Permanent Way Track Worker

The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is an award winning heritage attraction welcoming around 250,000 visitors every year. This full-size standard-gauge railway line runs regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Along the line the SVR operates two pubs, eight catering outlets, three shops and a visitor centre. In support of the railway operation there is a thriving Engineering Workshop, Diesel Depot, and Carriage & Wagon Works.

With an annual turnover of around £8m, the SVR employs 90 people in full and part-time roles and a further 1,600 in voluntary roles. The SVR is a significant employer in the counties of Worcestershire and Shropshire.

The SVR is proud of its position as a nationally recognised and award-winning heritage attraction. Severn Valley Railway is an umbrella name for three constituent organisations plus supporting owner groups of locomotives, carriages and wagons. Collectively the SVR's mission is to: “To enthuse and inspire an affection and understanding in our visitors and staff for the Severn Valley Railway and the bygone era of steam locomotion and heritage diesels through the operation and interpretation of the Railway infrastructure, locomotives, historic carriages and wagons.”

In 2025, the Railway celebrated 60 years in preservation and supporting Railway 200. This year-long nationwide celebration marked the 200th anniversary of modern railways and aims to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.

Role Outline

Based in Highley and various worksites along the Railway, this role will support the Permanent Way team in carrying out a wide variety of duties in the day-to-day maintenance of the Railway’s permanent way.

The contract is permanent and full-time, working 40 hours per week, based on a five in seven working week. Flexible working will be required based around the requirements of the role, which will include occasional weekends, bank holidays, unsociable hours and on call commitments.

Salary dependent on skills and experience.

Benefits include company pension scheme, life assurance, free on-site parking, travel discounts on the national rail network (subject to a qualifying period), SVR travel vouchers, employee discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, employee-funded health cash plan, 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Ensure all work is carried out with health and safety being the first consideration. Use of correct and appropriate PPE for all tasks undertaken. Help contribute towards the “Target Zero” ethos.

· Help maintain the Railway’s permanent way and associated off track elements as directed, such as bridges, culverts, drains/ditches, fences, roadways and paths.

· Carry out tasks as allocated by the Permanent Way Foreman or Permanent Way Manager.

· Ensure that applicable quality standards are maintained.

· Maintain good working relationships with Permanent Way peers (both paid and voluntary), external contractors, suppliers and members of the public at all times.

· Maintain the safe handling of all tools, plant, vehicles, and other equipment of the Permanent Way Department, ensuring they are safe for use, returned to storage, and ready for the next job.

· Maintain Railway vehicles, plant and machinery, keeping them clean and tidy, inside and out.

· Maintain and keep clean all storage and mess facilities as used by the department and ensure all Railway property is securely stored.

· Perform safety critical duties appropriate to railway operations after suitable training.

· Reporting in from worksites to the Permanent Way Manager in compliance with the lone working regulations when required.

· Produce weekly timesheets for submission. Agree all overtime prior to being worked with Permanent Way Manager.

· Identify possible hazards and establish safe working practices, as necessary.

· Participate in training programmes and skills acquisition to support the role.

· Any other applicable duties as required.

Key Relationships

· Permanent Way Foreman

· Permanent Way Manager

· Colleagues and volunteers in the Permanent Way team and within SVR across all departments

· Contractors

· Material suppliers

Skills and Experience Required

· Competent in the safe and appropriate use of:

o Hand tools

o Power tools

o Permanent Way-on track plant and machinery

o Equipment and chemicals

o Good record keeping

o Willingness to undertake appropriate training and personal development where necessary

· Knowledge of, or an interest in, Heritage Railways, and/or railway operational competence would be useful but not essential

· Knowledge of current H&S legislation and work practice, including risk assessments, COSHH, working at height, IOSH certification is desirable

Qualifications or Training Required

· Must hold, or achieve, the SVR Personal Track Safety Certification (training will be provided)

· Other relevant training certification

· Full UK driving licence

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person