Freight Train Driver (Carlisle)

Colas Rail UK; Inverness; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days Annual Leave

Industry leading Life Assurance

Healthcare Cash Plan

Pension Scheme

Eye Care Vouchers

Season Ticket Loan

Occupational Health Service

Job summary

Colas Rail UK is seeking an experienced rail driver to undertake the safe and efficient operation of trains as directed on weekly rosters. Carlisle-based role requiring flexibility to work nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities include locomotive preparation, fault-finding, and routine maintenance activities, with a focus on safety, punctuality, and accuracy in reporting. A full UK driving licence and PTS are essential, with trainer qualifications considered an advantage.

Qualifications

• Must be an experienced railway person with excellent knowledge of railway operation and maintenance activities.
• Current PTS (third rail) appropriate to CTRL is required
• Holder of a current full UK driving licence
• Holding level 3 trainer and assessor qualifications (301/302 or equivalent) an advantage

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe, on-time, efficient and productive operation of freight trains as per the roster.
• Carry out train driving duties in accordance with laid down procedures.
• Undertake locomotive preparation, fuel locomotives when required and perform weekly locomotive exams.
• Record and report locomotive and train defects per Rulebook and Company Procedures.
• Work various shift patterns including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Skills

Railway operations knowledge

Good communication

Basic IT skills

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Make your mark with Colas Rail UK

At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. At Colas Rail you'll be at home. You'll be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

This is true because...

• We value everyone as part of the same team.
• We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down.
• We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want.
• We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion.
• We're renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different.
• We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.

About Us

Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure.

At Colas Rail, we deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility. We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years' experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail.

Leading by our Values

Our values, Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions.

We Respect

our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with. We care about our employee’s wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.

We Commit

by showing up wholeheartedly. When we commit together, we invest in everyone’s success. We invest in our customers, our teams and our colleagues, and we lead with safety, integrity, passion, purpose, ethics and transparency.

We Share

as we all hold knowledge that could and should be shared, enabling us to grow and making us a strong collective. We have a passion for excellence, celebrating achievements and nurturing talent.

We Pioneer

to push boundaries, imagine what does not yet exist and dare to do what others do not. We innovate with ambition, and we find solutions.

Even if you don't meet every requirement, please don't rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.

Purpose of the Role

To undertake the safe and efficient driving and operation of trains as directed on weekly rosters. Safety, punctuality, flexibility, collaboration and integrity are the main qualities for this role.

Where will I be located?

Carlisle

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe, on time, efficient and productive operation of freight trains as per the roster.
• Carry out train driving duties in accordance with laid down procedures.
• It is mandatory to book on and book off with control
• Ensure safety of the line and all employees and public that may be affected by the operation of trains.
• Leading by example on safety, quality and punctuality.
• Undertake locomotive preparation and disposal duties, as well as fuel locomotives when required.
• Undertake in-service locomotive, train fault-finding, and assist in repairs where competent.
• Record and report locomotive and train defects in accordance with Rulebook and Company Procedures
• Prepare locomotives for service.
• Undertake train preparation/train “in service” freight examination and loads examination duties.
• Carry out the “simplified” brake test as directed.
• Undertake route learning as directed and sign for routes after sufficient time for learning.
• Assist maintenance staff and undertake “weekly” locomotive exams as required.
• Work various shift patterns including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Must be prepared to lodge away from home, when required.
• Ensure the highest level of professionalism when dealing with other individuals within the company, clients and members of the public.
• As you will expect the organization may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
• Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time
• Assisting with accident/incident statements and investigations
• End of the service report on fuel level and locomotive disposal location
• Frequent contact with rostering and training teams, driver standards managers, delivery Managers, and staff at all levels.
• Appropriate traction and route knowledge
• Freight rules & regulations
• Basic wagon knowledge
• Personal Track Safety
• Must be an experienced railway person with an excellent knowledge of railway operation and maintenance activities.
• Holding level 3 trainer and assessor qualifications (301/302 or equivalent) an advantage
• Good communication skills and organisational ability.
• Basic IT skills for emails, basic Microsoft word and Excel knowledge to produce reports. Experience in writing assessments.
• As you will expect the organization may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.
• Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

The Job Holder Will Have

• For positions covering the southern region a current PTS (third rail) appropriate to CTRL Is required
• Holder of a current full UK driving licence
• Ability to identify competency standards required as a result of legislation, operational standards and safety procedures and maintain same by audit and surveillance

Competitive Salary

• 26 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
• Occupational Health Service

This is an exciting opportunity to build a career in the rail industry.

We’d particularly encourage applications from women, or those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.

As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.