Operative Signalling

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.

About the role (External)

In this role, Signalling & 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 equipment.

Our operatives work outdoors in all weather conditions, day or night, throughout the year. You'll be engaged in physically demanding manual work, often across challenging terrain, with the need to transport equipment. Safety awareness, adherence to rules, and effective teamwork are paramount as you'll frequently work alongside trains moving at high speeds.

Your Role in the Team:

As an Off-Track Operative, you'll play a vital role in your team's success. You'll be ensuring that vehicles and equipment are checked and prepared for each shift. Your responsibilities will include supporting the team in equipment maintenance and ensuring the safety of all team members.

We Value Your Growth:

Commitment to self-improvement and ongoing learning is crucial in this role. We provide comprehensive training to enhance both technical and soft skills. Whether you're transitioning from another industry or starting your career journey, our structured training programs will equip you with the necessary skills and confidence for a rewarding career in rail. As today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and team leaders, we offer a clear career path for advancement.

While rail experience is not mandatory, we look for the following qualities in our operatives:

Teamwork: Ability to collaborate closely with the team to ensure safe and efficient work delivery.

Communication: Strong communication skills to work effectively and safely.

Proactive Planning: Punctuality, preparation, and anticipation of team needs are essential.

Working Under Pressure: Capacity to remain calm and composed in challenging outdoor environments.

Adherence to Rules: Understanding and respect for safety rules, with the confidence to address unsafe situations.

Willingness to Learn: Dedication to continuous skill development and staying updated on industry standards.

Additional Information:

Shifts: Operatives work on rotating shift patterns, including days, nights, and weekends.

Outdoor Working: Comfortable working in various weather conditions.

Safety Requirements: Employment offers are contingent upon drug and alcohol testing, medical assessments, and BPSS pre-employment checks, including hearing and eyesight examinations.

Driving: A valid driving license (Category B) is required to operate Network Rail vehicles.

Commute: You must reside within a 60-minute commute of the desired location., 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

At Network Rail, we're part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

Our colleagues are encouraged to work flexibly as we know that busy lives don't always fit around a traditional working pattern, if you need flexibility to complete your role just let us know and we will do our upmost to help you to invest in your career with us while balancing other aspects of your life.