Operative, Bedford Grain Store

TN United Kingdom; Bedford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated operatives to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rail network. This role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, focusing on maintaining and repairing equipment under the track. Ideal candidates will possess strong teamwork and communication skills, along with a proactive approach to planning and safety. Comprehensive training is provided, making this an excellent opportunity for those transitioning from other industries. Join a rewarding career path with clear progression opportunities in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate transferable skills for a career in rail.
• Commitment to self-development and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair equipment under the track network.
• Support maintenance tasks and perform lookout duties for safety.

Skills

Team-working

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules and instructions

Willingness to learn

Job description

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You'll help keep our nation moving every single day.

A critical part of our work 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 diverse backgrounds, and this might be your first consideration of a career in rail. We focus on your transferable skills and behaviours. If you can demonstrate these, we will provide all necessary training to ensure you work safely and competently on the network.

If you meet the requirements, you can look forward to a rewarding career with a company that recently ranked in the top 50 in 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 (External)

Operatives can specialize in various disciplines, but for this role, you'll become a specialist in Undertrack. You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing equipment under the track network to ensure safety and efficiency. This role emphasizes skills in joinery, lubrication, and welding.

Our operatives work outdoors in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You'll be involved in demanding manual work, often transporting equipment across challenging terrain. Safety, adherence to rules, and teamwork are critical, especially when working near moving trains at high speeds.

You matter to your team

You are essential. You show up first, leave last, check and prepare equipment, and drive the team between sites. Daily, you'll support maintenance tasks and perform lookout duties to ensure team safety.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is vital. We provide comprehensive training to develop technical and non-technical skills. Transitioning from another industry, our structured training will equip you with the skills and confidence for a career in rail. Today’s operatives can progress to technicians and team leaders, with clear career paths available.

While rail experience isn't mandatory, you must demonstrate how your transferable skills meet the following criteria:

• Team-working: Collaborate effectively with your maintenance team to deliver safe and efficient work.
• Communication: Maintain good communication skills for safe and effective operations.
• Proactive planning: Be punctual, prepared, and anticipate team needs to keep passengers and freight moving.
• Working under pressure: Remain calm outdoors in all conditions, near passing trains.
• Following rules and instructions: Respect rules but feel confident to challenge unsafe situations.
• Willingness to learn: Continuously develop your skills and stay updated with new standards and procedures.

Additional information

Consider the following:

• Shifts: Includes days, nights, and weekends with a changing pattern.
• Outdoor working: Comfortable working in various weather conditions.
• Safe working: Employment is subject to drug and alcohol tests, medical assessments, and BPSS checks, including hearing and eyesight examinations.
• Driving: A category B driving license is required to operate Network Rail vehicles.
• Commute times: Must reside within a 60-minute commute of the location.