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- Tasks: Join a team to maintain and test the rail network, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Network Rail, a leader in railway operations focused on passenger satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a clear career path in rail.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in keeping the nation moving while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, outdoor work, and a commitment to safety are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Hither Green, GB
Department Name: DB Rail Testing Hither Green Direct (831132)
About Network Rail
Are you looking to join an organisation where you do meaningful work every day? As an Operative, you will be starting a rewarding career with Network Rail. Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country's economic prosperity.
We are undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First – we are a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users; that is easy to engage with and is an efficient and dependable partner; a company people are proud to work for; instinctively recognised as an industry leader. We are an organisation where people matter. Everyone matters is our diversity strategy. By 2024 we will be an even more open, diverse and inclusive organisation that is better at reflecting the communities that we serve.
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 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 transferrable 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: All applicants will be required to complete online assessments for these roles which will be sent out via email within 48 hours of your application. Should you be successful in moving forward to the next stage, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre taking place in Ashford on the 12th September. Please ensure before applying for this role you have availability for this date.
About The Role (External)
Operatives specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you will become a specialist in Rail Testing. This position requires availability for night shifts, as the majority of work hours will be overnight. 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.
Your Skills Matter
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 transferrable skills meet the following:
- Teamworking - 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.
Essential Criteria
- Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital
- Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends
- A team player
- Keen to develop new skills
- Good communication skills, both in person and in writing
How To Apply (External)
Salary: £31,444 + Allowance
Closing date: 23rd December 2025. Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview. Click ‘apply now' to apply.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we will try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak's 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.
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. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard: All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5-year suspension from applying for a safety critical role will be enforced.
Operative - Rail testing employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative - Rail testing
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and understand their values, especially their commitment to safety and teamwork. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online assessments by familiarising yourself with the types of questions you might face. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t hesitate to use them to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your transferable skills! Whether it’s teamwork, communication, or working under pressure, think of examples from your past experiences that highlight these abilities. Be ready to discuss how they relate to the role of an Operative.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates about the assessment centre – being prompt and prepared can really set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative - Rail testing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Team Spirit: Make sure to highlight your teamwork skills in your application. We want to see how you can contribute to our maintenance teams and work closely with others to keep the railway running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly: Good communication is key in this role, so don’t forget to showcase your ability to convey information effectively. Whether it’s in writing or during assessments, clear communication will help us see you as a strong candidate.
Demonstrate Your Safety Focus: Safety is at the heart of what we do, so make sure to mention any experience you have in safety-critical environments. Show us that you understand the importance of following rules and being proactive about safety.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Safety Protocols
Since safety is paramount in this role, make sure you understand the key safety protocols related to rail operations. Be prepared to discuss how you've prioritised safety in past experiences, even if they were in different industries.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This position requires strong teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your teammates.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Network Rail values continuous learning. Be ready to talk about how you've developed new skills in the past and express your eagerness to undergo training for this role. Show that you're adaptable and keen to grow within the company.
✨Prepare for Shift Work
Since the role involves night shifts and working outdoors, be honest about your availability and comfort level with these conditions. Discuss any previous experience with shift work or outdoor jobs to show you're ready for the demands of the role.