Technician [Works Delivery Track]

About Network Rail

Network Rail keeps passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the network. The organisation is built around its people and the work they do every day to support a better connected railway. It is also focused on diversity, inclusion and flexibility, and aims to provide a workplace that reflects the communities it serves. As a Disability Confident Leader, it seeks to support candidates with access needs throughout recruitment.

Scotland’s Railway forms part of this wider network and spans a large route area from the Borders to Thurso in the north east of Scotland, covering almost 20% of the UK rail network. It serves commuter, cross-border and rural travel, and also supports more than 50 freight services each day, with capacity being expanded over time. Safety is central to the organisation’s culture, and employees are expected to challenge unsafe practices and help protect wellbeing on the network.

Role Overview

This is a permanent, full-time Technician role within the Track discipline. The position focuses on maintaining, inspecting and repairing the Permanent Way so the railway remains safe and reliable. The work is highly hands-on and involves rails, sleepers, ballast, drainage and related structures that support train operations.

Technicians work outdoors throughout the year, in all weather conditions and at different times of day or night. The role can involve physically demanding tasks and moving equipment across challenging ground, often while working close to high-speed trains. Network Rail is looking for people with transferable skills, a strong safety mindset and the right attitude; rail experience is not essential because training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inspection, maintenance and repair work on the track network to keep it safe and efficient.
• Support daily railway upkeep as part of an outdoor maintenance team.
• Work with rails, sleepers, ballast, drainage and other track-related structures.
• Help deliver work safely while following the required standards and safe systems of work.
• Lead or support the team when needed, ensuring work is completed efficiently and safely.
• Identify, raise and challenge unsafe conditions or practices to protect colleagues and the network.
• Operate in environments where trains may be passing at high speed and maintain full attention to safety.

Requirements

• Ability to lead, motivate and direct a team when required.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Experience or knowledge of inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal methods within the relevant discipline.
• Strong commitment to safety, including arranging and applying safe systems of work.
• Confident problem-solving approach and willingness to find safe, practical solutions.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and maintaining up-to-date competence in the discipline.
• Ideally an NVQ Level 1 or 2 in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work changing shifts, including days, nights and weekends.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to complete drug and alcohol testing, medical assessment, hearing and eyesight checks, and, for external candidates, BPSS checks.
• Valid driving licence category B.
• Residence within a 60-minute commute of the advertised location.
• Successful completion of the application screening questions.

Additional Information

Offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory pre-employment checks. For external candidates, this includes BPSS screening. The organisation may also require drug and alcohol testing and a medical assessment, including hearing and eyesight examinations.

The post follows the Maintenance Grade terms and conditions under the Standard Maintenance Contract. Salary for the role is £38,482 per year. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Tuesday 7 July 2026, although the advert may close earlier if application volumes are high. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. All applicants must pass the pre-screening questions to be considered.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance
• Choice of pension arrangements
• Discounted leisure train travel for employees and their family members
• 75% subsidy on Rail and Underground season tickets
• Five days of paid volunteer or carers leave
• Access to a benefits platform with national and local retail, gym and other discounts

Candidate Support

The employer welcomes applications from all candidates and will try to accommodate reasonable adjustments during recruitment. Support is available for applicants who need accessibility assistance. The team also encourages anyone who is unsure about available support options to seek guidance before applying.

Growth And Development

This role offers the chance to build a career in rail maintenance, even for candidates coming from another sector. Technicians are supported with structured training to develop technical and non-technical capabilities, and there is potential to progress into future team leadership roles.