Ground Staff / Rail Freight Operative
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Location: Mountsorrel Quarry (LE12 8GE)
Contract Length: Minimum 3 Months (Potential for Extension)
Shift Pattern: Days & Nights | Minimum 48 Hours per Week + Overtime
Employment Type: PAYE or Umbrella
Overview
A busy rail freight operation based at Mountsorrel Quarry is seeking 3-4 Ground Staff / Rail Freight Operatives to support increasing train movements on site. The operation handles approximately 40 train movements per week and offers long-term opportunities for reliable and safety-conscious operatives.
This role would suit candidates with freight rail, shunting, driver, or rail operations experience who are comfortable working in a trackside environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Working under the instruction of the Person in Charge (PIC) within a Safe System of Work
- Assisting with coupling and uncoupling rail wagons
- Supporting shunting operations
- Monitoring train arrivals and departures
- Checking wagon doors and ensuring operational safety standards are maintained
- Maintaining awareness of train movements, hand points, and signalling systems
- Working safely within a quarry and rail freight environment
Requirements
Essential
- Good understanding of trackside safety and rail freight environments
- Previous experience in freight rail, shunting, driver, or similar rail operations roles
- Ability to work days and nights, including 11-hour shifts
- Strong safety awareness and ability to follow instructions from the PIC
Desirable
- Valid PTS certification (not essential)
- MP Connect Card (quarry equivalent to CSCS)
- Experience within freight rail or quarry operations
Training & Support
- Full site induction provided
- Trackside awareness training may be available for suitable candidates without active PTS certification
- Assistance may be available for obtaining an MP Connect Card
Shift Information
- Mixture of day and night shifts
- Night shifts are preferred and typically operate between 17:30 - 19:30 staggered starts
- Predominantly Monday to Friday operation
- Minimum 48 hours per week with overtime opportunities available
Additional Information
The site operates a 2.5km conveyor system directly linked to the rail freight terminal. Due to increased operational demand, additional staff are required to support ongoing rail movements and freight handling activities. xsngvjr
This opportunity is ideal for experienced freight rail staff, shunters, railway volunteers, or seasonal rail workers seeking stable work with potential long-term opportunities.