Railway Operative

Build your Future with Us!

McLaughlin & Harvey is a privately owned company with over 170 years of experience, specialising in civil engineering and construction. We offer design and construction services across a range of disciplines including port and harbour developments, river and coastal engineering, road and rail infrastructure, environmental improvements, public realm and landscaping works, bridges, restoration, energy, and renewables.

We have developed a reputation for delivering safe, innovative and quality sustainable marine, coastal and transport infrastructure projects.

We are a forward-thinking Company with an established presence across the UK and Ireland. Our values We Commit, We Care, We Collaborate shape how we work with our clients, partners, and each other.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a rewarding career within a supportive and collaborative environment. We are seeking a Railway Operative to enhance our team and drive success across our high value projects.

Why join us?

• Exciting Projects – Work on varied sector projects and leave a lasting legacy
• Career Growth – Clear progression pathways and continuous professional development
• Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence
• Competitive Package – Enjoy a competitive salary and great benefits. (Check out our full list of benefits here: )

What you will be doing

As a Railway Operative you will have the responsibility for assisting with the successful delivery of our railway projects at various locations throughout the NI. Day to day duties and responsibilities will typically include but not be limited to:

• Carry out general railway, civils and infrastructure works safely and efficiently within a live operational railway environment.
• Undertake safety-critical duties in accordance with the individual’s current competence, authority and applicable Translink/NIR requirements.
• Ensure a consistently high standard of work and time keeping
• Support site management, supervisors and work teams in delivering planned works safely, to programme and to the required quality standard.
• Comply fully with company procedures, railway rules, health and safety requirements, environmental controls and quality standards.
• Attend site briefings, planning meetings and safety discussions, and communicate hazards, changes to work activities and safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with the protection of staff, plant, materials and the railway infrastructure during works.
• Maintain accurate records relevant to safety-critical duties, shift activities, inspections and work undertaken.
• Work collaboratively with direct operatives, subcontractors, site management and client representatives.
• Be willing to work a range of shift patterns to meet project requirements, including days, nights, weekends and emergency/on-call works where required.
• Maintain personal competencies and actively participate in any required safety-critical, technical or refresher training
• Work within and live operational railway environment

Projects can typically include civil engineering works and infrastructure projects such as: Railway infrastructure, underbridges, overbridges & footbridges, culverts, earthworks & embankments and rail platforms.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Criteria

• Current NIR Personal Track Safety (PTS) competency.
• Current Track Safety Coordinator (TSC) competency.
• Experience of working safely within a live railway environment.
• Strong understanding of railway safety requirements and safe systems of work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a site-based delivery team.
• Strong work ethic, reliability and commitment to safety.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work varying shift patterns, including nightshift and weekend work, including emergency/on-call works where required.
• Medical fitness appropriate for railway safety-critical work.
• CSCS or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria

• One or more additional safety-critical competencies: LO, ES, EO, RRVC and/or PICOP.
• Experience delivering works on Translink, NIR or other UK and Ireland rail infrastructure projects.
• SMSTS or SSSTS.
• First Aid at Work training.
• Experience in railway civils, infrastructure maintenance, earthworks, structures, drainage or platform works.
• Willingness to broaden safety-critical responsibilities through further training and competency development.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values your expertise and innovation, we’d love to hear from you by clicking Apply below!

Join us on our journey to #BuildingTogetherUnlockingPotential

McLaughlin and Harvey are an equal opportunities employer who are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work.

We take responsibility for always striving to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment where we will provide all reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond and commit to extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.