Overview
Location: Ely, GB
Department Name: DH SM(Tr) March Direct (822112) G1
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. ED&I commitments and a Disability Confident Leader recruitment approach are part of our ethos. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
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 backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you"ve considered a career in rail. We focus on transferable skills and behaviours and will provide training to have you working safely and competently on the network.
About The Role (External)
Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines; for this role you"ll become a specialist in Track. You"ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and repairing the track network (the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role working with rails, sleepers, ballast, drainage and related structures. You"ll work outside in all conditions, day or night, often transporting kit across varied terrain. Safety, adherence to rules, and teamwork are essential as you may work next to moving trains travelling at high speed.
Responsibilities
* You matter to your team: show up, prepare equipment, and support the team with on-site logistics and lookout duties to keep everyone safe.
* You matter to us: commit to self-development; we provide training to build both technical and non-technical skills and offer clear career progression.
* Your Skills Matter: demonstrate transferable skills and develop competencies relevant to your discipline, with ongoing training.
Requirements & Qualifications
* Team-working and communication skills
* Proactive planning: punctuality, readiness of van and equipment
* Ability to work under pressure outdoors in all conditions
* Ability to follow rules and instructions and speak up if unsafe
* Willingness to learn and keep up to date with standards
Additional Information
* Shifts: changing pattern including days, nights and weekends
* Outdoor work in all weathers
* Pre-employment checks include drug and alcohol testing, medical assessment, BPSS, hearing and eyesight checks
* Driving licence (category B) required to drive NR vehicles
* Within a 60-minute commute of the work location
How To Apply (External)
Salary: £31,444 spot rate
Closing date: 23rd October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply. You must live within 60 minutes of Thetford Depot, Station Road, Norfolk, IP24 1AH.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. For accessibility support information visit relevant resources. Reasonable adjustments can be requested with your application.
Benefits
Network Rail Benefits information is available on request.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Some roles require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing; details will be shared with you as part of the formal offer.
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