Operative [Off Track]

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

Job summary

A leading railway operator in Chester is looking for an Operative to maintain and repair the rail network. This role involves outdoor work in all weather, teamwork, and adherence to safety regulations. A category B driving license is required, along with a willingness to learn and develop skills. The company values flexibility, work-life balance, and provides structured training for career progression. Join us to contribute to a safer and more efficient railway.

Benefits

Structured training

Clear career pathways

Healthy work-life balance

Qualifications

• Capable of working in a team environment, assisting colleagues.
• Good communication skills essential for team dynamics.
• Ability to remain calm and organized under pressures of outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair trackside land and vegetation.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and nighttime if required.
• Drive Network Rail vehicles and ensure readiness of equipment.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Proactive planning

Calm under pressure

Respect for safety rules

Willingness to learn

Driving license (category B)

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. The role focuses on your transferable skills and behaviours – we provide all the necessary training so you can work safely and competently out on the network. If you succeed, you’ll have a rewarding career with a company that recently joined the top 50 on Glassdoor’s 2021 Best Places to Work.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair the land alongside the track network, including vegetation management, drainage and ancillary structures.
• Work outdoors in all conditions – day or night – including transporting kit across challenging terrain.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and provide lookout duties to keep the team safe while trains travel at high speed.
• Adhere to safety rules, maintain awareness of moving trains, and keep the site safe for passengers and freight.
• Drive Network Rail vehicles – a category B licence is required.
• Attend a changing shift pattern – days, nights, weekends – and maintain a commute within 60 minutes of the site.
• Pass medical assessment, BPSS, drug and alcohol testing, hearing and eyesight examination.

Qualifications & skills

• Ability to work as part of a team and support colleagues.
• Good communication skills.
• Proactive planning – punctual, equipment‑ready, anticipating team needs.
• Remain calm under pressure working in all weather conditions with trains passing close by.
• Respect for rules and instructions, confident to challenge unsafe situations.
• Willingness and ability to learn and develop skills relevant to the discipline.
• Driving licence (category B) required for operating Network Rail vehicles.

Benefits & development

Structured training will give you the technical and non‑technical skills needed to progress. Clear career pathways from operative to technician and team leader are available. We value flexibility, a healthy work‑life balance, and support Disability Confident and other inclusive initiatives. All staff receive standard pre‑employment checks.

Company commitment

At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!