Operative [Off Track] - Inverness

Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

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 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 the Glassdoor's 2021 Best Places to Work.

Internal Candidates: Please Note there may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the GTRM IMC25 contract.

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre-screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.

About the role (External)

Operatives specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you’ll become a specialist in Off Track.

You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the land alongside the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. This includes vegetation management, drainage and ancillary structures.

Our Operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You’ll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you’ll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

You matter to your team

The team depends on you. You’re the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site. Every day you’ll support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.

Our Operatives play a key role in our maintenance teams. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:

• Teamworking - our maintenance teams depend on each other and you’ll be able to work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.


• Communication - you’ll have good communication skills so you can work safely and effectively.


• Proactive planning - being punctual, having the van and equipment ready and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.


• Working under pressure - working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you’ll need to remain calm under pressure.


• Following rules and instructions - it is important that you understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.


• Willingness to learn - you’ll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions., · Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.


• Driving - As an Operative you’ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.


• Commute times – You’ll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you’re applying for.


Essential Criteria

· Experience of working in an environment where safety is vital

· Willing and able to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends

· A team player

· Keen to develop new skills

· Good communication skills, both in person and in writing

Salary: £29,044