Network Rail
About Us
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.
Operative – Track Maintenance: Help Keep the Railway Moving!
Location: Feltham Maintenance Depot
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: IMC20 £29,611 (if already on a NWR Maintenance Contract) or Standard Maintenance Contract £32,639 + Location Allowance
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
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.
Your Experience and Skills
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.
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.
Why You’ll Love It Here
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.
About Your Application
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV. You will also be asked a short series of questions alongside your application; please ensure that you complete these honestly and provide any information requested as part of your application.
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.
Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
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.
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.
