Northern
Train Cleaner - Nights
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: TPO Shifts
SALARY: £26,400 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Onsite
HOURS: Average 35 per week
SHIFTS: Night Shifts (20:15 – 06:15) on a 4 week rolling roster
While most of the North is asleep, our trains are getting ready for a new day. The night cleaning team plays a vital role in making sure every service starts the morning clean, safe, and ready for our passengers. Based out of Heaton Traincare Centre, you’ll be playing a vital role at one of our key sites, keeping Newcastle’s fleet clean, safe, and ready for service every day.
As a Night Train Cleaner at Northern, you’ll join a dedicated, supportive team that takes real pride in setting the standard before the first passengers step on board. Working behind the scenes, you’ll hit the ground running, using your experience to help keep our fleet in top condition—tackling everything from thorough daily cleans to deeper specialist work. If you have a strong work ethic, great attention to detail, and want to be part of a team that works hard and supports each other, this is a great place to build your career.
What You’ll Be Doing
Working as part of our night operation, you’ll bring your focus and dedication to help prepare trains for the next day’s service. Your work will include:
- Cleaning train interiors thoroughly, including tables, windows, seats, floors, and high-touch areas to the highest hygiene standards.
- Removing litter, emptying bins, and restocking essential onboard facilities.
- Carrying out intensive full cleans or specialist deep cleans to ensure our fleet looks its absolute best.
- Operating specialist cleaning equipment and using effective techniques to remove ingrained dirt across all areas of the train.
- Responding safely and promptly to more demanding cleaning tasks, including biohazard spills (such as blood or vomit), following health and safety procedures to the letter.
- Working closely with your team to ensure all work is completed efficiently so trains depart safely and on time.
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About You
We’re looking for hard-working, dedicated individuals who take genuine pride in a job well done. You’ll bring:
- Prior cleaning experience (commercial, industrial, or domestic), giving you the practical know-how to hit the ground running from day one.
- Exceptional attention to detail and high standards—you notice the small details others might miss.
- A strong work ethic and team mindset, bringing positive energy and reliability to a close-knit night team.
- Comfort working outdoors and onboard trains in all weather conditions during night hours.
- Physical capability and stamina—you’re comfortable climbing onto trains from ground level and staying active throughout your shift (hitting 10,000+ steps a night is standard).
- Flexibility to work night shifts across weekends and bank holidays as part of a rolling roster.
While role-specific depot safety and specialised equipment training will be provided, prior cleaning experience and a proactive, dedicated attitude are essential.
This is a role in a safety critical environment, which means you’ll need to meet Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) requirements. To apply, you must:
- Live within a 45-minute car journey of the station you’ll work from.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Pass a safety-critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- Have normal colour vision.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the brilliant work our people do every day.
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Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria, you’ll be offered an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers are subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
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