Operative employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's operations and values. Understanding their commitment to safety, teamwork, and community will help you align your responses during interviews and show that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in outdoor work or using tools like chainsaws and hedge cutters. Even if it's informal, demonstrating your hands-on skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work in various weather conditions and shift patterns. Showing that you're flexible and ready to adapt to the demands of the role will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Network Rail if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operative role. Highlight any specific skills or experiences you have that align with the tasks mentioned, such as teamwork, communication, or experience with tools.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences relevant to the Operative position. Emphasise any previous work in similar environments, especially if you have experience with vegetation management, drainage, or fencing.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work for Network Rail and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to include your willingness to work varied shifts and in all weather conditions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for roles involving safety and teamwork.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like vegetation management, drainage work, and fencing, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in challenging situations.
✨Safety First
Emphasise your commitment to safety, especially when working near moving trains. Be ready to talk about any previous experience you have with safety protocols or how you would approach safety in this role.
✨Be Ready for Varied Shifts
Since the role may require working nights or weekends, express your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different shift patterns. This shows that you're committed to the job and understand the demands of the position.
