Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to improve quality of life, by bringing people together to get the most out of life.

SWR is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.  FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

The holder of this post is responsible to drive, form up and shunt stock within the defined depot limits and as directed.

You will adhere to depot protection, safety, quality and environmental procedures, rules and regulations in force.

You will be responsible to the Movements Manager/Depot Manager.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Drive trains within defined limits
• Resetting of on-board electrical control systems
• Coupling and uncoupling
• Attachment and detachment of coupling bags
• Brake tests for own or other train
• Environmental stock examinations
• Operation of hand points
• Operation of signalling plungers in respect of yard/siding arrival and departure
• Operation of Groundframe/Shunt Panel
• Preparation and disposal of trains.
• Minor maintenance (e g wiper blade/light bulbs)
• Winter precautions including closure of windows on units as required
• Carryout winter precautions within the depot as per local instructions
• Adhere to depot protection procedures
• Advise Movements Manager / Depot Manager promptly of any defects found on stock as part of your duties.
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Perform duties in own grade as directed, within competency.

Safety Responsibilities:

• Ensure you personal safety and that of others at all times.
• Comply with all safety systems and responsibilities at all times.
• Develop a pro-active approach to safety issues.
• Report any accidents, assaults or near miss occurrences in accordance with local reporting procedures.
• Report any safety irregularities, faults or unusual occurrences in the prescribed manner.
• Ensure all relevant PPE for tasks/activities is worn at all times and in accordance with local safety instructions / risk assessments.
• Participate in all staff briefings to ensure you are informed of all relevant information.
• Examine all safety procedures, notices, publications and instructions.

Environmental Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with ISO 14001Series Environmental Management System.
• Report and clean up all spillages of oil / chemical in accordance with local instructions.
• Report any environmental incidents to manager / supervisor.
• Examine all environmental procedures, notices, publications and instructions.

Quality Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001Series Quality Management System.
• Carry out all work activities in accordance with local quality procedures.
• Maintain all documents and records in accordance with relevant quality procedures.
• Examine all quality procedures, notices, publications and instructions.

Additional Activities:

• Additional tasks as specified by local manager / supervisor.
• Principle accountabilities may differ from depot to depot and you will be required to sign the job description acknowledgement sheet.

Working pattern

Working an average of 35 hours per week over 4 days. 

Earlies, lates and nights. 0600 to 1500, 1400 to 2100, 2100 to 0600

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Large range of exclusive retail offers
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/