Location
Reading, GB
Department Name
DK CS(Track), Reading, Direct (893091) G1
About Network Rail
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. Now is a fantastic time and join our team in Wales and Western region as we finalise the reforms to our maintenance organisation which will deliver:
- A safer and more reliable and punctual service for passengers and employees – quicker fault fixes by more agile multi-disciplined response teams.
- Individual rostering – enabling us to send the right number or people to fix a fault.
- Multi-skilling – investing in the knowledge and skills of our people so they are better equipped to fix the most common faults themselves.
- Accelerated and improved technology deployment – we have a raft of labour and life-saving technology ready to be rolled out.
Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When your part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
Watch our video to find out more! About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We look for opportunities to offer great opportunities to learn and grow through personal and professional development. And, if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.
We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone .
For more information about Network Rail click here
Brief Description
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day. This is a critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an operative you’ll work outdoors 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.
About The Role (External)
Our 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 team
The 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.
Your Skills Matter
Our 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.
- Experience as an arborist
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.
- Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. 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.
You matter to us
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 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 technicians are tomorrow’s technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.
As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!
- Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.
- A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.
- Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.
- Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, with hybrid working, flexible working, and family friendly support.
- 5 days paid volunteering leave.
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.
- In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.
How To Apply (External)
Salary:
£31,444 per annum
Closing date: 28th August 2025. - Late applications will not be accepted.
Click
apply now to apply.
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, please email
[email protected].
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
- Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
We positively embrace flexible working recognising that employees may wish to balance work and family/home life.
In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.
At Network Rail we promote a diverse and inclusive organisation. We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team to support black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact Wales&
[email protected] 
