Skilled Operative (COSS / PTS) - Rail Contractor, South West

Job Title: Skilled Operative (COSS / PTS)
Location: South West England (various sites across the region)
Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent (or contract)
Reports to: Site Supervisor / Rail Agent / Project Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and safety-focused Skilled Operative with valid COSS and PTS competencies to join our growing rail operations team in the South West. The successful candidate will support track and civils delivery across maintenance, renewals, and enhancement works while ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Safety and Site Leadership

The Skilled Operative will act as Controller of Site Safety for planned work activities. They will lead site safety briefings, toolbox talks, and safe work planning discussions. The role requires ensuring full compliance with Network Rail standards, company procedures, and safe systems of work, as well as managing site access, line protection arrangements, and safety controls.

Operational Duties

The operative will carry out a variety of skilled labouring and rail civils tasks including track maintenance, minor renewals, lineside civils activities such as drainage, cable route works, fencing, and vegetation clearance. Additional duties include trackside material handling, logistics support, and operating plant or tools in accordance with the competencies held.

Teamwork and Reporting

The role involves close coordination with supervisors, engineers, and other safety-critical staff. The operative will report near misses, hazards, and incidents, and assist with site documentation, shift reports, and safety-related feedback.

Essential Qualifications and Competencies

A valid Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification and current COSS competence are required. Candidates must have experience working on Network Rail infrastructure, a strong understanding of railway safety standards, and a full UK driving licence. Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and travel throughout the South West is essential.

Desirable Qualifications

Additional Sentinel competencies such as IWA, Crane Controller, Lookout, or Track Induction are advantageous. Further desirable qualifications include small tools competencies, first aid training, experience in rail civils or track renewals, PASMA or IPAF certification, CAT and Genny training, and manual handling or abrasive wheels training.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Candidates should demonstrate strong communication and team leadership skills, a proactive safety mindset, the ability to work under pressure, and reliability in demanding site environments. A practical problem-solving approach is essential.

What We Offer

We provide competitive pay with overtime opportunities, allowances for nights and weekends where applicable, ongoing training and competency renewals, and opportunities for progression into supervisory roles. Depending on the role, a company vehicle or fuel card may be provided alongside a supportive and safety-focused working environment