Locomotive Drivers - Coppabella

Pacific National; Ball Bay; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific National, Australia’s largest private rail freight operator, is seeking safety‑driven locomotive drivers to join the Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone. You’ll operate heavy haul trains across Goonyella & Blackwater systems, with competitive pay and regional lifestyle on offer.

Join a supportive team with tailored onboarding, industry‑leading training and career development opportunities, and a focus on safety and reliability for customers and

Qualifications

• Full Australian working rights.
• Certificate IV in Train Driving is essential.
• Valid unrestricted Class C licence and reliable transport.
• Category 1 Rail Medical and drug/alcohol compliance.
• QLD Safe Working and route knowledge is highly desirable.
• National Police Check is required.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise safety in every moment and ensure safe operations.
• Complete pre-start checks and required compliance documentation.
• Prepare, operate and shutdown locomotives in line with procedures.
• Maintain clear, professional communication in safety critical environments.
• Monitor train performance and respond to changing conditions.
• Work with teams to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for customers.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Team communication

Operational discipline

Education

Certificate IV in Train Driving

Job description

Still Dreaming of Driving Heavy Haul Trains?

Imagine operating trains weighing more than 10,000 tonnes. Some of the longest, heaviest, and most powerful trains in Australia.

Are you a train driver (passenger driver, freight driver or terminal driver) looking for more than just a job? Do you want a career that offers genuine responsibility, variety, and the satisfaction of delivering what matters for customers and the economy while enjoying the lifestyle that regional Australia has to offer?

At Pacific National, we offer more than competitive pay and benefits. We offer regional opportunities that many people only dream of.

This is your chance to build a rewarding train driver career, embrace a regional lifestyle, and take the controls of some of Australia's most impressive trains and rail technology.

At Pacific National, your ambitions don't have to remain a dream. They can become reality through our tailored onboarding programs.

Join Pacific National - Australia’s largest private rail freight operator.

We're now looking for safety focused, qualified locomotive drivers to join our Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone to support our Goonyella & Blackwater systems.

Why Pacific National?

Every day we transport millions of tonnes of critical freight around the country for our customers. With a broad customer base situated across mainland Australia and operating in diverse industries, we transporta mix of containerised freight, coal, import/export goods, and bulk commodities.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Competitive remuneration, New EA for QLD Coal starting July 2026
• Rosters designed to support safe work- Sarina, Gracemere & Gladstone depots 6/3 6/4 residential roster, transitioning to 6/4 roster in 2028, Coppabella lifestyle roster with camp accommodation provided
• Industry leading training, development and support from experienced crews
• Attractive employee benefits; paid parental leave, novated leasing options, Fitness Passport and wellbeing programs
• Supportive work environment
• Career development opportunities
• Inclusive culture

What You Will Do

• Prioritise safety in every moment, safely every day
• Complete pre-start checks and required compliance documentation
• Prepare, operate and shut down locomotives in line with operational procedures
• Maintain clear, professional communication in safety critical environments
• Monitor train performance and respond to changing conditions
• Work with teams to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for customers

What We’re Looking For

• Full Australian working rights
• Certificate IV in Train Driving – essential
• Valid unrestricted Class C licence and reliable transport
• Category 1 Rail Medical, musculoskeletal assessment, and ongoing drug/alcohol compliance
• QLD Safe Working and route knowledge (highly desirable)
• National Police Check
• A strong, proven commitment to safety
• Ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster
• Flexibility to meet operational demands

Why Coppabella?

Work in a purpose-built rail community at the heart of Queensland’s resource corridor, offering strong job security and a close-knit workforce. Enjoy an even-time lifestyle roster, build a long-term career in a location designed for career progression, and work-life balance, while remaining within reach of Mackay and the wider region.

We are a company built on solid foundations with a team of dedicated people, guided by common values; Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, Own It.

We care about each other and the work we do, because of this, 'we care more' is the Pacific National core philosophy.

Pacific National acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and rail.