Technician [Off Track]

Network Rail; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28 days

Rail season tickets subsidies

Pension schemes

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a Technician to maintain the track infrastructure in the Manchester area. You will work outdoors in a close-knit team, performing essential maintenance to keep trains running safely and reliably for passengers and freight.

The role involves chainsaw use, vegetation management and tree work, with a 6-month fixed-term contract that may lead to permanent opportunities. A driving licence (Category B) is required and shifts include days, nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Teamwork is essential to deliver safe and efficient work on site.
• Clear communication required to instruct the team and colleagues.
• Technical knowledge in the discipline and understanding of construction management processes.

Responsibilities

• Check vehicles, plant, tools, equipment and materials are fit for use and properly stored.
• Maintain, inspect and repair land alongside the track network, including vegetation management and drainage.
• Direct and support a team through inspections, faulting, vegetation work and fencing installation.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Technical knowledge

Driving licence (category B)

Education

NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent)

Job description

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.

Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria

This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.

In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.

If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.

About the role

Play a vital role in keeping the country moving.

Maintaining the rail network is a key part of what we do every day. As a railway Technician, you'll work outdoors as part of a close-knit team, carrying out essential maintenance on the tracks to ensure trains run safely and reliably for both passengers and freight.

From establishing safety arrangements to checking the quality of work, you'll direct and inspire the success of a team involved in everything from inspection, faulting, vegetation maintenance and fencing installation.

The role involves carrying out chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and the felling and processing of trees up to 380mm. You will also undertake tree climbing, aerial rescue, vegetation management and the safe use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness.

This role is for a 6 month secondment / fixed-term contract, but may have the potential to become permanent.

Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract.

Salary and benefits:

Salary: £38,482 plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates)

• Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days)
• My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
• A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
• Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
• A choice of contributory pension schemes

2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community

Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.

Closing date:23 rd September 2026. Assessment Centre's will take place in October.We reserve the right to close the advert early if there is a high number of applicants.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail.Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision

We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available.Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, pleaseadd a note to your application.

***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Your experience and skills

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You're the one who will check that vehicles, plant, tools, equipment and materials under your control are fit for use and are used, stored and disposed of correctly. You will alsomaintain, inspect and repair the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage and ancillary structures.

You matter to us

Teamworking -Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work and you will play an important role within the team.Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.

Communication -A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.

Working under pressure -Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you'll need to remain calm under pressure.

Technical skills -you must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be advantageous, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, will help you excel in the role.

It matters that this is the right role for you.

Here's some additional information which might help you.

Shifts - Technician roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights and weekends.

Outdoor working - Our technicians work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.

Driving - As a technician 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.

Key Information

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Fixed-Term

Hours:

Full Time

Location:

Guide Bridge Off Track Depot, Manchester

Geographical Area:

North West England

Closing Date:

23-SEP-2026

Job Category:

Site based Maintenance

Function:

North West & Central Region

Organisation:

BF SM(OT) Manchester North Direct (854216) G1