Operative [Track]

Network Rail; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an entry level Track Operative to help inspect and maintain our railway infrastructure. You will learn on the job alongside experienced Track Technicians, supporting planned and reactive maintenance tasks and inspections.

Role involves working at night and on weekends, outdoors in all weather, with full training and progression pathways toward a Track Technician role. You must live within 60 minutes of the location and hold a valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Able to work as part of a team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain and repair railway infrastructure to support safe operations.
• Assist with inspections, handle tools and support planned and reactive maintenance work.
• Work as part of a close-knit team, often near live railway lines, with full training provided.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

NVQ1 (or equivalent)

Job description

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Different perspectives help us make better decisions, drive innovation and deliver a safer, more accessible railway for our passengers and communities.

Even if you don't meet every single requirement of the job. If you're passionate about making a difference and you believe you have the skills, potential and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you. Find out more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail here: Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail .

Our Route

Central Route is at the heart of Britain's railway, connecting people, communities and businesses across the country. From the busy commuter routes of Birmingham to the vital links between the West Midlands and London, our network helps hundreds of thousands of passengers travel safely and reliably every week, while supporting the movement of freight that keeps the UK economy moving. Home to Birmingham New Street, the busiest station outside London, Central Route plays a critical role in connecting England, Scotland and Wales. Whether it's helping someone get to work, visit loved ones or access new opportunities, everything we do helps keep people and communities connected.

About the role

About the role

Every day, thousands of passenger and freight trains rely on our rail network to keep people and goods moving. Behind the scenes, Track Operatives play a crucial role in keeping the railway safe, reliable and ready for service.

Our railway is made up of many essential components, including rails, sleepers, fastenings, switches, ballast and foundations. Each part has a vital role in supporting trains safely at speed. As a Track Operative, you'll help inspect, maintain and repair this infrastructure, making a real difference to the journeys people make every day.

This is an entry level role and a fantastic opportunity to build a long term career in the rail industry. You'll work alongside experienced Track Technicians and Team Leaders, learning on the job and gaining hands on experience. Your day to day tasks will vary and may include assisting with inspections, handling tools, and supporting planned and reactive maintenance work.

Safety and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. You'll often be working as part of a close knit team and sometimes near live railway lines where trains pass at high speed. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, including learning how to safely use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery. With the right commitment and development, there is a clear progression pathway to become a Track Technician.

To keep the railway running smoothly and reduce disruption for passengers, much of this work takes place at night, and on weekends. You'll need to be flexible with shift patterns, but rosters are provided in advance so you can plan your time around family and friends. The role is outdoors all year round, so being comfortable working in all weather conditions is important. There is also the opportunity to join an on call rota for additional earning potential.

Please note that you must live within a 60 minute travel radius of the location stated in this advert and hold a valid UK driving licence.

Other information

Salary: £32, 639 per annum

Closing date:28/10/2026 Late applications will not be accepted.

Want to find out more about what fantastic benefits we offer?

We'rea Disability Confident Leader employerand 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.

Your experience and skills

We're looking for someone who is motivated by making a real impact and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. To succeed in this role, you'll have the following...

• Able to work as part of team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.