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- Tasks: Maintain and repair railway tracks to ensure safe travel for passengers and freight.
- Company: Network Rail, the backbone of Britain's railway infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Join a vital team that keeps the railways running smoothly and safely.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills; driving licence required.
- Other info: Work varied shifts, including nights and weekends, in all weather conditions.
The predicted salary is between 31444 - 44022 £ per year.
Overview
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter
Location
Didcot, GB
Department Name
Wales & Western Region
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 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 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: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.
About The Role (External)
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.
You matter to your team
The team depends on you. You\’re 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\’ll 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\’ll provide you with all the training to develop both technical skills and non-technical skills. If you\’re 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 don\’t 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\’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
Here\’s 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\’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 (External)
Salary: £31,444
Closing date: 2nd February 2026. – 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 complete an assessment.
- If you ace your assessment, you\’ll be invited to face to face interview with the hiring manager.
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 [Track Maintenance] employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative [Track Maintenance]
✨Tip Number 1
Network with people in the industry! Reach out to current or former employees at Network Rail on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with what Track Operatives do and think about how your skills fit in. We want to see your passion for keeping our railways safe and efficient!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role is all about working closely with others, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. We love seeing candidates who can work well in a team.
✨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 our team at Network Rail. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Track Maintenance]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Team Spirit: As a Track Operative, teamwork is key! Make sure to highlight any experiences where you've worked well in a team. We love seeing how you can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is crucial in this role. Use your application to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills. We want to know how you can convey important information clearly and concisely.
Emphasise Safety Awareness: Safety is at the heart of what we do. In your application, mention any previous experience or training related to safety practices. Show us that you understand the importance of working safely around moving trains.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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 Tracks
Familiarise yourself with the basics of track maintenance and the specific responsibilities of a Track Operative. Understanding the components like rails, sleepers, and fasteners will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since this role heavily relies on teamwork, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Think of examples where you collaborated effectively, especially in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your ability to work alongside others safely and efficiently.
✨Safety First
Emphasise your commitment to safety during the interview. Be ready to talk about any previous experiences where you prioritised safety, especially in environments that required vigilance, like working near moving trains. This will resonate well with Network Rail's focus on safety.
✨Flexibility Matters
Highlight your willingness to work varied shifts and in all weather conditions. Mention any past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked under different conditions, as this aligns with the demands of the Track Operative role.
