Operative [Track Maintenance]

Network Rail; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail infrastructure provider in Gateshead is seeking an Operative to support essential maintenance of the railway network. The role emphasizes teamwork and communication, requiring a proactive approach to planning and safety. Responsibilities include maintaining the track network and ensuring team safety while working outdoors in all conditions. Applicants need a valid driving licence, a willingness to learn, and must be within a 60-minute commute of Gateshead. Successful candidates will receive necessary training to manage their duties competently.

Qualifications

• Ability to work closely with the team for safe and efficient delivery.
• Good communication skills to work effectively.
• Punctuality and anticipation of team needs are essential.
• Remain calm under pressure while working outdoors.
• Understand and adhere to safety rules and protocols.
• Desire to continually improve skills and competencies.
• Comfortable working in various weather conditions.
• Valid driving licence (category B).
• Ability to commute within 60 minutes of the location.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair the track network to ensure safety.
• Support equipment checks and team safety while on site.
• Transport kit across challenging terrain as required.

Skills

Team-working

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules and instructions

Willingness to learn

Comfortable working outdoors

Job description

Overview

Acritical 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. Our operative community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you've even considered a career in rail. We're focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network. And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work. Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.

Responsibilities

About The Role (External) Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you'll become a specialist in Track: You'll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting,and repairing the track network, (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role as you'll be working with rails, sleepers and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures. Our operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day, or night. You'll be involved in demanding manual work,often with the need to transport kit, across tricky terrain. Being safety focused,respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you'll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

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.

Qualifications and Requirements

Our operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don't necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferable skills meet the following:

• Team-working 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.
• 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 and BPSS pre-employment checks. 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.