Ground Staff

Even if you don’t meet every requirement, please don’t rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.
Job Description: Purpose of the Role
To prepare freight trains for service, facilitate movements to/from the operational Railway, and control freight train movements, in a defined area of responsibility, in a safe and timely manner. Assist Principle Ground Staff and training team with inductions, mentoring, training and assessing other ground staff as required.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure freight train and associated wagons are correctly prepared for service.
Ensure freight train and associated wagons are correctly disposed of when not in service and /or left unattended.
Assist train driver with brake continuity testing
Undertake mentoring, training, assessing and briefing other ground staff as directed by Delivery manager and rostering/training teams.
Complete train documentation e.g. Train preparation certificate, Train certificate of readiness and up-date T.O.P.S as required.
Carry out shunting and train preparation duties, including Coupling/uncoupling of wagons and locomotives.
Carry out load examination duties to railway industry standards.
Operate ground frames and hand points as required to facilitate train movements.
Undertake technical examination of rolling stock
Assist maintenance/servicing staff undertaking maintenance/servicing activities, as required where competent.
Person Specification
Experienced train preparer to meet current industry standards.
Personal Track Safety.
Rules and Regulations competent.
Freight Train Operations, Loading and Rolling Stock Examination.
Ability to work various shift patterns including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Prepared to lodge away from home, when required.
Professionalism when dealing with other individuals within the company, clients and members of the public.
Proactive and tenacious towards health and safety.
Able to work in a logical manner, good communication, commercially aware with the ability to remain vigilant in changing surroundings.
A proven safety record and the ability to work with little direct supervision.
Challenges un-safe working practices.
What we Offer
Competitive Salary
26 days Annual Leave
Industry leading Life Assurance
Healthcare Cash Plan
Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
Pension Scheme
Eye Care Vouchers
Long Service Award
Season Ticket Loan
Occupational Health Service

This is an exciting opportunity to build a career in the rail industry. We’d particularly encourage applications from women, or those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.

As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.

Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.

Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.