Operative [Track Maintenance]

Network Rail; Northampton; On-site; GBP 29,375 - 35,902; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail in the United Kingdom is seeking an operative to specialise in track maintenance. You will work outdoors in a small team, maintaining, inspecting and repairing the track network to keep the railway safe for passengers and freight.

This is a manual role requiring safety focus, the ability to work across various shifts, including days, nights and weekends, and a willingness to learn new skills through structured training.

Qualifications

• Transferable skills that show reliability and safety focus.
• Ability to communicate clearly with team members and supervisors.
• Punctuality, planning ahead, and readiness to support the crew.
• Resilience for outdoor work in all weather and shifting conditions.
• Respect for safety rules and procedures with a proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair the track network to keep the railway safe.
• Work outdoors in all weather, day and night, and move equipment as needed.
• Support your team by checking gear and driving between sites.
• Look out for the safety of colleagues and passengers while trains pass.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules

Willingness to learn

Job description

Who We Are

You\'ll help keep our nation moving every single day.

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.

About The Role

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.

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

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.

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 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.

Salary: £32,639

Closing date: 12th August 2026. - Late applications will not be accepted.

What does our recruitment process look like?

• Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will look at your CV.


• If your experience matches what we\'re looking for, you\'ll be invited to an interview

Your Experience And Skills

• 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.