Track maintenance operative
Look after railways, tunnels and bridges. You'd keep the nation's trains running safely and efficiently!
Also known as: rail track maintenance worker
About the job
What it's like
You would look after railways, tunnels and bridges to help keep trains running safely.
Your tasks might include:
setting up and looking after tracks, tunnels, embankments, cuttings, level crossings and bridges
measuring tracks to check sections are at the correct distance apart and at the right height
using special equipment to check tracks for defects
reporting possible obstacles
carrying out site surveys to check if repairs are needed
reporting accidents and issues
performing lookout and hand signalling duties during trackside operations
using hand tools, pneumatic drills, welding equipment and heavy machinery
You'd normally work in a small team and take instructions from a team leader. Your team would be managed by an engineer or rail engineering technician.
You'd have to follow safe working practices carefully in order to protect yourself and the passengers.Â
Green job Â
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:Â Â
use electric or hybrid equipment to maintain and repair the tracksÂ
manage vegetation at the side of the tracks without using harmful chemicalsÂ
reduce waste generated on the railways by recycling old tracks and sleepers Â
Hours
You would normally work in shifts covering days, nights and weekends in all weather conditions.
Environment
You would work outdoors on train tracks. Your company would provide you with protective clothing, like reflective overalls, a hard hat and safety boots. There is also a strict policy on drug and alcohol use. You could be tested for drugs or alcohol at any time.
Travel
You may need a driving licence and use of a vehicle to start shifts outside of normal public transport hours.
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- heavy equipment
- hand tools
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- filtering
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Network Rail is the main employer for this role.
You do not usually need formal qualifications to get in. A good general education is useful, including English and maths.
You may enter the role through a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Railway Engineering (SVQ level 3).
To enter a Modern Apprenticeship you may need qualifications at SCQF level 5.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of the industry and technical skills such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).
You have to pass a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol tests.
You usually need to have:
good physical fitness
good eyesight
normal colour vision
good hearing
You may have to pass a communications test
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