Operative- Talent Pool (Various Disciplines and Locations)

Network Rail; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A rail infrastructure company is seeking Operatives in Bedford to support railway maintenance. Candidates will work outdoors and be involved in critical tasks to ensure safety and efficiency on the rail network. Applicants should possess transferable skills, such as teamwork and communication, as well as a willingness to learn. This position offers a starting salary of £30,351 or £35,785 depending on discipline.

Qualifications

• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver safe and efficient work.
• Good communication skills for safe and effective work.
• Punctuality and readiness of van and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support essential maintenance operations in a small team.
• Work outdoors under various conditions.
• Transport kit across difficult terrains safely.

Skills

Team-working

Communication

Proactive planning

Working under pressure

Following rules and instructions

Willingness to learn

Job description

Operative- Talent Pool (Various Disciplines and Locations)

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Location
Bedford, GB

Department Name
EM HRSS (348103) G5

About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day. 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.

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 Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.

About The Role (External)

Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in (depending which discipline you are successful for). Signalling & Telecoms will involve working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. You’ll develop a huge range of technical skills across manual, electrical and digital equipment.

Discipline Options

• Track: Maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the track network (Permanent Way) – manual work with rails, sleepers, ballast, drainage and ancillary structures.
• Offtrack: Maintaining, inspecting, and repairing land alongside the track, including vegetation management and drainage.
• Undertrack: Maintaining, inspecting, and repairing equipment under the track network (joinery, lubrication, welding).
• Distribution & Plant: Keeping electrified rails powered; working on nuts, bolts and cables of the electrification system.
• Overhead lines: Working with high voltage systems, often at height; measuring, adjusting, repairing and modifying cables and wires.

Operatives work outdoors in all conditions, and you’ll be involved in demanding manual work with the need to transport kit across difficult terrain. Safety, adherence to rules, and teamwork are critical as you’ll often be near moving trains.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You’ll be the one who shows up first and leaves last, ensures van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and drives the team between sites. You’ll support your team in maintaining equipment and perform lookout duties to keep everyone safe.

You matter to us

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is important in this role and we’ll provide training to develop both technical and non-technical skills. If you’re joining from another industry, the structured training will help you move into rail. Today’s operatives are tomorrow’s technicians and team leaders, and there is a clear career path.

Your Skills Matter

Transferable skills are valued. You may not need prior rail experience, but you should demonstrate how your skills align with the following:

• Team-working – ability to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work.
• Communication – good communication skills for safe and effective work.
• Proactive planning – punctuality, readiness of van and equipment, anticipating team needs.
• Working under pressure – remain calm outdoors with trains passing nearby.
• Following rules and instructions – respect rules and speak up if unsafe.
• Willingness to learn – ongoing development of skills and competencies.

Additional Information

• Shifts involve days, nights and weekends.
• Outdoor work in all weathers.
• Pre-employment checks including drug/alcohol testing, medical assessment and BPSS. Hearing and eyesight exams required.
• Driving licence (category B) required to drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Within a 60-minute commute of the location you’re applying for.

How To Apply (External)

Salary: £30,351 or £35,785 depending on discipline

Note: This is an active talent pool for current and future vacancies with permanent or fixed-term opportunities. The pool is regularly monitored and you will be contacted when a suitable role becomes available. Applications retained for up to 6 months.

Click apply now to apply.

What does our recruitment process look like?

• Our Recruitment Specialist will review your CV.
• If your experience matches, you’ll be invited to an interview.

Accessibility: visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support. If you require reasonable adjustments, please note this in your application.

Network Rail Benefits – Click here to learn about benefits.

All offers are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Additional details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.

Some roles may require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Rail Transportation

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