Locomotive Drivers - Coppabella

Pacific National; Ball Bay; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Camp accommodation provided

Job summary

Pacific National is seeking safety-focused locomotive drivers to join our Queensland Coal teams at Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone. You will operate trains on Goonyella & Blackwater systems, with 24/7 rosters and a focus on safety and reliability for customers.

Join Australia’s largest private rail freight operator and enjoy a regional lifestyle with strong career progression, support from experienced crews, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Full Australian working rights.
• Certificate IV in Train Driving is essential.
• Valid unrestricted Class C licence and reliable transport.
• National Police Check required.
• QLD Safe Working and route knowledge is highly desirable.
• Rail medical clearance and ongoing drug/alcohol compliance.
• Strong commitment to safety and continuous training.
• Ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise safety in every moment and comply with procedures.
• Perform pre-start checks and complete required documentation.
• Prepare, operate and shut down locomotives in line with procedures.
• Monitor train performance and respond to changing conditions.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for customers.

Education

Certificate IV in Train Driving

Tools

Class C licence

Job description

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 proceduresMaintain 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.