Network Rail
Operative [Off Track]
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Who We Are
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria.
This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.
If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.
About The Role
You'll help keep our nation moving every single day.
A critical part of the work we do is the daily up-keep 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.
As an Off-Track Operative, 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 and boundary management; previous experience of vegetation and boundary management would be desirable.
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Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract.
We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace - skills and talents we need in our business Click here for more information
Salary And Benefits
Salary: £32,639 Maintenance T&Cs plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates)
- Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days)
- My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
- A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
- Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
- 75% discount on leisure travel
- A choice of contributory pension schemes
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Closing date: 21st September 2026. Assessment Centre's will take place for this in October. Late applications may not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
Drugs & Alcohol test: All prospective candidates offered a conditional role 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.
Your Experience And Skills
About the role:
Off Track Operative: 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 and boundary management; previous experience of vegetation and boundary management would be desirable.
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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. Today's Operatives are tomorrow's Technicians and we offer a clear career path for you.
Your Skills Matter
- Teamworking - Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work and you will play an important role within the team. Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.
- Communication - A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.
- 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 have knowledge of Off-Track inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques to follow daily work instructions. Being familiar with vegetation management would be advantageous.
- Technical skills - you must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be valuable, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, will help you excel in the role.
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.
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