Technician [Off Track] - Reading Napier Road

Network Rail; Reading; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail organization is looking for a Technician to maintain and repair land alongside the track network in Reading. This role includes outdoor work in various conditions and requires strong leadership and communication skills. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level 1 or 2 or equivalent experience. A valid driving license is also necessary. Salary for this position is £37,073 per annum with a closing date for applications on September 24, 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in inspection, faulting, maintenance, and renewal techniques.
• Commitment to self-development and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, and repair land alongside the track network.
• Lead a team when asked and ensure safety standards are met.
• Communicate effectively with the team and deliver clear instructions.

Skills

Leadership

Effective communicator

Technical skills

Safety

Problem solver

Willingness to learn

Education

NVQ Level 1 or 2 in relevant discipline

Job description

Location: Reading, GB

Department Name: MW SM(OT) Reading Direct (893116) G1

About Network Rail: Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day. A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As a technician, you’ll work outdoors in a team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.

Our technician 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 transferable 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.

About The Role (External)

Our technicians provide the essential link between the team leader and the team’s operatives.

Off track: You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage, and ancillary structures.

Our technicians work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You could 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

A natural team player, you’ll also be able to lead the team when asked by the team leader. You’ll use your skills to deliver work safely and will check the team has the right competencies to meet our strict safety standards.

You matter to us

Today’s technicians can go onto become tomorrow’s team leaders. 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 and non-technical skills.

Your Skills Matter

Our technicians play a vital 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:

• Leadership – You’re able to lead, motivate, and direct a team for safe and efficient work delivery.
• Effective communicator – You’ll need strong communication skills and be able to deliver clear instructions to the team and other colleagues.
• Technical skills – You’ll have knowledge and experience of inspection, faulting, maintenance, and renewal techniques in the discipline that you are applying for.
• Safety – You consistently role model safe behaviours, can arrange and implement safe systems of work, and are confident to challenge if you think a situation is unsafe.
• Problem solver – You’ll be persistent in finding safe and effective solutions.
• 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.
• Relevant qualification – You’ll ideally hold an NVQ Level 1 or 2 linked to the discipline you are applying for. Or you have achieved an equivalent level of relevant experience.

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.
• Safe working - Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks.
• 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.

How To Apply (External): Salary: £37,073 per annum. Closing date: 24th September 2025. - Late applications will not be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We promote a diverse and inclusive organisation and welcome applications from all sections of the community.