Operative [Off Track]

Network Rail; Perth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rail travel discount

30 days annual leave

Pension schemes

Overtime opportunities

Discounted travel for family

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an Off Track Provisional Operative in Scotland. This entry level role offers a starting salary of £32k and full training to develop skills in drainage, fencing and lineside maintenance. The job involves outdoor, shift-based work and opportunities to progress toward Off Track Technicians.

Applicants undergo pre-screening, with full training provided and a clear career path within the rail network. A disability-friendly employer supporting adjustments.

Qualifications

• Full clean driving licence required.
• Strong problem solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Strong safety ethic and awareness.
• Willingness to work varied shifts (days, evenings, weekends).
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lineside assets, drainage, fencing and level crossings.
• Support maintenance teams and learn from Off Track Technicians.
• Operate hand tools and heavy machinery safely.
• Work outdoors, often at night or weekends, with roster provided in advance.
• Provide lookout duties to keep the team safe.

Skills

Driving licence

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Shift work

Physical outdoor work

Medical testing

Job description

Who We Are

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 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.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

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

Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About The Role

Get your career on track

£32k starting salary

With a starting salary of £32k and no experience needed, a career in Off Track at Network Rail is one that pays. Whether you're a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required, here at Network Rail we're looking for potential.

So, what's the catch? Well, life trackside is challenging, it's physical, you need determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our Off Track Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to maintain drainage, fencing, vegetation and level crossings to help keep Britain's trains moving. Have you got what it takes?

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre‑screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.

What does an Off Track Operative do?

Every single day our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track. Our Off Track Operatives support the maintenance and repair of the lineside assets. The maintenance of these assets is critical to the functioning of the railway by ensuring drainage systems are functioning correctly, signals and track remain clear of vegetation, lineside boundaries are secure and level crossing are in good condition. Our Off Track Operatives keep all of this in tip‑top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption.

Using a mix of new technology and manual inspection, Network Rail monitors railway assets around the clock. Maintenance teams are briefed at the start of each shift on the maintenance work to be completed.

As this is an entry level role, Off Track Operatives support and learn from the Off Track Technicians. This will involve using discipline‑specific tools and plant to maintain lineside assets. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All Off Track Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Off Track Operatives can progress to Off Track Technicians.

To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we'll provide your roster 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.

What are we looking for?

• A full clean driving licence
• Problem solving skills
• Good communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• A strong safety ethic
• Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
• The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
• Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing, as part of our recruitment process and whilst you're working for us (it's a safety requirement)
• Competitive starting salary for Off Track Operatives with the potential to increase for Off Track Technicians
• A fresh start - you don't need to pay for expensive training courses or re‑sit any exams, this is an entry level job and full training will be provided
• Development in a range of practical trades and skills to get you to the next career level; many maintenance workers progress to management roles - there's no stopping you at Network Rail
• Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail's leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years' service
• 75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
• 30 days' annual leave
• Extra earning potential: 35‑hour week with overtime opportunities (there may be a requirement to work on call)
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Choice of pension schemes
• Discounted leisure train travel for you and your family
• 75% subsidy on Rail and Underground season tickets
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• My Benefits platform - giving national and local discounts on retailers, gym membership and more

What's in it for me?

Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role.

Don't meet every requirement?

We're a Disability Confident organisation and we'll try our best to adapt to suit individual needs.

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know—we'll do our best to assist you.

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact [e-mail].

All applicants must complete and pass the pre‑screening questions in order to be considered for this vacancy.

Grade: Maintenance Grade Terms and Conditions (Standard Maintenance Contract)

Salary: £32,639

Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 7th October 2026 - late applications will not be accepted.

We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know—we'll do our best to assist you.

PLEASE NOTE - all offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.

Your Experience And Skills

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.

Your Skills Matter

• Teamworking - 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.

It matters that this is the right role for you.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

• 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 (if not already held). 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.
• Commute times - You'll also need to be within a 60‑minute commute of the location that you're applying for.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital
• Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends
• A team player
• Keen to develop new skills
• Good communication skills, both in person and in writing
• Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions (all applicants)