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- Tasks: Join our team as a Track Operative, maintaining the rail network and ensuring safe travel.
- Company: Network Rail keeps Britain moving by maintaining its extensive railway system.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 30 days of leave, and a 75% discount on rail travel for you and your family.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, gain hands-on experience, and progress to higher roles in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a full clean driving license, problem-solving skills, and a strong safety ethic.
- Other info: Full training provided; no prior experience needed. Shift work required, with schedules given 4 weeks in advance.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
So, what’s the catch? Well, life trackside is challenging, it’s physical, you need determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our Track Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to battle everything from track defects to floods and fallen trees to keep Britain moving. Have you got what it takes?
*Internal candidates – please see the ‘how to apply’ section to see the applicable salaries for this role.
As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre-screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.
About the role (External)
What does a 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, resulting in natural wear and tear that our Track Operatives repair.
Carrying millions of people daily, the track is made up of rails, railway ties (sleepers), fasteners, railway switches, ballast and foundations. These components of the railway track play different roles in providing support for trains. Our Track Operatives keep all this in tip top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption.
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, Track Operatives support and learn from Track Technicians. This can involve fetching, carrying and using track maintenance tools. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All 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, Track Operatives can progress to 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., Network Rail is a 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.
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact .
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 to safety in their application.
Network Rail Benefits –
All applicants must complete and pass the pre-screening questions in order to be considered for this vacancy.
Grade – Former IMC Terms and Conditions (IMC25)
We’re looking for people with bags of potential who have:
· 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)
· Competitive starting salary for Track Operatives with the potential to increase for 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 – there’s no stopping you at Network Rail
· 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?
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
Make sure to highlight your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully tackled challenges, especially in a team setting, as this role heavily relies on teamwork.
✨Tip Number 2
Since this job requires physical work outdoors, be prepared to discuss your experience with manual labor or any relevant outdoor activities. Showing that you can handle various weather conditions will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with safety protocols and practices related to railway maintenance. Being able to articulate your understanding of safety measures will show that you take the responsibility of keeping people safe seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your availability for varied shift patterns. Since the role involves working nights and weekends, showing flexibility and willingness to adapt your schedule will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative [Track Maintenance]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what a Track Operative does. Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role, as well as the skills required, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and a strong safety ethic.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. Emphasize your ability to work outdoors, handle physical tasks, and your commitment to safety.
Pre-Screening Questions: Pay close attention to the pre-screening questions in the application process. Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful, honest responses that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Show Enthusiasm: In your application, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to work with Network Rail. Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt, as well as your excitement about the potential for career progression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Determination
Life trackside can be tough, so make sure to express your determination and willingness to tackle challenges head-on. Share examples from your past where you've overcome obstacles or worked hard to achieve a goal.
✨Emphasize Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial for Track Operatives, highlight your ability to work well with others. Discuss any previous experiences where you collaborated effectively in a team setting, especially in physically demanding environments.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you prioritize safety in your work. Mention any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
This position requires flexibility with shift patterns. Show your willingness to adapt by discussing your availability and any previous experience with varied work hours. This will demonstrate your readiness for the demands of the job.
