Job Description

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments 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.If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!Brief DescriptionThis is an expression of interest role, applicants that meet the criteria will be invited to an Assessment CentreYou'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 an Operative you'll work 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.As part of the application process for an Operative, all applicants are required to complete some pre-screening questions. These questions require time and concentration so please prepare for this accordingly, ensuring you read each question carefully before responding. Should you pass the pre-screening questions you will be also be invited to take part in online psychometric testing which should take approximately 45 minutes to complete, the results of these tests will be store and used for future applications for a period of 6 months.There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the GTRM IMC25 contractPlease note: Although this is an entry level role we do require you to have knowledge or a qualification in engineering / electrical & electronics, e.g City & Guilds GNVQ / National diploma or equivalent, please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates the experience that you have and ALL of the relevant qualifications.About the role (External)Operatives specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you'll become a specialist inSignalling & Telecoms. You'll be working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. With your willingness to learn, you'll develop a huge range of technical skills across a range of manual, electrical and digital equipmentOur 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 teamThe 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 usYour 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 matterOur Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don't necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:

• Teamworking - 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.

xc2xb7 Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and . 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.

Essential Criteriaxc2xb7 Experience of working in an environment where safety is vitalxc2xb7 Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekendsxc2xb7 A team playerxc2xb7 Keen to develop new skillsxc2xb7 Good communication skills, both in person and in writingxc2xb7 to have knowledge or a qualification in engineering / electrical & electronics, e.g City & Guilds GNVQ / National diploma or equivalent,xc2xb7 Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions (all applicants)How to apply (External)Salary xc2xa335785 + Location AllowanceNetwork Rail Benefits -Closing date: 7th April 2025Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.We're dedicated to creating an and we welcome applications from everyone!Network Rail is a 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. You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.Network Rail Benefits -All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.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:Should you be successful in this role you 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 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

Network Rail