Operative [Track Maintenance] - Ashford Old Railway Works

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Season ticket discount

Leisure travel discount

Volunteer leave

Carer’s leave

Healthcare

Gym discounts

Cycle to work

Parental leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Ashford is seeking a Track Maintenance Operative to keep the railway safe, reliable and ready for the millions of journeys that depend on it daily. You’ll perform essential maintenance, inspections and repairs across the network, fix faults, prevent issues and respond to urgent tasks.

No rail experience? That’s fine—training will be provided to help you build a rewarding career in rail maintenance.

Qualifications

• Team player with great communication skills.
• Punctual and proactive—always ready for the next job.
• Calm under pressure and safety-focused.
• Willing to learn and grow.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintain: Carry out essential track maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep the network running safely.
• Travel to sites: Work across different locations as maintenance needs arise.
• Work outdoors: In all weather conditions, day or night—you'll help keep the railway safe and operational.
• Prioritise safety: Support safe working practices, including lookout duties and following all safety procedures.
• Support the wider team: Assist with fault-finding, inspections, and emergency repairs when required.

Skills

Team player

Punctuality

Safety-focused

Willing to learn

Driving licence

Job description

Who We Are

Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.

Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.

Operative - Track Maintenance: Help Keep the Railway Moving!

Location: Ashford Old Railway Works

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £32639 Standard Maintenance Contract

Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)

About The Role

Looking for a role where your work truly matters? As a Track Maintenance Operative, you'll play a vital part in keeping the railway safe, reliable, and ready for the millions of passengers who depend on it every day. You'll work across the network, carrying out essential maintenance and repairs to ensure the track remains in top condition. Whether you're fixing faults, preventing issues before they arise, or responding to urgent tasks, you'll be making a real impact. No rail experience? That's absolutely fine. Bring your enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to learn-and we'll provide all the training you need to build a successful career in rail maintenance.

What You'll Do

• Repair and maintain: Carry out essential track maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep the network running safely.
• Travel to sites: Work across different locations as maintenance needs arise.
• Work outdoors: In all weather conditions, day or night-you'll help keep the railway safe and operational.
• Prioritise safety: Support safe working practices, including lookout duties and following all safety procedures.
• Support the wider team: Assist with fault¿finding, inspections, and emergency repairs when required.

Your Experience and Skills

What you'll need

• Team player with great communication skills.
• Punctual and proactive-always ready for the next job.
• Calm under pressure and safety-focused.
• Willing to learn and grow.
• Full UK driving licence.

Important Info

• Shifts include days, nights, and weekends.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Safety-critical role: drug/alcohol testing, medical checks, hearing and eyesight tests.
• Must live within 60 minutes of your depot.

Perks That Pack a Punch

• We offer excellent benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
• Up to 75% off leisure travel.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
• Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.

Plus, more....

We’re All About Inclusion

We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from - if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.

About Your Application

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.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Safety and Compliance

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard

All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.