Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team maintaining the railway, working outdoors and ensuring safety.
- Company: Network Rail keeps the UK connected, prioritising safety and efficiency for millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, comprehensive training, and a clear career path.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing skills in a supportive, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; must be within a 60-minute commute.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
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.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
You’ll 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’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 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.
About The Role
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in 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.
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.
Your Skills Matter
- 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.
It matters that this is the right role for 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.
How To Apply
Salary: £31,444* X2 Roles Available. Closing date: 20/06/25. Late applications will not be accepted.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Operative, Derby Mercia House, X2 Roles Available employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative, Derby Mercia House, X2 Roles Available
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the railway industry and Network Rail's operations. Understanding the basics of track maintenance and safety protocols will help you stand out during interviews, showing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your transferable skills, especially in teamwork and communication. Be prepared to share examples from previous experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or communicated effectively under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt. Network Rail values continuous development, so be ready to discuss how you’ve pursued learning opportunities in the past and how you plan to grow in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be punctual and reliable. Since the role involves working outdoors and often on a shift basis, showing that you understand the importance of being on time and prepared for each shift can make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative, Derby Mercia House, X2 Roles Available
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Operative at Network Rail. Highlight your willingness to work outdoors, your ability to handle manual tasks, and your commitment to safety.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. Emphasise your teamwork, communication skills, and any experience in physically demanding jobs or outdoor work.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your transferable skills align with the job requirements and express your eagerness to learn and grow within the rail industry.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Network Rail values collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles or projects.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of safety protocols. Discuss any past experiences where you prioritised safety and followed rules, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Be Ready for Outdoor Work
Since the job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, express your comfort and willingness to work in such environments. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your adaptability.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to discuss how you effectively communicate with team members and ensure everyone is on the same page, especially when working under pressure.
