Operative [Overhead Line Equipment
Listed on 2026-08-03
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Transportation
Railroad / Railway
Location: Carstairs
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.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of oursafety vision.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
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.
the role
Get your career on track
With a starting salary of £32k and no experience needed, a career in Overhead Lines at Network Rail is one that pays. Whether you're a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required, here at Network Rail we're looking for potential.
So, what's the catch? Well, life trackside is challenging, it's physical, you need determination, but the rewards are worth it. Our Off Track Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to maintain drainage, fencing, vegetation and level crossings to help keep Britain's trains moving. Have you got what it takes?
As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre-screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.
What does an Overhead Line Operative do?
Our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track each day. This results in natural wear and tear to the overhead lines that our Overhead Line Operatives help repair.
Overhead Line Operatives work as part of a team carrying out planned works, responding to faults and patrolling the track. There's lots of variety and no day is the same on the railway. Typical tools used on the job are earth poles to isolate overhead lines and power hand tools to cut down vegetation; this work is often done whilst working at height in a cherry picker.
As this is an entry level role, Overhead Line Operatives support and learn from Overhead Line Technicians. All Overhead Line Operatives receive full training and guidance, learning how to use a range of hand tools and heavy machinery safely. Pending successful learning and development, Overhead Line Operatives can progress to Overhead Line 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 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.
What are we looking for?
We're looking for people with bags of potential who have:
- A full clean driving licence
- A strong safety ethic
- Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
- The ability to…
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