Container Terminal Operator

KiwiRail Freight; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate plus overtime

Full training and PPE provided

Progression opportunities in terminal​

NZR welfare trust healthcare

Team safety and career growth

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight in Hamilton, NZ, is seeking a Container Terminal Trainee to start a career in container terminal operations. You will receive on-site training to safely operate container hoists and support movement of freight across our terminals.

You’ll begin as a Trainee with hands-on training, safety certifications, and progression to a Terminal Operator Grade 1, with opportunities to pursue full qualifications as a Container Terminal Operator or Gate Officer.

Qualifications

• Teamwork and safety-focused mindset.
• Clear English communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to container terminal operations.
• Ability to follow procedures and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake introductory training and development in container terminal operations and health & safety regulations.
• Conduct checks on containers/wagons to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed.
• Perform ground and yard checks, complete forms and paperwork and comply with operating safety rules.
• Undergo training to achieve certification to operate large, heavy machinery.
• Progress to a Terminal Operator Grade 1 with the opportunity to become fully qualified as a Container Terminal Operator or Gate Officer.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

English communication

Problem solving

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• $30.42 per hour starting hourly rate, increasing upon progression to CTO 1
• Permanent full-time opportunity

At KiwiRail, we’re proud to connect New Zealand - carrying people, goods, and ideas across the country with care and efficiency. Our mission is to do this sustainably, safely, and together. As a state-owned enterprise, we’re invested in the future of Aotearoa, and our people are at the heart of that vision. When you join us, you become part of a team that values community, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

As a Container Terminal Trainee, you’ll start your journey into the dynamic world of container terminal operations. You will undertake a range of introductory training with our trainer on site to gain the knowledge and hands‑on experience needed to support the movement of freight through our terminals using the essential safety procedures. We will train you up to safely operate our 20 tonne and 48 tonne container hoists and enable you to work in the full Container Terminal Operator capacity.

Working first as a Trainee, you will:

• Undertake a range of introductory training and development in the fields of Container Terminal Operations and Health and Safety regulations
• Conduct checks on containers/wagons to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed
• Conduct ground and yard checks, complete forms and paperwork and comply with operating safety rules
• Undergo training to achieve certification to operate large, heavy machinery
• Once you’ve completed your initial training and safety certifications, you’ll progress to a Terminal Operator Grade 1 role, with the opportunity to build toward a full qualification as a Container Terminal Operator or Gate Officer.

We want you to collaborate and grow while you work at KiwiRail. This role aids to increase our capacity to deliver seamless services to our various customers. Our ideal candidate is passionate, motivated, keen to learn new skills and upholds a good work-ethic. We are excited to hear from you if you are looking for a career path and an opportunity to grow. Full training and development is provided. If you hold a class 2 or forklift licence already – that is great, if not – that is also fine as we will support you to achieve and gain specific licensing.

• Class 1FullLicence (essential)
• A commitment to working safely
• Physically fit and can work outdoors in all weather
• Work well in a team following procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral English language
• Basic computer skills and experience using MS Excel

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• A competitive hourly rate + time and a half Saturdays and double time Sundays
• Full training and PPE uniform provided
• Opportunities to progress in terminal operations
• Access to NZR Welfare trust everyday healthcare refunds for your and your family and holiday homes in NZ
• A team that values your safety, wellbeing, and career growth

Important Notice:

Please Note, all successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen. Due to the nature of this role, we require successful candidates to hold a NZ residence or citizenship.

Applications close:

Monday 14th September unless filled sooner