Plant Fitter & Operator
Permanent Way / Infrastructure Department
Location: New Bridge Depot, Pickering
Contract: Permanent, 36.5 hours per week.
Salary: Competitive
About Us
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is one of the world’s greatest heritage railways, operating 24 miles of track through the stunning North York Moors National Park. As a registered charity, our mission is to inspire all generations by preserving our rich industrial, cultural and natural heritage. We are looking for talented individuals who share our passion and want to be part of something truly special.
About The Role
This is a hands‑on, varied role at the heart of our infrastructure operations. As our Plant Fitter & Operator, you will be responsible for managing, maintaining, inspecting and operating all plant, lifting equipment, vehicles and machinery used by the Permanent Way / Infrastructure Department. You will ensure everything from impact wrenches to 360 excavators, forklifts, on‑track tampers and rail cranes is safe, compliant and available when needed.
The role combines skilled mechanical fitting with the administrative management of plant records, inspections, parts and stores, and hire arrangements. Based primarily at New Bridge Depot, you will work across the railway as operational needs require.
Key Responsibilities
* Overhaul, repair and maintain all allocated plant and equipment, including mechanical and hydraulic systems, to ensure items are fit, safe and available for use.
* Carry out fault‑finding and reactive maintenance across a wide range of equipment to minimise downtime and disruption to operations.
* Organise and carry out periodic statutory inspections of all plant, maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance.
* Create and maintain a plant matrix covering ownership, location, inspection dates, maintenance history, certification status and condition.
* Source, hire and manage external plant and equipment, liaising with hire companies regarding availability, delivery, costs and compliance documentation.
* Manage the plant parts store, maintaining accurate inventory and ordering replacement parts to avoid unnecessary downtime.
* Carry out risk assessments and produce method statements (RAMS) for plant operations, incorporating correct plant selection, lifting radius data and site‑specific hazards.
* Inspect all lifting equipment, slings, shackles and accessories, liaising with insurers for thorough examinations under LOLER 1998.
* Maintain and repair departmental vehicles, ensuring roadworthiness and regulatory compliance.
* Lead and support a small team of volunteers and staff, providing guidance on safe working practices.
* Operate various items of plant when trained and authorised to do so.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
* Level 2 or above in mechanical engineering (or equivalent exempting experience) with experience of working on mechanical/hydraulic equipment.
* Demonstrable experience of plant maintenance, fault‑finding and repair across a range of equipment types.
* Sound understanding of hydraulic systems.
* Experience of plant inspections and record keeping.
* Current valid UK driving licence.
* Competent IT user with experience of Excel, email and digital record keeping.
* Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
* Highly motivated, self‑directed and flexible with a can‑do attitude.
* Commitment to NYMR’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Desirable
* PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification.
* Emergency First Aid at Work.
* Tamper operation and driving experience.
* Appointed Person for Lifting Operations or equivalent lifting awareness training.
* CPCS/NPORS plant operator certificates.
* Look out, working at height and/or manual handling training.
What We Offer
* The opportunity to work in one of the UK’s most scenic locations within the North York Moors National Park.
* A varied, hands‑on role where no two days are the same.
* Being part of a passionate team of staff and volunteers dedicated to preserving heritage.
* 22 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
* Free standard travel on NYMR.
* Discounts in NYMR shops and tearooms.
* Free car parking in any of our NYMR car parks whilst on duty.
* 75% reduced rate travel on the national rail network (rail card can be applied for after 1 month’s service) and more.
Our Values
CARE
People matter to us. We support one another with kindness, respect, diversity and inclusion.
ENGAGE
We share our passion, skills and knowledge to connect with our team and communities.
INSPIRE
We create a positive environment where people can contribute, grow and make a difference.
ADAPT
We embrace change to be innovative, resilient, relevant and sustainable.
NYMR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those who engage with us.
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