Operative
Description
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We're an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.
In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail .
Brief Description
About our Route
Central Route is the Heart of Britain's Railway. More than a million people rely on our route every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. But we are more than just tracks and trains, we are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods.
We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street - the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway - connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.
About the role (External)
About the role
What does a Rail Testing & Lubrication Operative do?
Every single day our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track, resulting in natural wear and tear that our Operatives repair.
Carrying millions of people daily, the track is made up of rails, railway ties (sleepers), fasteners, railway switches, ballast and foundations. These components of the railway track play different roles in providing support for trains. Our Rail Testing & Lubrication Operatives keep all this in tip top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption.
Using a variety of ultrasonic inspection techniques and specialist tools to check for rail defects and maintenance of trackside lubrication units. Inspection and maintenance teams are briefed at the start of each shift on the work to be completed.
As this is an entry level role, our Rail Testing & Lubrication Operatives support and learn from the wider Rail Testing & Lubrication team. This can involve fetching, carrying and using maintenance tools. Teamwork is a huge part of the job. All Rail Testing & Lubrication Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of range of tools and equipment safely. Pending successful learning and development, Rail Testing & Lubrication Operatives can progress to Rail Testing & Lubrication Technicians.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we'll provide your roster weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.
What we're looking for
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
• Able to work as part of team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by the business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ 1 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.
How to apply (External)
Salary: £31,444
Closing date : 12/02/2026 . Late applications will not be accepted.
Our benefits:
- Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days contract dependant)
- My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
- A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
- Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
- 75% discount on leisure travel (Discretionary)
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer 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.
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates, maintains and develops Britain's railway infrastructure managing 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and thousands of signals, level crossings and stations.