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Rail Construction and Maintenance Operatives

Rail construction and maintenance operatives lay, re-lay, repair and examine railway track and maintain surrounding areas.

Daily Tasks

  • Fastens together sections of rail by bolting fishplates to rails.
  • Positions lengths of rail, sets of points and crossovers and secures rail with bolts, wooden wedges or clips.
  • Spreads ballast and lays sleepers or metal plates at specified intervals.
  • Lubricates points, examines fences, drains, culverts and embankments and carries out any necessary maintenance.
  • Checks tightness of bolts and wedges, replaces damaged rail chairs and repacks ballast under sleepers if necessary.
  • Patrols length of track and visually inspects rails, bolts, fishplates and chairs for distortion or fracture.

£24,714

Entry Level Salary

£45,195.14

Average Salary

£69,083.25

Potential Salary

Number of Jobs

11

Past two years

6

This year

49

7 year projection

What are the key skills for this job?

What course level do I need to study?

Required Level

Requirement Percent

Level 0

13%

Level 1

11%

Level 2

33%

Level 3

22%

Level 6 (Bachelors)

21%

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