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We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions. 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. By putting our passengers first, our strategy will help us to provide a more accessible and more inclusive experience for you.

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 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 the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

Operatives specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in Off Track: You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage and ancillary structures.

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 transferrable skills meet the following:

• 
  Teamworking - 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.

• 
  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.

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

Closing date: 8th September 2023

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.

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader 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 Evenbreak’s 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.

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, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced