operative

Network Rail; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail company in Tees Valley is seeking operatives for outdoor maintenance roles. You will specialise in Undertrack, ensuring safety and efficiency by inspecting and repairing track equipment. Candidates must demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills, as well as a willingness to learn. This role involves outdoor work year-round alongside moving trains, requiring both safety focus and manual dexterity. Flexible shifts and a commitment to inclusivity are part of the company's values.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of a team, maintaining a focus on safety.
• Effective communication skills necessary for a high-pressure environment.
• Proactive planning skills to prepare for shifts and equipment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Specialise in Undertrack maintenance, inspecting and repairing equipment.
• Work outdoors in varying conditions to ensure railway safety.
• Transport equipment across difficult terrains alongside moving trains.

Skills

Team-working

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules and instructions

Willingness to learn

Job description

About the role

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 backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you’ve considered a career in rail. We’re focused on your transferable 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. If you make the grade, you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor 2021 Best Places to Work. Please note: if successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.

Key responsibilities

Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines. For this role you’ll specialise in Undertrack: maintaining, inspecting and repairing equipment under the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This role has a heavy skill focus on joinery, lubrication and welding. Operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night, often with demanding manual work and the need to transport kit across tricky terrain. Working next to moving trains at high speed will require safety focus, respect for rules and teamwork.

Transferable skills required

• Team‑working – work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work.
• Communication – good communication skills to work safely and effectively.
• Proactive planning – be punctual, have the van and equipment ready and anticipate the needs of the team.
• Working under pressure – remain calm outdoors in all conditions with trains passing close by.
• Following rules and instructions – understand and respect rules, and feel confident to challenge unsafe situations.
• Willingness to learn – consistently develop your skills and keep up to date with new standards, procedures and instructions.

Working conditions

• Shifts – changing shift pattern including days, nights and weekends.
• Outdoor working – work outside in all weathers.
• Safe working – subject to drug and alcohol testing, medical assessment, BPSS checks, hearing and eyesight examination.
• Driving – obtain a Category B driving licence to drive Network Rail vehicles.

We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader we will accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

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

If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!