Rail track maintenance worker

As a rail track maintenance worker, you would:

• lay and repair railway tracks, sleepers and ballast
•  inspect track condition and check for defects
•  maintain tunnels, embankments, bridges and drainage
•  clear obstacles after bad weather and report incidents
•  follow strict safety rules

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• problem-solving skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a rail track maintenance worker, you'll work in a safety critical environment around live wires and on train tracks. You'll have a medical as part of the selection process. This will include checks of your hearing and vision.

You might also need to:

• take regular drug and alcohol checks
• have a driving licence so you can drive rail company vehicles
• live no more than an hour away from the location you wish to work

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could be promoted to team supervisor or team leader.

With further training, you could become:

• an engineering technician
•  a track inspector or project manager
•  an engineering surveyor or track designer