Job Description
On Track Machine Driver/Operator/Fitter (Based in the Anglia Region)
Company:  COLAS RAIL UK
Job Location:  BASINGSTOKE, GBR
Type of Contract:  Permanent
Posting Start Date:  23/01/2026

Colas, subsidiary of the Bouygues Group, designs, builds and maintains transport infrastructures in a responsible way.

As a world leader in public construction with a footprint in over 50 countries on five continents, Colas employs 64 000 people who are committed to connecting people and facilitating exchanges in today's and tomorrow's world.

Join Colas! Come and make a concrete contribution to local development in a work environment that fosters every employee to be who they are, to express themselves and to progress.

Job Description: 

Purpose of the Role

 

Purpose of the Role

 

This role is based in the Anglia Region.

 

We are looking for a versatile individual to work on our Tamper Machines and to become dual-skilled in one of the following combined roles: 
•    Driver/Operator 
•    Fitter/Operator

 

To be a Fitter/Operator you need to hold:
Essential Skills: Level 3 qualification in a mechanical or engineering background.

 

To be a Driver/Operator you need to have:
Essential Skills: Valid Train Driver psychometric through the OPC (company may provide this as part of the recruitment process) 

 

Where will I be located?


We have a fleet of tamper machines across the UK split into different regions. We currently have an exciting vacancy within our Anglia region. 

This is a mobile role and we are looking for candidates who live in either: Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Peterborough or Norfolk. 

The role entails working a combination of days, nights and weekends based around a 5 week fixed-roster. 


What do our Tamper Machines do?


Our tampers maintain and improve track geometry, improving the ride for railway users. Our tampers consolidate the ballast creating a solid foundation for the track to sit on, improving the longevity of the railway infrastructure. Our work ensures the rail network runs safely and effectively.

Person Specification

What attributes and skills are we looking for?

 

Essential:

•    Have a Full UK Driving Licence 
•    Must live within the dedicated region
•    Able to work weekends, bank holidays and a mixture of days and nights as part of a shift-based roster. 
•    Willingness to stay away from home (at company expense) when required.
•    Hold a level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering background required for Fitter/Operator 
•    Psychometric pass required for Driver/Operator (we may send you for this as part of the recruitment process)
•    Computer skills in Microsoft Windows 
•    As part of our onboarding process, successful candidates will be invited to attend a mandatory medical and will need to be declared as medically fit for the role.


Desirable:

•    Previous experience working on tamping machines (Fitter/Operator)  
•    Existing Railway Driver competency and route knowledge of the allocated region (Driver/Operator)


You will be provided with a company van and all the equipment (e.g. IT equipment, full PPE clothing) to do your role. As part of our induction process we offer tailored training to support candidates into their new role. 

 

 

Key Responsibilities

What will I be doing?

 

As a Fitter/Operator you will be operating tamping machines and resolving any engineering issues on operational shifts. During maintenance shifts you will be carrying out essential work to ensure the machines are well maintained. 

 

As a Driver/Operator you will be driving and operating tamping machines during the operational shifts. On transit shifts you may be driving tamping machines from location to location in preparation for planned operational shifts or maintenance.

What We Offer

 

•    Competitive Salary
•    34 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

Committed to Diversity & Inclusion, Colas strives to offer every candidate the same opportunity for recruitment, development and success within the Group.

Information at a Glance