Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria
This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
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.
Play a vital role in keeping the country moving.
We are looking to recruit for an Operative within the Track team based out of our depot in Carlisle.
Maintaining the rail network is a key part of what we do every day. As a railway Operative, you'll work outdoors as part of a close-knit team, carrying out essential maintenance on the tracks to ensure trains run safely and reliably for both passengers and freight.
Our operatives come from all walks of life-this could be your first time considering a role in the rail industry. We value transferable skills and the right attitude above all. If you can bring those, we'll provide the training you need to work safely and confidently out on the network.
Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract
Track maintenance offers a dynamic and diverse role based on mechanical engineering skills. There is a variety in tasks, from walking the tracks to finding faults to taking the track apart and putting back together, in a limited timeframe to ensure the trains can begin running as scheduled once the work is completed. This ensures that no two days are the same.
You will be working on tasks such as:
- Track inspection - walking the tracks to find faults and fix before they become an issue
- Track maintenance - attending faults identified by the track recording vehicles and carrying out manual repairs
- Support OTM's - provide support to on track machines such as tampers and stoneblowers
We value individuals with transferable skills, a willingness to learn and want to develop new skills. This includes people who have experience with:
- General labouring skills, such as using petrol powered machinery
- Mechanical problem-solving, for example car mechanics or metal working
- Basic IT knowledge, such as using an iPad
Whether you're new to the field or bringing experience from another technical discipline, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement within Network Rail.
How to apply
We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace - skills and talents we need in our business .
Salary and benefits:
Salary: £32,639 plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates)
- Pro-rata annual leave entitlement
- 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
- A choice of contributory pension schemes
2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here .
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework , any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. .
Closing date: 3rd September 2026. Assessment Centre's will take place in September. We reserve the right to close the advert early if there is a high number of applicants.
Click 'apply now' to apply.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
Teamworking - Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work and you will play an important role within the team. Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.
Communication - A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.
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 have knowledge of Track inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques to follow daily work instructions. Being familiar with maintenance standards and procedures would be advantageous.
Technical skills - you must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be advantageous, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, will help you excel in the role.
It matters that this is the right role for you.
Here's some additional information which might help you.
- Shifts - Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor working - Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.
- 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.
