Operative [Overhead Line Equipment]

TN United Kingdom; Lanark; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Network Rail as an Overhead Line Operative, an entry-level role with a starting salary of £30k. You'll maintain the railway infrastructure, working outdoors with full training provided. Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for skill development, and a comprehensive benefits package including 30 days annual leave and discounts on leisure rail travel.

Benefits

75% discount on leisure rail travel

30 days annual leave

Comprehensive pension scheme after five years

Opportunities for overtime

Qualifications

• Full clean driving license required.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness to undergo medical, drug, and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair overhead lines on the rail network.
• Work in teams performing planned maintenance and responding to faults.
• Use tools for vegetation management and work at heights.

Skills

Safety ethic

Physical ability for outdoor manual work

Comfort working at heights

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

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Client:

Network Rail

Location:

Lanark, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

1fbe58a17180

Job Views:

4

Posted:

23.05.2025

Expiry Date:

07.07.2025

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Job Description:

Get your career on track

With a starting salary of £30k* and no experience needed, a career in rail overhead line 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.

Life trackside is challenging, requiring determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our rail Overhead Line Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to maintain Britain’s railway infrastructure, handling issues from fallen trees to overhead power lines. Do you have what it takes?

*Internal candidates – please see the ‘how to apply’ section for salary details.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete pre-screening questions. Please read each carefully before responding.

About the role (External)

What does an Overhead Line Operative do?

Our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains daily across 10,000 miles of track, leading to natural wear and tear on overhead lines, which our Overhead Line Operatives repair.

They work in teams performing planned maintenance, responding to faults, and patrolling tracks. The work is varied, often involving tools like earth poles to isolate lines, and power tools for vegetation management, frequently at heights in cherry pickers.

This is an entry-level role supporting and learning from Overhead Line Technicians. Full training is provided, and successful learners can progress to Technicians.

Work often occurs at night or weekends to minimize service disruption and enhance safety, with rosters provided 4 weeks in advance.

What are we looking for?

We seek candidates with potential who have:

·A full clean driving license

·A strong safety ethic, including comfort working at heights

·Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends

·Physical ability for outdoor manual work in all weather

·Willingness to undergo medical, drug, and alcohol testing as part of recruitment and employment

What’s in it for you?

·Competitive starting salary, with potential increases for Technicians

·No need for expensive training courses or exams; full training provided

·Opportunities to develop practical trades and skills, with pathways to management roles

·A comprehensive pension scheme after five years

·75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family

·30 days annual leave

·Overtime opportunities, with a 35-hour week and potential on-call work

We promote diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, and are a Disability Confident organization ready to support individual needs.

Start your career with Network Rail—apply now.