operative

Network Rail; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail infrastructure company is seeking operatives in Gateshead for track maintenance roles. Responsibilities include maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the railway track network. Candidates should demonstrate teamwork, communication, and the ability to work under pressure. A driving license is required. This position involves various shift patterns and outdoor work in all conditions. Join us in making a significant impact in the rail community while developing your career within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a driving license (category B) to drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Experience working outdoors in varied weather conditions is essential.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while working near moving trains.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair the track network to ensure safety.
• Work outdoors in a team to support the maintenance of the railway.
• Participate in continuous learning and self-development within the role.

Skills

Team-working

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules and instructions

Willingness to learn

Job description

Acritical 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 the 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

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.

Core competencies

• 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.

Additional information

• 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.

We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. 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!