Location
Guildford, GBDepartment Name
CV SMOT, Guildford, Direct (880216) G1About Network Rail
Join the Southern Region – where your work truly matters.
Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key—and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Brief Description
🌿 Off-Track Operative – Keep Britain Moving, One Mile at a Time! 🌿
Location: Guildford
Contract Type: Full time Permanent
Salary: IMC20 - £29037 or Standard Maintenance Contract - £32639
Love working outdoors? Want a role where every day makes a difference? As an Off-Track Operative, you'll be part of the team that keeps the railway safe and efficient—not just on the tracks, but alongside them. From vegetation management to drainage and structures, you'll make sure the land around the railway is in top condition.
No rail experience? No problem! We're looking for attitude, teamwork, and commitment. We'll give you all the training you need to build a rewarding career in rail.
About the role (External)
What You'll Do
- 🌱 Maintain and manage: Keep the land alongside the tracks safe and clear.
- 🛠 Repair and restore: Fix issues before they become problems.
- 🌦 Work outdoors: Rain or shine, day or night—you'll be out there making a difference.
- 🚗 Drive and deliver: Check the van, transport kit, and keep the team moving.
- 👀 Stay safe: Provide lookout duties and follow safety rules at all times.
What We're Looking For
- ✅ Team player with great communication skills.
- ✅ Punctual and proactive—always ready for the next job.
- ✅ Calm under pressure and safety-focused.
- ✅ Willing to learn and grow.
- ✅ Full UK driving licence.
Why You'll Love It Here
- 🚀 Impact: Your work keeps Britain moving.
- 📚 Training: We'll give you the skills to succeed.
- 🌟 Career Path: Today's operatives are tomorrow's technicians and leaders.
- 🤝 Team Spirit: Work with people who care about making a difference.
Why Join us ………
🎁 Perks That Pack a Punch:
- 🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days + statutory days).
- ✨ Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 🚂 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- 🚂 Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- 🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- 🕊️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- ❤ Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to Work + more.
- 🧸 Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
🌈 We're All About Inclusion
· We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from — if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Important Info:
- Shifts include days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Safety-critical role: drug/alcohol testing, medical checks, hearing and eyesight tests.
- Must live within 60 minutes of your depot.
🔥 Ready to roll up your sleeves and keep the railway safe?
Apply today and join a team that values your skills, your ideas, and your future.
How to apply (External)
Location: Guildford
Contract Type: Full time Permanent
Salary: Standard Maintenance Contract - £32639
Closing date: 4th May 2026
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Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
Please note the recruitment process for this role is a Competency based interview.
Click ‘apply now' to apply. -
We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader 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. You can visitEvenbreak's 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.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced