Parkes/Dubbo - Entry Level Assistant Freight Train Driver

Southern Shorthaul Railroad; Parkes Shire Council; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Shorthaul Railroad invites applications for an entry level Entry Level Assistant Freight Train Driver. Parkes and Dubbo NSW roles include on‑the‑job training, mentoring, and support to start a career in rail.

You will assist with freight haulage, prepare locomotives, and perform in-field fault repairs while maintaining safety and reliability. A 24/7 roster, weekend shifts, and time away from home may be required, with a strong focus on safety and customer service.

Qualifications

• Keen interest in Trains and the Rail Industry.
• Be self motivated and passionate about a career in Rail.
• Ability to work a 24/7 roster, including nights, holidays and weekends.
• Hold a current Unrestricted Manual Drivers Licence.
• Hold a current Category 1 Rail Safety Workers Medical or willingness to obtain one.
• Hold a current National Police Check or willingness to obtain one.
• High level of literacy, numeracy and comprehension skills.
• Commitment to a safety culture and customer focus.
• Professionalism, integrity, reliability and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Assist with freight haulage tasks in accordance with SSR policies and procedures.
• Prepare and provision locomotives and wagons for train operations following SSR procedures.
• Perform minor fault repairs and fault rectifications in-field.
• Undertake maintenance tasks and assist rolling-stock maintainers to validate rolling stock integrity.
• Conduct themselves professionally with a strong customer and safety focus.
• Adhere to processes and risk management with the aim of zero injuries.

Skills

Interest in rail industry

Safety consciousness

Ability to work 24/7 roster

Self-motivation

Literacy and numeracy

Job description

Parkes/Dubbo - Entry Level Assistant Freight Train Driver

Southern Shorthaul Railroad is a progressive privately-owned rail operator, providing services throughout New South Wales and Victoria.Our focus on customer service has helped forge our reputation for safety, quality, and reliability.

We have an exciting opportunity available for career minded individuals who are passionateabout Trains and the Rail Industry. We are currently looking to recruit Entry Level Assistant Train Drivers for work out of Parkes & Dubbo NSW. Full on the job comprehensive training and ongoing mentoring and support will be provided to successful candidates.

Our Assistant Train Drivers provide train operations in a safe, effective and efficient mannerand work collaborativelyby:

Assisting with freight haulage tasks in accordance with SSR policies and procedures

Preparing and provisioning locomotives and wagons for train operations by following SSR procedures

Performing minor fault repairs and failure rectifications in-field

Undertaking maintenance tasks and assisting rolling-stock maintainers to validate the integrity of rolling stock (including brakes), and ensuring all operational systems are safe and effective

Conducting themselves in a professional manner with a strong customer and safety focus

Ensuring a commitment to established processes and management of risks with the objective of zero injuries

Southern Shorthaul Railroad maintains a drug and alcohol-free work environment, with regular testing of employees and a zero tolerance for positive test results.

In pursuit of customer focused service delivery outcomes, these positions may:

Require frequent remote working away from a home depot (booking off).

Require rostering that will vary upon customer requirements, including weekends and shift work.

The successful applicants must demonstrate the following key requirements:

Keen interest in Trains and the Rail Industry

Be self motivated and passionate about embarking on a career in Rail Industry

Ability to work a 24/7 roster, including shift patterns which include nights, public holidays and weekends

Ability to spend time away from home

Reside within 100kms of the Depots

Ability to thrive in high pressure situations

Hold a current Unrestricted Manual Drivers Licence

Hold a current Category 1 Rail Safety Workers Medical or willingness to obtain one

Hold a current National Police Check or willingness to obtain one

Possess a high level of literacy, numeracy and comprehension skills

Possess a commitment to a safety culture, and a can-do customer focus

Professionalism, integrity, reliability and a positive attitude

Be available for a mid October 2026 start.

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.