Operative Track Maintenance

Location

Guildford, GB

Department Name

CV SM(Tr) Guildford Direct (882111) G1

About Network Rail

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.

Brief Description

🚧 Operative – Track Maintenance: Help Keep the Railway Moving! 🚧

Location:

Guilford

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £31444 + Overtime

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.

About The Role (External)

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.

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.

Why You'll Love It Here

🚀 Impact: Your work keeps Britain moving.

📚 Training: We'll give you the skills to succeed.

🌟 Career Path: Today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and leaders.

🤝 Team Spirit: Work with people who care about making a difference.

🎁 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.

🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.

🕊️ 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.

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.

🔥 Ready to roll up your sleeves and keep the railway on track?

Apply today and join a team that values your skills, your ideas, and your future.

How To Apply (External)

Location: Guilford

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £31444 + Overtime (Standard Maintenance Contract) This role may require an overtime commitment.

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Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

Closing date: 30th January 2026

Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.

Click ‘apply now' to apply. -

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!

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. You can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive 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 – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

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